Broster Times Opinion
Kneeling, a simple act of placing one or both knees on the
ground has become the most discussed body motion since planking, or tebowing. Coincidentally
Tim Tebow was one of the most recognizable kneelers in the NFL until Kaepernick
utilized the motion in a form protest during the national anthem. There is a
lot of chatter about kneeling in the NFL, and it has become one of the most
divisive issues of the day. But why?
As Kaepernick has become both vilified and praised for his
stance and beliefs it brings to mind Tebow, who’s act of kneeling was a form of
prayer and submission to God. Tebow's piety brought polarizing reactions almost
as intense as what is seen with Kaepernick. To his most fervent supporters, a
2011 New York Times article states, Tebow was never just a quarterback. He was
a champion of Christianity, a wholesome, fearsome football player who loved
God and touchdowns, in that order. Detractors found him to be preachy, and were
quick to scold his poor play with comments of overrated, annoying, overexposed
and religious nut job. Supporters would respond to such detractors with claims
of an anti-Christian bias, it is clear the attention he received went well beyond
his performance on the football field.
Lets see one Tebow supporter's comment at the time:
All this sound familiar? Today’s situation with Kaepernick is
the opposite side of the coin with the uncomfortable topic of race rather than
the uncomfortable topic of religion. Kaepernick is merely taking the same religious
posture as Tebow to stand up for his beliefs in the same way Tebow shows reverence
for God. Perhaps, as a devout Christian
as well, Kaepernick is praying to God for a better future for the United States,
for justice and equal treatment of all races. It is a peaceful protest wrapped
inside a violent game. Does the religious aspect change the narrative?
He has said, "My faith is the basis from where my game comes from. I've been very blessed to have the talent to play the game that I do and be successful at it. I think God guides me through every day and helps me take the right steps and has helped me to get to where I'm at. When I step on the field, I always say a prayer, say I am thankful to be able to wake up that morning and go out there and try to glorify the Lord with what I do on the field. I think if you go out and try to do that, no matter what you do on the field, you can be happy about what you did." (Washington Post).
If the religious aspect is not the reason for such harsh criticism of Kaepernick, as it had been for Tebow, it is clear it is about race. Kaepernick of course even says this when he explains, "I am not going to stand up to show pride in a flag for a country that oppresses black people and people of color. To me, this is bigger than football and it would be selfish on my part to look the other way. There are bodies in the street and people getting paid leave and getting away with murder."
He has said, "My faith is the basis from where my game comes from. I've been very blessed to have the talent to play the game that I do and be successful at it. I think God guides me through every day and helps me take the right steps and has helped me to get to where I'm at. When I step on the field, I always say a prayer, say I am thankful to be able to wake up that morning and go out there and try to glorify the Lord with what I do on the field. I think if you go out and try to do that, no matter what you do on the field, you can be happy about what you did." (Washington Post).
If the religious aspect is not the reason for such harsh criticism of Kaepernick, as it had been for Tebow, it is clear it is about race. Kaepernick of course even says this when he explains, "I am not going to stand up to show pride in a flag for a country that oppresses black people and people of color. To me, this is bigger than football and it would be selfish on my part to look the other way. There are bodies in the street and people getting paid leave and getting away with murder."
The kneeling is a passive resistance, asking for Gods help and guidance for peaceful outcomes. Historically protests for racial justice have been intertwined with religion in forms of passive, peaceful protesting. Completely ignoring the racial component and solely considering the peaceful protest to be anti-patriotic, is deferring the issues, contrary to first amendment rights and
fundamentally hypocritical.
What would the story be like if Kaepernick as viewed as deep
in prayer and hoping for a better future? What if he was deep in thought praying for
those who lost their lives both in the military, AND by acts of police
violence? Would he be less vilified? Has anyone bothered to ask what’s on his
mind as he contemplates on one knee? Either way the kneeling protest and/or as act
of faith is a personal choice and should be respected, and not be limited by NFL
executives and least of all the president. Even in the context of NFL play to
kneel is to sit the play out, end the game with a win, showing respect for your
opponent and preventing injuries. So why can’t the kneeling represent a desire
to END the violence like ending a football game AND respecting the flag in its
own way by praying for a positive future. One can only hope we get there.
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