The National Anthem is a traditional, musically composed songs which bring together the culture and struggles of many people. It became official in 1931, but was dated and recorded back up until 1814. It becomes most known and outstretches during the time of war when people respected and owed so much to those who were risking their lives to make the world a safer place. During the World Wars 1 and 2, this grew widespread and people began playing the anthem at ball games and started a tradition people will still uphold today until this past year.
#TakeAKnee is a widespread tag that going around the media and spreading across quite far through the nation. It began when a former quarterback from the 49ers, Colin Kaepernick, is outcasted as he is the first to be witness when he knelt down during the National Anthem singing during the beginning of a football game in order to show his opinions on police brutality and his longing for the promise racial justice and equality to come true. When it comes to people saying how football is not a time for politics one could argue that, that is a false statement because it is a time to show and represent how America is a failing and doing enough for all types of people. Even though this could have been seen as awful timing and disrespect to the country when one feels they or their people are being oppressed is it their right to peacefully protest, and that's what he did, showing his opinion and not changing standing up for his values and no being influenced by others. Also, the anthem could also be taken another look at because its reference to its early times of white supremacy which most seem to miss.
It wasn't until our President, Donald Trump put this up to blast with his treat and reference to the word b**** that really put one at ease and reconsidered why Kaepernick made the decision he did. In retaliation and most NFL players, some coaches and other people reacted against the comments of our president and linked arms or kneeled in protest of the words of our Trump.
#TakeAKnee is for many who want to show their support for the decisions and demonstrations NFL players are putting against the higher authorities, in defiance against Donald Trump, before matches. This has gone and become an inspiring and motivation tag where celebrities brighten and taken upon themselves to spread all through social media to reflect the solidarity they need to build up in order to express what they feel and the flaws in the governing system. Everyone represents each other and everyone unites in the end so why are other isolating people for their freedom of speech and expression.
https://www.aclu.org/blog/racial-justice/colin-kaepernick-stood-justice-kneeling-during-national-anthem
http://www.politifact.com/truth-o-meter/article/2017/sep/25/short-history-national-anthem-and-sports/
http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/us-politics/taking-a-knee-national-anthem-nfl-trump-why-meaning-origins-racism-us-colin-kaepernick-a7966961.html
