A few things I would like to share about my feelings, some may agree, some won't, and I'm okay with that. Just realize these are my feelings on what I have been exposed to and how I have lived.
Some people see me as being privileged, as in "white" privilege, without me knowing. (I am made up of many ethnicities, predominantly lighter skinned – Britain, Ireland, Scotland, and Native American) My thoughts take me back to my childhood. I was born in Houston, in a predominantly "white" community. By the time I was in 4th grade, I had two "black" teachers and share classes with one "black" student. Did I even recognize the effect of race at that moment? I don't recall any if I did. Affluent or not, no matter the color of skin, we were all classmates. The next year, I was moved north of Houston, to a smaller, country community with a much more diverse population. What some would describe as a culture shock. In 5th grade, I was now surrounded with approximately 66% "black" population, in turn, becoming the minority. At first, I didn't think anything of it... why should I? It was never an issue before. Why would it be now? I may have been uncomfortable... BEFORE I knew people. But that included everyone. I was the only one my age, who went to the church of Christ. And surrounded by a bunch of Baptists and Catholics with a few Lutherans sprinkled in... made me more on edge than any color of any skin. Diversity, however, was something I actually enjoyed throughout high school. I liked learning different values, traditions, etc. from my friends. One of my best friends was "black", my high school coach was "black", teammates were "black." OK. Was I okay with it? Yes. Those, along with others I had met, became my friends, and some still are.
I never thought of having an advantage over others because of skin color. Was I blessed with a father who worked at home, who could come to all of my games and cheer and be proud of me? Yes. Was I blessed with a mother who was able to stay home and raise her daughters, pay them attention, and attend many school events with them? Yes. Was I blessed because I wasn't without basic necessities? Absolutely. Was everyone raised that way? No. Did I agree with everyone? No. That's ridiculous. Was I quick to forgive? Not usually. And that's not a good thing. But growth comes with age. :) I never thought it was about privilege. I was taught it was about choices.
People make different choices depending on how they were loved, or how they weren't.
Maybe that's why in my forties, I am more inclined to "love" on people every chance I get.
Confederacy is a bad word to many... but I don't feel that way. I was taught that many of my relatives fought for the Confederacy, not the Union. Although I didn't think the war entirely was necessary, and death could have been spared, I was glad to have family on the South side. Some may question why I was glad. Well, I don't think of "slaves" or "slavery" as being something that needs to be implemented into society. No one should play puppet master. All men (humans) should have a voice. If I was alive back then, I have no idea how I would have been affected. My great-grandparents had a maid (paid), who was "black." Her name was Alice. I loved Alice. I have great memories with her. She was more part of the family than the help. We were definitely not high-society, or affluent. Just a small, country home, with a tiny kitchen, with wood floors and a claw foot tub. Nothing fancy. But Alice felt like family. I couldn't imagine ever, EVER, treating anyone like a slave. I wasn't raised that way. Now, I do know that many people were taught to hate "black" people, look down on them and disrespect them, strictly based on their skin color. I never really understood this. I would contemplate on why people would act like that. All I could come up with is that they were uneducated on WHO they are... WHERE they came from... and didn't want their lives to "interfere" with their own lives. It would require sacrifice and acceptance. Still, and sadly, people today apparently feel the same way. :(
So, bounce to this day and age... NFL players who are kneeling as a protest. Personally, I applaud you for taking a stand for what you believe in, and making a statement. What I absolutely DISAGREE with is doing it DURING the National Anthem. A plea for unity to address the bigger problem of unequal treatment amongst the black community. What these mega-star athletes aren't getting is that they are not oppressed, therefore they aren't the best candidates to protest silently. They are role models and heroes for many children, and many adults, sadly, when many of them have committed crimes, have driven while drunk, have been convicted of beating their wives, some have even committed murder. Would you want this as a role model for your child? (JJ Watt, I can understand. Deshaun Watson, today, just became many peoples hero. There are plenty of pay-it-forward, humble, and thankful NFL players. Too bad they are never talked about as much, or make the news as much as the controversial). Why not use their position and "power" to make a difference? Instead of fuel fire that seems to keep burning?
Colin Kapernick knelt last year to silently protest stating, "I am not going to stand up to show pride in a flag for a country that oppresses black people and people of color... To me, this is bigger than football and it would be selfish on my part to look the other way..."
Fast forward a year... what has that accomplished? Has he reached out and made progress in the community? Volunteered to ride with some police officers? Enlisted in the Armed Forces? What has he done besides influence others to kneel? During the anthem? Think about it. Think about all displays of silent protesting. I would mention what other nationalities can protest, and what they could say. It would hit a nerve with some of you. Some would be passive.
What happened to the cohesiveness, color-blindness, agape love for thy neighbor... ?? We, here in the Houston area, just went through one of the worst, if not, worst water dumping hurricanes and flooding. People were literally risking their lives saving each other... because it was overwhelming to the local first responders. People from all over the US were helping here. Literally.
I am all about standing up for what you believe, but if you are just drawing attention to yourself instead of turning it into action (such as meeting with legislature, state senators, community outreach, etc.), it becomes more about you than what you are protesting. YOU are in the news instead of your cause. Seeing as a large percent of America, loves America, the men and women who have fought and still fight for America, crossing both party lines... maybe by choosing to do this during the anthem while you were working wasn't the smartest choice. For anyone who has served, had family who has served and sacrificed their lives, for our freedom, thank you. But for any of them who watches this, they don't see the reason you are protesting... they see blatant disrespect for the flag of our country. If you hate America that much, you don't have to stay. Go try living in a truly oppressed country, such as Syria, or Somalia, even Iran. It's awful. Be thankful that you live in the USA. You live in a country that pays more to professional athletes than it does their military. (which is a different blog, entirely.) Look at the entire picture. See every detail. Don't be blind to what you do not wish to see.
Although every American has the right to protest peacefully, not every American has to agree with how or why they are doing it, and in turn can choose their own way to protest... It's America. Respect cultivates respect. Treat others as you would have them treat you. Love your neighbor as yourself. And have no expectation except in Christ Jesus. For He is the ONLY one who can deliver you.
Be the change you wish to see in the world. Lead by example. Make that difference, even if just to ONE human. Pay it forward. Bring God into your life. Let His light shine through you. Pray.
The LORD performs righteous deeds and judgments for all who are oppressed.
Psalm 103:6
