The discussion surrounding Mr. Kaepernick's protest against policing practices targeting African-Americans is yet another example of ways in which our country can easily fall into division. But should a difference of opinion on conduct during the National Anthem at a football game generate so much division?
Beto O'Rourke is running for the U.S. Senate in Texas and was asked about his reaction to the Kaepernick situation. Check out his answer by clicking here (scroll down a bit to see him take a question and respond).
What do you think of his response? Is he attempting to build "bridges" here? How so?
I think that Beth O’Rourkes response is very important because he is trying to discuss how there are many peaceful protests that happen all throughout our country, but that does not mean that it makes you any less American. He tries to build bridges by connecting people through their differences. He does not want these differences to separate our country but to bring us together and accept that it is ok for these people to, peacefully, speak their minds. This should bring us together as a country.
ReplyDeleteI agree with this response because in america, one of our unique fundamentals is the right to free speech and peacefully protest an issue that you feel is wrong. Kaepernick felt that police brutality is wrong and used his american rights to protest this huge issue in america. As you said, he is trying to create bridges because people can unite through common issues. Peaceful protesting is how america grows and becomes closer as a nation.
DeleteI think his response is a really great response because although his view on the subject is his own opinion, he makes sure everyone knows that they have a right to their own views and values. However, he attempts to build bridges by stating past history events that have allowed people to have their own opinions, but this doesn’t make them any less American. He says that every person in America is the same amount American as any other person, and therefore he believes that the protest is not disrespectful. This creates a bridge because it allows people to have their own opinion but in the end, we are all the same amount American.
ReplyDeleteI think that one of the reasons O'rourke's response works so well is that to support his viewpoint in favor of anthem protestors, he builds a bridge between the protests and another issue: the civil rights movements. He knows that people support the civil rights movement, and so by associating the anthem protests with the civil rights movement, he equivocates the two issues. He is saying that the anthem protestors are similar to the the civil rights protests. In doing so, he builds a bridge to conenct the two issues, thereby additionally connecting people who support the civil rights protests to the anthem protests.
ReplyDeleteO’Rourke’s response is very unique in that connects both opposing arguments by finding somewhat of a middle ground. Those who consider kneeling disrespectful often argue that the armed forces fight for our rights and should be respected for doing so. O’Rourke suggests that Kaepernick’s fight for civil rights should be respected as well. He is risking the future of his career to fight for a cause that he truly believes in. He is using his rights, protected by the armed forces, to protect the rights of others. He should be respected for exercising these rights for the betterment of the country.
ReplyDeleteColin Kaepernick's protest is a very American thing to do. That being said, he is an employee of the team he works for, and is obligated to represent the team, and not himself while on the job (Emphasise of "While on the job"). This is the same responsibility every day workers such as myself have. When I work at the Homers restaurant, I know my job is to represent the restaurant. I will not advertise any of my political beliefs towards any of the customers (especially controversial issues). His actions is an attempt to build bridges with people who believe in the same issues, however it was directed towards the wrong audience at the wrong time. If Colin Kaepernick want's to advertise those beliefs in an individualised setting such as on twitter, or a talk show, it would be appropriate.
ReplyDeleteGreat comment! Such an interesting part of his protest is that it happened on the job. How does this change the way we see his protest? Should it change the way we see his protest?
DeleteI really like Beto O'Rourke's opinion on the matter because he roots his argument in the fact that others did the exact same type of thing in the past. In school we always learn about pivotal moments in history that shape the type of society we live in today, and I find it fascinating to think of the fact that history doesn't just belong in the past, but, instead, is constantly being made in the present. Fifty years from now textbooks might be writing about how Colin Kaepernick took a peaceful stand that sparked reform around America. I really think what Beto O'Rourke is saying is America wouldn't be the great country it is today without people standing up for what they believe in.
ReplyDeleteI think that what O'Rourke is saying should be applauded. He is saying that despite all of our differences, we are all still American. People can have peaceful, nonviolent protests and express their beliefs but that does not make them any less American than anybody else. I think what O'Rourke is doing is building bridges with our differences. Not all of us are the same. Everyone comes from a different background but that is what makes our country what it is. I think if people did not stand up for what they believe in, our country would be so much more different than it is today and I think that is also what Beto O'Rourke is saying in his opinion.
ReplyDeleteI think that Beto O'Rourke’s response gives an important perspective on the situation, one that should be taken into consideration when formulating a stance on the issue. O’Rourke is attempting to build a figurative bridge here because he argues that those who protest in this way are just as American as anyone else. However, I don’t believe this argument will succeed in bringing the opposing sides closer together. This may be because his response doesn’t address the reason for disagreeing with Kaepernick’s actions. It is easier to come to a successful resolution when both sides see why they’re fighting in the first place. I think that the reason for why people are so divided on this issue is because of communication. Many may feel that he is protesting against veterans, American values, or even the NFL simply because a kneel doesn’t have the ability to show someone’s true intentions. By doing this, we would all be more capable of seeing each other’s perspective clearly. But O’Rourke does succeed in showing us that seeing each other as Americans and wanting the same things is a critical step that needs to be taken if we want to get anywhere.
ReplyDeleteI really like O’Rouke’s response. He comments on how protesting about something you believe in and is important to you doesn’t mean you aren’t patriotic or American. This country has free speech for a reason, to protect those who want to stand up for something they think is unjust or needs changing. I think O’Rouke is purposely to build bridges here and discuss an issue we often gloss over as a country, or take extreme stances on. I really enjoy him bringing this issue of protests in sports because it’s a very polarizing topic. Although we can disagree, that doesn’t mean we have to be disagreeable.
ReplyDeleteAlthough many across the nation are still divided over this argument, I think Beto O'Rourke's response perfectly countered any opposing claims and in my opinion, concluded this matter. I believe that those who argue that kneeling during the national anthem is unpatriotic and disrespectful to the veterans that has served and died for this country, are simply seeing a shallow and incomplete view of this matter. Not only is this a peaceful protest, but I would argue that is based solely on the love for our country. The protest is regarding the black lives matter movement, and is only aiming to ensure all Americans their rights, and furthermore to better our nation as a whole. The protests for African-American equality and rights have dated back so far (O'Rourke references these moments), but the issue still remains unresolved. The fact that these athletes would put their carrer on the line to join the protest is a bold message representing African-Americans all around the US. This protest is a cry for help, and people are not only failing to positively act upon the matter, but they are condemning the protest all together.
ReplyDeleteI think that a difference of opinion about a issue regarded freedom of speech and the national anthem will always great division no matter what he cause for protesting is, but I think people are blowing this issue out of proportion too. What O’Rouke said when asked about the controversy was exetremly smart and I could not argue more. Peaceful protests are a huge part in the history of America’s civil rights movement and as we study history in school, we have learn about how amazing the people who sacrifice everything for change are and that’s why people like Rosa Parks are so famous. Colin Kaepernick is doing something similar here. He sacrificed all opportunities to play football because he is simply exercising his first amendment to try and bring attention to police brutality, which undebatably happening across America today.
ReplyDeleteTaking a knee during the national anthem has sparked a debate that has divided America, and I believe that Beto O'Rourke gives a great answer to the situation. Although O'Rourke is in agreement with what Colin Kaepernick stands for and believes that he is not being disrespectful to the flag, he does not say that others are wrong for what they believe in. Due to his response, O'Rourke is able to build "bridges" with people of both viewpoints, and unite everyone as Americans.
ReplyDeleteO'Rourke's response to this very controversial issue is refreshing to see, especially after countless emotion driven responses of regular citizens and leaders regarding Colin kaepernick's decision to kneel during the national anthem. Instead of his personal opinion to be the only thing he has to back himself up, he brings up factual evidence of peaceful protests similar to this one that have brought major progression to the civil rights movement. Change in law could not have happened without the protests mentioned in O'Rourke's response and there was without a doubt controversy in response to peoples peaceful fight for equality back then, so it should only be expected now for kaepernick, its just important for him to push through the fight so he can see a change like civil rights leaders did back in the day
ReplyDeleteI think Beto O’Rourke is trying to build bridges people of different viewpoints. It is especially important right now with how politically divided the country is that he points out that “reasonable people can be on the opposition and that makes them no less American”. I believe this statement unites people with the fact that we are all Americans regardless of political views. In addition, he makes sure to honor both the men and women in the military and the people who fought for civil rights to show how the flag represents many people and bridge the gap of thinking otherwise.
ReplyDeleteO’Rouke’s response is engaging in building bridges because he states how he can see both sides to the disagreement. By seeing both sides to the argument, he is better able to counter, which he does not so strongly. Rather, O’Rouke brings everyone together under one country with one overall nationality, american. This bridge helps to bring opposing sides together so even though they disagree upon many aspects of the situation, they can all agree that they are american whichever side of the dispute they fall on.
ReplyDeleteRACHEL MILLER'S COMMENT:
ReplyDeleteI believe that the response O’Rourke shared is very profound. I think O’Rourke is successful in building bridges because of how respectfully he speaks about the people on each side of this debate. By saying that “reasonable people can disagree on this issue,” O’Rourke is attempting to bridge the gap between each side. O’Rourke points out that kneeling during the national anthem is a “peaceful, non-violent protest.” He goes on to say that “they take a knee to bring our attention and our focus to this problem to ensure that we fix it.” By explaining the reasons behind the protesting, O’Rourke attempts to bring people together by showing that what some NFL players are doing is not ill-spirited or meant to show hate or disrespect towards America, the flag, or the men and women that have served our country and fought for our freedom. In my opinion, his response unites Americans by helping Americans find some middle ground on this issue.