Recently, Occidental College made headlines because some of its students posted support for the defiling of a campus 9/11 memorial. Coalition Oxy for Diversity and Equity (CODE) members wrote on Facebook: 

As students of color, this symbol of the American flag is particularly triggering for many different reasons. For us, this flag is a symbol of institutionalized violence (genocide, rape, slavery, colonialism, etc.) against people of color, domestically as well as globally… Historically, the American flag and subsequent American nationalist symbols, have been polarizing and marginalizing to people of color living within the United States. This has been most recently exemplified in Colin Kaepernick's protest of the American national anthem. When this institution allows thousands of American flags to be placed in the center of campus it speaks volumes to the students that have lived their lives under the oppression of this flag.

Really? In these students’ very short lives, what oppression have they faced? Let’s review. They can attend college (some with grants from the very government they oppose), vote, voice their opinions, marry someone of a different race, practice their faith, gain employment in any field they choose (and are often given preferential treatment just because of their race), buy a home, etc.

Throughout history, almost every culture has enslaved and oppressed others, often between members of the same culture or tribes. Slavery in America is a historical fact and will continue to be so, no matter how many people try to rewrite it. On January 1, 1863, President Abraham Lincoln (a Republican), signed the Emancipation Proclamation. In the Civil War that followed, it’s estimated that there were 1.5 million casualties or roughly 2% of America’s population. The outcome resulted in the Thirteenth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution which was passed by an overwhelmingly Republican Senate and finally fully ratified by all States on December 18, 1865. The amendment effectively abolished slavery in America. Today, we have a black president. We also have many, many Americans of every race who are well educated and live good, comfortable lives. Proof that, in the very short time since the birth of this country, everyone in America has gained the opportunity for success. Success is not always an easy road (which could be the issue), and it’s certainly not a constitutional right. However, opportunities exist for all. Additionally, people of color enjoy further opportunities because of their perceived special status. So, the oppression argument has lost its validity. Instead, it has become an excuse to sow continued discord and a reason to eschew personal responsibility.

Refusing to stand for the national anthem by people who are exponentially benefiting from the opportunities that men and women of every race have died to secure for them is hypocritical and ungrateful. The United States is far from perfect. However, how many of these protesters would sacrifice their current lifestyle to live in any other country? They are certainly welcome to go in search of their Utopia at any time. Unfortunately, it doesn’t exist, and it never will. There isn’t a flag under which these students could live that doesn’t have some form of racism and oppression in its history. Racism and all the other “isms” which are results of bias and discrimination will always exist. By the very action of making choices in our daily lives, we exhibit discrimination and bias of some kind. Some group, idea, philosophy, etc. will be excluded when another is chosen. So, the expectation that racism can be stamped out by taking a knee at a football game or raising a fist in a movement is naïve. By our very nature, our differences will continue to be so. The best we can hope for is peaceful tolerance and mutual respect.

Standing for the national anthem and United States’ flag is a sign of respect for those who fought for our republic and our extraordinary way of life. A 9/11 memorial is a sign of respect for the people who lost their lives because of an ideology that is the exact opposite of freedom and democracy. This isn’t about the anthem and flag as tangible items. It’s not about a blind love of our government. It’s about the intangible things that the flag and anthem represent. It’s about a deep love for and pride in our country, despite its imperfectness, and the understanding that we are all very fortunate to be Americans, regardless of color. It’s about honoring those people that sacrificed everything for the freedom and liberty that we all enjoy today.    

The doctrine of free speech is enumerated in the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution. However, we must be wise enough to know the appropriate time and method to exercise it. Kaepernick’s and others’ decisions to disrespect the United States Flag or Anthem is certainly their right to do so. However, the chosen forum and target is misguided and disrespectful of the very thing that affords them the opportunity to protest. Such a blatant act of disrespect isn’t going to result in a positive outcome. It’s an empty gesture that only serves to further the divide between the races and spotlight the existing hypocrisy. Actually, it marginalizes the sacrifices made on our behalf.

A more substantive gesture is for people in such public positions to stop race-baiting, physically go into the communities in need and actually do something tangible to help. Together, a small portion of the protestors’ time and the sports figures’ disproportionate salaries can make a significant contribution in creating the same opportunities for others that they enjoy. Instead of raising a hand in protest, extend a hand to help someone rise from poverty. Instead of taking a knee to protest, get on your knees to pray with those families, of every color, that have lost loved ones to violence. These are acts of paying it forward. Performing them doesn’t require a spotlight, a microphone, or a Facebook post to certify participation in the latest trendy movement. All that’s needed is a sincere desire to help. 

Perhaps one day, when America is transformed into the Liberal’s Socialist Utopia, or worse, ruled by Sharia Law, those very people lamenting America’s oppressive ways today will realize just how good they had it. But, alas, they’ll be unable to voice their opinion about it while they’re standing in the bread line, or worse, kneeling in front of the firing squad.