USWNT’s forward Megan Rapinoe made headlines back in 2016 when she decided to kneel during the national anthem. She was following in the footsteps of San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick. Kaepernick started a kneeling movement that took off and inspired athletes at all levels to participate. Among these athletes was Rapinoe, who before this was only known for her quirkiness on and off the soccer field. But her actions in 2016 changed her reputation forever. Her reputation can be seen as good or bad, but that will depend on how the person that is looking at her knee on the ground feels about our country, our freedom, and the true symbolism of the American flag.
Her explanation is simple, although she has not experienced over-policing, police brutality, or racial profiling, she knows that she cannot stand idle for those who have. She says that she must do something and says frankly, we all should too.
She knows that when it comes to protesting, there is no easy way to do that. She also understands that her actions of solidarity will not just wipe away all the pain that families have had to endure due to senseless violence. But she wants to be a part of the solution and not a part of the problem.
Reactions towards Rapinoe’s actions were met with differing opinions. Many thought it was courageous for Rapinoe to follow Kaepernick even though he was met with extreme ire from not just sports fans, but also Americans who don’t even like sports.
Many Americans could not understand how a woman who plays soccer for the United States national team could disrespect the flag like that. Rapinoe does not want to argue with those who oppose her actions, as she can understand why they think this way. But she offers them this counterargument. When she kneels, she is giving the flag the utmost respect. She faces it with her full body and stares into the symbol that represents America’s freedom. If this flag represents freedom, then she believes that it is her responsibility to ensure that freedom is offered to every American and not just a select demographic. Her response to all the hate is this quote by Emma Lazarus, which reads, “Until we are all free, we are none of us free.”
While on The Ingraham Angle show on FOX News, Dan Dakich called Rapinoe “unlikable.” Additionally, Fox News personality Tomi Lahren called Rapinoe “the epitome of selfish.” When ESPN reported on the issue, they were much tamer in their headlines and made sure not to resort to name-calling to get clicks. Other outlets, such as CNN, Bleacher Report, and ABC News, followed ESPN’s route by remaining neutral on the situation and having headlines that simply reported on her protest without calling her out of her name.
Social media reactions were split as some applauded her protest while others could only see her disrespecting the flag like Kaepernick. They did not go as far as posting themselves burning their Nike gear as a protest against Kaepernick and his endorsement with the brand. They did make their displeasure known about how she was a traitor and not American. Some even posted and said that they will not root for the women’s national team until she is off the roster.
Rapinoe did her best to shape the media narrative by reiterating how she did not just put her knee to the ground to fight the issue but looks to provide actual change. The complexity of the issue is something foreign to her, which is why she is reaching out to community leaders, leaders of the Black Lives Matter movement, and leaders in the corporate world to figure out ways to support solutions that are already in place and in motion. The media narrative enhanced the impact of her kneeling because regardless of the viewpoint of whoever came across her protest, she helped in bringing the issue to the forefront. It got people talking about the issues that minorities have faced regardless of if they see the issue or not.
Some will say that it is not their problem to help others. But as an American, there should be no “them” in this situation but an “us.” Rapinoe says that each individual should ask themselves if they actually care about equality for everyone in America. If they do, then they should want to do something about it by becoming more educated on the matter and striving to be better themselves.
Even if that means burning some bridges with the public. Rapinoe has accepted that she will not be known as a media darling anymore, and for some athletes that might be uncomfortable for them. But not for her, as she simply does not want to live a life where she is comfortable.
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