What Does It Mean to Kneel During the National Anthem
Source: Ashlee Rezin, Chicago SunTimes
At first glance, 1 may question, Who is correct? What is the fence about? Or, how did this transpire? Is this a patriotic issue or a civil rights issue? If we skin back the onion, there is much more than than what meets the eye. At that place is deep-seated free energy and conviction on both sides. After attending the Chicago Bears game on Sunday and observing the Pittsburg Steelers (with the exception of one player, a sometime Army Ranger) stay in the locker room during the National Anthem, I was speedily aware of the apparent issue that was sweeping the NFL and the nation. Every bit a veteran and a psychologist who treats veterans struggling with experiences that they endured during their armed services service, my initial reaction was one of defense force for the National Canticle, the veteran community, and this country. Yet, every bit I began to reflect more than on the larger issue at hand and as I examined the perspective of those who are choosing to kneel during the National Anthem, information technology also became apparent that those choosing to kneel have a valid and justified statement every bit well. Upon stepping back and taking an objective view of the electric current National Canticle debate, I can meet both sides accept valid reasoning for which in that location is strong conviction and accent.
It is here that I offer a claiming to anyone who reads this commodity: Accept a moment to see it from the other perspective...
"Truthful empathy requires that you step outside your own emotions to view things entirely from the other perspective of the other person." (psych-quotes.tumblr.com)
So whichever side of the issue you fall on – take a moment to truly reflect on how someone from the other perspective might have landed there. Question why these individuals may accept come up to feel strongly about their viewpoint thinking most what life experiences might have contributed to them deciding to kneel or stand up. As information technology is probable the example with many, the event is much more symbolic than a elementary posturing position. Here is my cursory understanding of each side's viewpoint and the values on which those they based their determination:
Continuing during the National Anthem: There are many who experience very strongly about standing during the National Anthem because of what the flag and the Anthem mean to many who fought, sacrificed and died in service to our state. To individuals who have served and sacrificed, no matter where yous are when the National Anthem plays; you cease, interruption, and turn towards the flag to pay your respects to what the flag and the National Anthem represent. Often the representation is that of sacrifice, honor, a memorial of a lost friend/boxing buddy, freedom, and much more than. One who views standing as an imperative could get defensive if someone chooses not to award the flag and the National Canticle as they exercise.
Kneeling during the National Canticle: There are many who as well feel very strongly nigh the current racial climate due to feeling oppressed, marginalized, and maltreated in a variety of different contexts and environments. The players who are choosing to kneel during the National Canticle are doing so to limited a fundamental right of freedom. This opinion is an expression of freedom of voice communication as well as symbolic statement in an endeavor to bring sensation and modify to what they see every bit the current climate of racial inequality. These individuals are not kneeling to be disrespectful, irreverent or unpatriotic; but rather, it seems that their actions are a representation of their want to motion towards social justice and change.
Recommendation:
Intermission and take a moment to meet information technology from the other perspective. This topic presents itself with two sides, each with valid experiences and perspectives as to why they hold their convictions and so strongly. And so, regardless of what side you are on, express your beliefs with respect, reverence, and understanding and be open to seeing information technology from the other vantage signal.
Summary: People take served this country so that we, equally individuals, are able to accept an open debate with opposing views in a public, national, and political forum. Our country is not perfect, only I believe there are many who work towards being a country where individuals tin express their opinions and convictions freely. Liberty of spoken language is a fundamental correct that people on both sides accept fought long and hard for (i.east. ceremonious rights, wars/conflicts abroad…) Our power to limited ourselves freely, and without persecution, is something that I am proud that I had the opportunity to heighten my right hand for and volunteered to serve this great country. Wherever you may find yourself – on one knee joint or on two feet – do so respectfully and with intention considering that is what makes this country great! There is room for both behaviors to coexist in one country. Let'due south use it to open a dialogue with each other with the goal of better understanding each other's perspective to build a better, stronger nation, non a further divided 1.
References
No Author. (September 26, 2017). The Definition of Empathy. Retrieved from: psych-quotes.tumblr.com/
Source: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/the-war-within/201709/kneel-or-stand-the-national-anthem
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