Spencer McCord

Multimedia Staff

Taking a Knee Necessary for Change

The Take a Knee movement was started by former San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick when he wanted to take a stand against police brutality.
It originally started when Kaepernick wouldn’t even stand for the National Anthem, but that changed when he wanted to show more respect to the U.S. military which brought the movement to light.
Now, it is a widespread movement throughout the NFL. While it is being condemned by President Donald Trump, the protests are growing in number because of his uproar toward them.
Earlier in the season, the Seattle Seahawks, the Tennessee Titans, and the Pittsburgh Steelers decided to not take the field for the National Anthem, and multiple other players decided to kneel for the playing of the national Anthem.
These are just and necessary acts to help bring an end to police brutality.
Many say that this is the utmost disrespect for the U.S. flag and toward the U.S. military who fight to defend the flag, yet this movement has received mass support from the men and women of service.
Taking a knee was put in place to show respect to the Military, while still getting a point across to the U.S. government and police around the country.
The protests are reminiscent of those of the past toward progressing the quality of lives for African Americans, such as when John Carlos and Tommie Smith stood with a raised fist after winning medals in the 1968 Olympics or Muhammad Ali’s protest to being drafted for the Vietnam War.
Protests have been used by many to get a point across and to better the nation.
By Taking a Knee, athletes who started this movement will help get the government to crack down on physical force used when arresting unarmed citizens and protect the lives of the innocent.

Katlyn Hall

Multimedia Staff

Players Should Stand for Change, Not Kneel

Eminem back in the 90’s asked if the “real slim shady” would stand up. Now, it’s time to ask if the “real American people” will stand up.
As most of you know, or may not know, former San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick started to “protest” racial discrimination by kneeling during the national anthem before football games.
Some say that it is his right to protest; however, there is a fine line between protesting and being just straight up disrespectful.
Protesting is a “born right” for Americans and lately on many occasions, other than this one, people have been using it to spread their voice. But in this situation it crosses the line.
Yes, there may be some racial discrimination in the U.S., but there are many ways to go about expressing your thoughts.
Write letters to a government official, hold peaceful protests, or even write a rant in some newspaper!
The National Anthem is just more than a song, as is the flag being more than a flag. They both have a meaning. They represent the people of America. They symbolize those who have sacrificed their lives for this country and who have never asked for anything more other than to show your respects.
They represent the everyday, hardworking men and women who keep this country going.
The National Anthem is a time where this country can STAND together and show the world that we are strong, and even though we have many differences, we can all come together.
If people want this country to change, then we will have to STAND together.
Nothing good comes from kneeling down and disrespecting those who fought for your rights. It’s time for us to come together as the great nation we are, and stand beside each other.