In a New York City subway, I encountered a man of color kneeling near a fare machine, diligently counting coins. As I fumbled with the self-service kiosk—my first time using it—I noticed he looked up, asking if I had 50 cents. My initial instinct was to feel wary. Was it because he was a man? Because he was black? I couldn’t quite pinpoint the reason, but I paused and looked him in the eyes. He seemed frustrated, short 50 cents, and I recognized the annoyance of that predicament. More than anything, however, I saw a silent plea: “Please see me.”
I found the 50 cents in my wallet and he assisted me in navigating the kiosk, maintaining a respectful distance as he tapped the screen. That moment resonates with me, a reminder of the importance of seeing and acknowledging each other’s humanity.
Nike’s recent advertisement featuring Colin Kaepernick reignited discussions about kneeling during the National Anthem and what that signifies. Comments such as, “It’s inappropriate for a sporting event,” or “Kneeling is disrespectful to veterans,” often overshadow the fundamental issues at hand. Many of those who voice such opinions are not veterans themselves, which can be dismissive of the very sacrifices veterans made for our freedoms. In countless Twitter discussions, veterans express that peaceful protest is a fundamental right they cherish, regardless of personal opinions about the timing or location.
What often goes unaddressed in these discussions—especially among white audiences—are the underlying reasons for kneeling. The Black Lives Matter movement arose from a need to confront systemic racism and the disproportionate impact of law enforcement on communities of color, particularly black individuals. It’s convenient for many to shift the focus to timing and appropriateness, allowing them to sidestep uncomfortable truths.
At a family dinner following the tragic police shooting of Philando Castile, I hoped that this time, maybe, people would listen to the narratives of black individuals. When a relative dismissed those narratives as exaggerated, I was left speechless. How can anyone dismiss the lived experiences of others? I regret not confronting him more assertively, for silence only perpetuates the problem.
I count many black friends among my closest companions, and their experiences have opened my eyes to the realities of racial bias. It’s disheartening that I felt compelled to validate their worthiness to others, which exposes the deeply ingrained prejudices we all carry. This insidious nature of racism lingers in our thoughts and actions, often unconsciously.
Law enforcement is not immune to these biases either, as in-group thinking influences human nature. The historical context of oppression and injustice compounds these issues, leading to systemic racism that we must confront.
The real question is not whether kneeling during the National Anthem is disrespectful, but whether we’re willing to acknowledge the fears that drive this protest: black mothers fearing for their children’s safety when they walk down the street due to societal prejudice.
Are we ready to confront our own biases? Are we prepared to accept that discrimination occurs regularly, even if we haven’t witnessed it ourselves? The narratives of those who have been marginalized should not be dismissed as exaggerations but rather understood as urgent calls for change.
So let’s shift our focus away from Kaepernick, Nike, and the flag. It’s time to listen. To truly listen.
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Summary:
This article emphasizes the importance of listening to marginalized voices, particularly in the context of racial injustice and the Black Lives Matter movement. It urges readers to move past discussions about the National Anthem and focus on the underlying issues of systemic racism, while also encouraging self-reflection on personal biases.
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