Perhaps bowing in deference to a flag or anthem fulfills some deep, primal need in humans to identify as a tribe that’s bigger and better and stronger than other tribes. Perhaps it satisfies a compulsion much like organized religion does—to find one’s place in a big, dangerous world that often makes no sense. Regardless, like religion, nationalism ought to be optional, a personal choice. If you’re into standing for an anthem written by a man who enslaved black people, and whose verse blatantly exalting slavery is simply swept under the rug, go right ahead. But don’t expect everyone to do so or chastise those who openly refuse to bend to such expectations. To its credit, Kaepernick’s team issued a statement that showed an understanding of his rights, saying, “In respecting such American principles as freedom of religion and freedom of expression, we recognize the right of an individual to choose to participate, or not, in our celebration of the national anthem.” But apparently many Americans don’t understand that we live in a democracy where embracing the symbols of nationalism and accepting institutional abuses of power are not mandatory. Police unions have denounced Kaepernick, whining about his “total lack of sensitivity towards police officers.” Racist Twitter users have resorted to the least intelligent epithet they could think of. In other words, Kaepernick’s critics have proven his point: that there is deep and abiding racism against black people and people of color in the U.S., and that for many Americans, there is far greater anger over an athlete sitting out the national anthem than over our ongoing epidemic of police killings of innocent, unarmed Americans who are disproportionately black. Nationalism and blind patriotism can bring out the worst in all of us. No country is above criticism, because no country has ever gotten everything right. Most are built on legacies of mass oppression, genocide, slavery, colonialism, corruption, misogyny and racism. We can love our family, community and neighborhood. We can—and should—participate in our civic duties to be politically active citizens for whom voting and observing jury duty are the least of our responsibilities. But waving a flag, standing up for an anthem, putting your hand over your heart like it actually means something, are hallmarks of groupthink, of a population easily swayed by pieces of colored cloth and emotionally evocative melodies. By writing these words, I will surely be accused of not loving my country enough. I will be told to “go back to my own country” or find one that suits me better. Like Kaepernick and Robinson, those of us who are deeply critical of this nation’s failings are often working hardest to fix them, rather than papering over them. As James Baldwin wrote, “I love America more than any other country in the world and, exactly for this reason, I insist on the right to criticize her perpetually.” Your support matters…

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#black lives matter#colin kaepernick#jackie robinson#national anthem#nfl#patriotism#racism#Sonali Kolhatkar#td-original