Today, my heart is heavy, and my patience is thin. Recently, I’ve seen a myriad of posts on social media from friends and acquaintances. I’ve chosen to remain silent up until now, but the weight of your words has been impossible to ignore. It’s time to speak out.
When athletes choose to kneel during the national anthem, it might not alter your daily existence. Sure, it may provoke anger, but it doesn’t change your life in any tangible way. However, each time a person of color faces violence, it reverberates through my life, impacting my loved ones and my community. We’re not criminals; we aren’t walking stereotypes. And when you defend these unjust actions, it creates a ripple effect that reaches far beyond you and me.
This also deeply affects my partner. His profession becomes increasingly dangerous, making him a target for unjust scrutiny and hostility. If your response is to unfriend me or label me, know that I’ve encountered worse. I’ve faced disrespect from law enforcement, and I’ve held back these stories to protect my family. But one day, I’ll share them to safeguard my children’s future.
If you fail to recognize the disparities in treatment between races, perhaps we were never truly friends. This isn’t merely a disagreement; it’s an entrenched perspective that allows you to dictate whether the grievances of Black individuals are valid. You dismiss these issues because they do not touch your life directly, employing the same tactics used by those who shame victims of violence.
Take Ryan Calder, who represented our nation abroad yet engaged in criminal behavior and evaded accountability. The outrage for his actions was muted. Few labeled him a criminal or questioned his patriotism. In stark contrast, the backlash against an athlete who chooses not to stand for the anthem is palpable and loud. The uproar surrounding Gabby Mitchell’s failure to place her hand over her heart dwarfs the dismay over Calder’s crimes.
Let’s fast forward. To those criticizing athletes like Colin Benning, I want to introduce myself. I am not a privileged athlete; I am not “uninformed.” I don’t harbor hatred for law enforcement or my country. I stand for the anthem. I’m not swayed by movements like Black Lives Matter. My upbringing is far from the stereotypes you might expect. I come from a family of educated individuals, with a husband in law enforcement and relatives who have served our country.
How will you label me? How will you undermine my family and friends? How can you dismiss my voice due to my skin color? I owe everything to the protests, both peaceful and tumultuous, that have paved the way for the rights we hold today. Remember: silence and compliance will not change laws, minds, or hearts.
Yes, kneeling during the anthem might seem disrespectful, yet it is a constitutional right, just as the right to bear arms, which I staunchly oppose. Without courageous protests, my life and that of my family would look drastically different. Consider this the next time you belittle a protest as a “joke” or a “disgrace.”
Reflect on whether you would risk your job or safety to address injustice. Should I have to jeopardize my security just to demand the same rights you enjoy? It’s baffling to see people claim athletes are disrespecting the military when, in fact, they are fighting for justice with little protection and immense personal risk.
The focus should not be on the protest itself but on the reasons behind it. Your words and actions carry weight. Think about how your comments have evolved from criticizing patriotism to veering into blatant racism. It’s time to take a step back and consider the impact of your stance on those who are fighting for what is right.
We must confront the systemic issues in our country, no matter how uncomfortable they may be. Feel free to voice your opinion about an athlete not standing for the anthem, but recognize that it won’t resolve the deep-seated problems we face.
In a world where courageous voices are essential, let’s not forget the historical context of protests that have led to our current freedoms. If you’re interested in learning more about pregnancy and home insemination, check out this excellent resource at Women’s Health.
Summary
This article emphasizes the importance of speaking out against injustice, particularly regarding racial disparities. It highlights the consequences of silence and compliance, urging readers to reflect on their perceptions and the impacts of their actions. Recognizing the significance of peaceful protests and the right to express dissent is essential for societal progress.