Texas State students reflect on national anthem controversy

Isabelle Habegger, student, 18-25

Habegger believes people should be more
 educated about the purpose behind
Kaepernick's protests. Photo by Halle
Hendry.

     1.)    Do you know about the Kaepernick controversy with the NFL?

“Yes.”

     2.)    Can you describe it as you best understand it?

 “The NFL player took a knee during the national anthem in order to protest the current racial issues in the United States, but his act was perceived very differently by a lot of different people. I think that’s how the controversy came about, how it might be disrespectful and be seen as acting against veterans somehow.”

     3.)    How do you feel about kneeling?

Habegger sympathized with the kneeling players on the polarizing situation. She said that when outraged NFL fans burned Nike apparel in response to a Kaepernick   commercial, they were reacting without understanding the purpose behind the protest.

 “I think it’s ridiculous. I think there are a lot of misunderstandings about the reasons behind it is what caused it, so I think if you think he’s disrespecting veterans then you might be upset, but he’s said himself, [and]… even veterans themselves have taken a knee in certain situations and said that’s not what it’s about. I feel like people need to educate themselves a little more before going to extremes, like burning Nike [products].”

4.)    How do you feel about the NFL’s response?

 “The NFL kind of looked down upon [the protests]. I guess they were in line with our president, so they felt like they were doing what was right in taking responsibility for their player disrespecting the flag, but I also feel like the NFL doesn’t control every aspect of player’s lives. It’s a job, and your employer doesn’t control you 100 percent, so I don’t agree with their reaction.”

5.)    How would you handle the situation?

 “If I was a part of the NFL, I’d probably make a statement… about neutrality on the whole situation, and give the different sides. [I’d say] there shouldn’t be any outrage over it…and I’d try to deescalate the situation as much as I could.”

Dylan Nelson, student, 18-25

Nelson would participate in the national anthem
protests if he was an NFL player. Photo by
Halle Hendry.

      1.)Do you know about the Kaepernick controversy with the NFL?

“Yes, I do.”

2.)    Can you describe it as you best understand it?

“I feel like it’s his right to be able to [kneel], but people don’t like it because they feel like he’s disrespecting his country.” 

3.)    How do you feel about kneeling?

 “I don’t think he’s disrespecting [the flag]. I think it’s his choice and it’s just fine if he does it because it’s his right. People shouldn’t judge him based on that…and he should be able to protest and not face the repercussions he did.”

4.)    How do you feel about the NFL’s response?

 “I don’t think the NFL handled it the way it should’ve been handled. I think that they should have supported him more with what he was doing instead of the other way around.”

5.)    How would you handle the situation?

“If I was a player, I would probably be kneeling too.”