National anthem protest

Introduction
Pros
- Pro 1: When one believes the United States is not living up to its ideals of justice for all, kneeling during the national anthem is appropriate and justified.
- Pro 2: When prominent people kneel during the national anthem, it shocks people and generates useful debate.
- Pro 3: Kneeling during the national anthem is a legal form of peaceful protest, which is a First Amendment right.
Cons
- Con 1: Kneeling during the national anthem shows disrespect for the flag and members of the armed forces.
- Con 2: Kneeling during the national anthem is an ineffective and counterproductive way to promote a cause.
- Con 3: Kneeling during the national anthem angers many, spurring greater social division and even ruining careers.
Assessment quiz
1-minute survey
Discussion questions
Sources

References & Edit History Related Topics

Images

Texas Longhorns women's soccer players kneel and hold hands during the national anthem before a game, wearing orange uniforms with soccer balls at their feet.

Francis Scott Key stands on a ship, raising his hat while watching the U.S. flag flying over Fort McHenry amid explosions in the sky, with another man seated nearby.

“Star-Spangled Banner”

Colin Kaepernick

Olympic protests, 1968

National anthem protest: Media

Is kneeling during the U.S. national anthem an appropriate form of protest?

Images

Texas Longhorns women's soccer players kneel and hold hands during the national anthem before a game, wearing orange uniforms with soccer balls at their feet.

Kneeling during the national anthem

Is kneeling during the national anthem an appropriate form of protest?

© John Rivera—Icon Sportswire/Getty Images

Francis Scott Key stands on a ship, raising his hat while watching the U.S. flag flying over Fort McHenry amid explosions in the sky, with another man seated nearby.

Birth of the National Anthem

Francis Scott Key observes the bombardment and the U.S. flag over Fort McHenry in...

© Bettmann/Getty Images

“Star-Spangled Banner”

“Star-Spangled Banner”

Detail of Francis Scott Key's handwritten manuscript of "The Star-Spangled Banner,"...

© The Maryland Center for History and Culture, The Star-Spangled Banner, 1814 manuscript by Francis Scott Key

Colin Kaepernick

Colin Kaepernick

San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick kneels during the playing of the...

Ted S. Warren—AP/Shutterstock.com

Olympic protests, 1968

Olympic protests, 1968

American track medalists Tommie Smith (center) and John Carlos raising black-gloved...

AP—REX/Shutterstock.com

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