“Should people of society trade their beliefs over the risk of getting punished for not rising during the National Anthem or Pledge of Allegiance? America has discovered that this topic is very controversial. People did not know such a well-known tradition for centuries now could open up such an opinionated dispute. There have been smaller cases on this issue, whether it is having to do with schools not forcing the Pledge of Allegiance or in the opposite direction of how schools punish those who don’t stand for the Pledge of Allegiance. Either way this issue has continued to grow and has altered American opinions in the process. There are many sources which have evidence that people should not be punished due to their choice to not rise for the Anthem, or the opposing side of those who think people should be punished for not rising out of respect for their country. There have been continuous incidents involving this subject that has now got the public involved. For a more popular case on the topic, we look at Colin Kaepernick; a well-known football player and role model to many, recently kneeled during the National Anthem before his football game. To include some background, rising for the National Anthem before sporting events has been an ongoing tradition for centuries now. Many do not actually know the real reason why we stand, but people do it as if it is an automatic motion. People understand that when we rise and turn towards our flag, we are essentially showing appreciation for our freedom and to those who have granted us with our freedom. When Kaepernick did not respond to this tradition, many were appalled and quite confused why one would disrespect their country in front of millions. But they did not in fact know the real reason for opting out. They were quick to assume it was simply because he was un-American and seen as un-patriotic. This was not the real reason for why Kaepernick did what he did. Colin Kaepernick chose to kneel because of his views on the country’s treatment of racial minorities. He was making a statement to the public and he knew he would get the most press at a national football game, being a very known player. After this event, his story blew up and he received tons of negative feedback and comments on how he is an unpatriotic American. In reality, he has a well-rounded background, has been a public figure for a while now and was simply trying to make a stand and show people what he believes in. There should not be any question about him being un-American just because he did not rise for the National Anthem. Later on, many took his statement and many chose to infact follow his protest, which spread to schools. Students are now opting out of the Pledge of Allegiance at school and are receiving certain punishments because of their decision. Kaepernick’s case changed many American opinions on this issue and now society has to deal with this arising question of whether it is seen as unpatriotic or not and if those who choose not to rise should be punished. 

When looking at my supporting argument the evidence found focuses on the idea that those who do not rise, should not be challenged because of their decision.  Evie Blad, a well-known writer for pbs.org, has brought a certain case to the public that can be used to supporting this side of argument. This article includes how the protests began with the Kaepernick case last year. Oakland Schools District supported this case and that students or anyone for that matter should not be punished for this because it is under law that one does not have to. She mentions that, “Schools cannot in fact punish kids. Anthem protests have gone further to where schools think it is okay to take away student’s privileges for following their beliefs at home on the Pledge of Allegiance.” By including a quote like this, we clearly see where Blad stands on this topic. Jeremy White, David Niose, Mark Green are all well-known authors of different sources that support the same claim through many pieces of factual information. Within each source, the main idea is primarily based off extensive amounts of evidence through government documents that will and can be used to backup and support those who choose not to rise for the Anthem. Within each of these authors work, we tend to notice a pattern of mentioning the Constitution and what the real meaning of Freedom of Speech is, and the true meaning of what it is seen to be a Patriotic American. Most importantly, there is evidence that proves that people standing up for what they believe in is not and never will be a crime as long as nobody is physically getting harmed in the process and where no laws are being broken. People like Colin Kaepernick can be defined as a confident American that stands up for what he truly believes in. We were given freedom and rights to stand up and make America better and he was trying to make a statement hoping for a reaction. What these sources have in common is their ability to defend those who have their own beliefs on patriotism. In Mark Greene’s book, he mentions the true meaning of patriotism and how a ‘song” does not detect if one loves their country or not. He says, “real patriotism must mean not only to defend, but also improve our country via dissent, debate, and elections.” This assists the idea that patriotism means getting involved and standing up for what you believe in and putting the country at best interest. His audience could be addressed to parents because they have their children to look after, and protect from this issue. For instance, if a family at home does not prioritize the National Anthem or the Pledge, then their child will not follow the instruction to do this at school. The first thing schools have planned for their students for the day is to rise and stand for the Pledge of Allegiance. When students do not react to this task, they are given punishments and other consequences. Greene’s book is all about what being a true citizen and what kinds of things Americans should do to be looked as patriotic and what sets them apart from others. He includes that by getting involved in the government and society is the most important role an American can do to get a patriotic label. This effectively supports how nobody should be given consequences for standing up for something they believe in; in this case opting out of the National Anthem. We were given the right to Freedom of Speech and being able to have the freedom to our beliefs is included in that first Amendment. Some think that by not rising they are disobeying the country and disobeying our rights but in reality, they are putting their rights to good use by upholding to that use of freedom of speech that many worked so hard to get for us.

However, when looking at the opposing side the argument we have those who strongly believe everyone should be taught the Anthem and Pledge and those who don’t know it and don’t show respect to rise for it, should result in consequences. Ben Chapman, Meagan Day and Ben case, have written articles on this side of the argument. In each source, they address that people have risked their lives overseas to get America the freedom we deserve and rising for a quick song to show appreciation to their country shouldn’t burden anyone’s lives. Chapmans audience is more for schools where parents are complaining that their child comes home and does not know the National Anthem or Pledge of Allegiance. This is mainly because back in the day the Anthem was still new and schools started the tradition of coming into school in the morning and rising for the Pledge of Allegiance. Now in present time, parents have come together to realize that these two American theme songs should still be a part of the learning curriculum, to make children realize why it is so important to be patriotic and to know why we are living with so much freedom. Chapman also includes background on the Pledge which is beneficial to his argument because it shows the importance of knowing it and rising to it. Meagan Day’s source is based off of the idea that back when patriotism was still new and meant everything to civilians it was actually illegal to not rise for the National Anthem. She includes the background of the National Anthem song and why it should be respected by Americans. She mentions that by rising for the Pledge is shows character in that you are thanking those who are risking their lives overseas to allow you to have your freedom. She incorporates how it was not originally meant for the audience but how it integrated to people in the crowds rising for the Anthem without thinking because it simply shows respect to your country. Day, adds the perspective of sports fans and how when they see their favorite sports teams kneeling during the National Anthem they lose respect because they look at it as Anti-American. Ben Case, references the Kaepernick case and explains why this case was such a big deal to society. Kaepernick is ranked highly and people always tend to follow big time stars or athletes in cases like this one. Kaepernick is a role model and has made an effect on people by forcing them to open their mind that it is not illegal to not rise. Case’s point he tries to convey is that eventually if all the big-time stars opt out of rising for the National Anthem, then the whole world will follow his lead and this could make other countries look at us as simply an “Un-American” country. On the same side of the argument but in a slightly different direction, Christine Hauser speaks on behalf of religious private schools and their beliefs on the Pledge of Allegiance. She mentions that because they are a private school their curriculum is linked with a certain religion that the specific school’s practice. In most cases these types of schools’ link religion with patriotism so they value the Pledge highly. Schools mentioned in this article made it so that if a student kneeled during the Anthem they would result in harsh punishments and for athletes they would lose playing time. There was a letter sent home which made the citizens of the town angry and caused a riot.

Throughout my research, this topic has brought a clearer understanding on why it is so incredibly controversial and why people have very strong opinions based of off this issue. People who are standing up for their beliefs are being antagonized and judged to such degrees. Americans hold themselves to high standard when it comes to their country, and strive for that label of being a “patritotic American”. Being patritotic is important to American society but there are so many ways to fulfilling this label. Society today has turned to the idea that if one does not rise for the National Anthem, that person is Un-American and should result in consequences. At first, I would have agreed with this point of view, because it does show character and respect to those who are risking their lives overseas for us to have a wide range of freedom. We have been granted with so many privileges and rising for a brief moment to thank those shouldn’t be too difficult. But, people do have this choice to use their freedom to stand up for what they believe in, just as long as laws are not being broken. When we think about the First Amendment, we are quick to draw conclusions that this only involves a citizen actually speaking about something they have a strong passion towards. This is essentially not the case. Referencing back Colin Kaepernick, this figure instead used a gesture of motion by kneeling during the Anthem before his football game. He knew all eyes were constantly on him and he used his rights to make this decision. Although he got hate for doing so, Kaepernick can be seen as an involved American who stands up for what he believes in and is devoted to making America better. 
