In a fascinating look at various members of the Dallas Cowboys’ thoughts, statements, and concerns surrounding protesting during the national anthem, a few items stand out. First, wide-receiver Orlando Scandrick’s insightful yet slightly troubling question why exercising one’s rights needs to be characterized as any kind of protest. This is an important observation because it highlights the fact, not mentioned nearly enough in cable news and other debates about this topic, that actions during the national anthem are personal ones. Still, there is also nothing wrong with characterizing such action as a protest. That is precisely what Kaepernick and those who have followed have meant it to be. The two ideas are not mutually exclusive, and noone should be ashamed to engage in a protest during the national anthem.
Another interesting item was Jason Garrett’s “hope” that his players did not take a knee. This is really an amazing insight into the lack of empathy and complete disrespect that white men like Garrett have for Black men in this country. Here we have players who have been insulted by the President of the United States for exercising their rights as citizens in protest of racism and injustice in this country, and the coach of a team filled with Black men hopes they don’t take a knee. Nothing about racism. Nothing about centuries of mistreatment. Nothing about what life must be like for the men without whom he would not have a job and make millions of dollars per year in salary. Such a selfish, ignorant, and disrespectful outlook is not surprising in a league that continues to keep out players most visibly associated with the protests.
Other interesting tidbits include yet another white man, offensive line coach Frank Pollack, railing about the protests as a distraction and asking why anyone should gaf what the President said. Black men insulted for standing up against racism, and a white man wants to know what all the fuss is about!!? Unbelievably obtuse.
It is no wonder the culture in Dallas is such that Jerry Jones could be the only owner to explicityly threaten to bench anyone who protested, and not one of his players would challenge him; however two players, David Irving and Damontre Moore, did begin on October 8, 2017 to raise a fist towards the end of the anthem.
Read the article at star-telegram.com.
