My problem with Kapernick kneeling was the fact that the national anthem has no place in sports. This is no different. There is no need for cheerleaders in football. Hot sideline reporters bring out the intellectual part of the game-right?
As someone who is thoroughly bored and uninterested in spectator sports (with the possible exception of chess), allow me to weigh in on this.
If the fans insist that playing generic music "has a place" in sports, then it has a place in sports. If fans like catchy slogans and funny mascots in sports, then they "have a place" in sports. If fans enjoy half-time dance routines in sports, then they "have a place" in sports. If fans expect a notable figure or other celebrity to throw out the first ball, then that has a place in sports.
If, rather, you insist upon being a "purist," then you ought to be consistent and demand upon being shown a "bare-bones" game, totally devoid of any embellishments or accoutrements.
In short, these elements have become established in our collective consciousness. Strictly speaking, they may not be integral parts of the game as narrowly defined by the "rule book," but they have become part of our culture.
Unless you want to ban hotdogs and Cracker Jacks or replace them with, e.g., "protein pills," you should come to terms with the existence of these secondary aspects of the sports as played in America.
It has become rooted in tradition that the American National Anthem be played at large arena-based sporting events in the U.S. Unspoken rules have evolved over time regarding its being played. The American public has a right to expect these unspoken rules and customs be respected.
Regards,
We know you hate the USA DIMSHILL. You don’t have to keep proving it.
You seem to be taking some heat. I agree with you. The National Anthem is cheapened by the silliness of doing it at every sporting event - it’s often done badly on top of that.
Cheerleading is also a waste of time and has nothing to do with football.