United we 'Stand'

The American catchphrase ‘United we stand’ has recently been gaining a lot of attention.

NFL athletes have been using their massive fan-base and media attention at primetime football games as a platform to perform peaceful protests via kneeling during the National Anthem. As American citizens, these players obviously have a right to protest and the freedom to express their dissatisfaction with the government’s attempts to improve racial equality in the nation… but is during the national anthem the appropriate time for this?

The national anthem does have historical roots as America’s solemn patriotic song that expresses national identity.

Steeler’s player Alejandro Villanueva sees both sides of the argument as a former marine and current NFL starting left tackle. He revealed which team he favored during the Steelers/ Bears game Sunday when he proudly walked onto the field out of the locker room tunnel, solo. But now in Monday morning quarterback fashion, Villanueva is looking back at his actions with regret, now stating that he “threw the Steelers under the bus” during the National Anthem.

Should Americans in general be forced to pick a side in the pair-up between Trump’s anti-kneeling stance and the NFL’s promotion of peaceful protest?

Jerry Jones and the Dallas Cowboys’ actions revealed that, finally, someone was taking a deeper look at the whole issue through the lenses of varying perspectives. Instead of kneeling during the National Anthem itself and possibly disrespecting those that have served in the US Military, the Cowboys took a knee, together, before the national anthem ever began to show that their views on the racial inequalities in our nation are still strong.

Perspective is a valuable tool in addressing conflict. For once, both teams can win.