Americans have varying ideas of what it means to stand for the "Star Spangled Banner," or what the American flag actually symbolizes. Recently, NFLer Colin Kaepernick decided to not stand for the national anthem for reasons unrelated to this article, but his decision sparked a large amount of controversy. It has brewed a storm of backlash for him, although there are some whom support his decision. Watching videos and reading comments online, I see the varying viewpoints; he is doing nothing wrong, he is exercising his first amendment right, he is disrespecting the veterans whom sacrificed themselves so he could have that right.
These two arguments create a paradox for what it means to have this right and how we earned it. Yes, veterans protected that right for us, but if we receive criticism for exercising that right, were they fighting for our right of free speech and freedom to express our individuality? Or were they fighting for prescribed thoughts and beliefs? I believe this is where we as a country misinterpret our flag and what it truly stands for: both nothing, and everything.
To one, it may represent loved ones lost fighting for our country and freedom; to another, it may be a symbol of mistakes and mistreatment. Maybe someone else sees it has a symbol for the opportunity America holds, while another sees it has a symbol of greed and corruption. Some may see all, or a few, of these. And then there are people who maybe just see it for what it is — a decorated rectangle of cotton and polyester. But one thing that is constant between all of these symbolizations, or lack thereof, is that each and every one of us makes it what we see it as. Every farmer, businessman, politician, doctor, lawyer, every single person in this country is woven into that flag. Rooted in its stripes of red and white. Swimming in its seas of blue. Shining in all fifty of its stars.
We the people represent each and every fiber used to create that flag. Every single idea, belief, viewpoint, and argument is what makes it ours.
