Inspire Change

I stopped following football for several years after Colin Kaepernick was blacklisted for kneeling during the National Anthem. I considered this kerfuffle as a culture war wedge edge issue after the Former Guy started talking about it at his rallies.

I personally dislike the Star-Spangled Banner mostly for musical reasons:

1. It is not suitable for group singing. There is no key in which everyone can sing it in unison. B-flat is too high for low voices and A-flat is too low for high voices.

2. The melody is a British drinking song. I feel that the National Anthem should be by an American composer.

3. More often than not, it is poorly performed. For every Whitney Houston, there is a Roseanne Barr 😉

If I were king, I would like to see it replaced with “America the Beautiful” which I feel is more singable and a better expression of love of country. I am glad that last year’s Super Bowl pre-game ceremonies included performances of “Lift Every Voice and Sing” and “America the Beautiful” in addition to the National Anthem.

I’m in total agreement with Colin K’s reason for protesting and admire his courage for speaking out. And I feel that his blacklisting is unjust.

The NFL is making a public relations effort with its “Inspire Change” social justice initiative. Players can choose one of seven slogans to wear on the back of their helmets: “Choose Love”, “End Racism”, “Stop Hate”, “It Takes All of Us”, “Black Lives Matter”, “Inspire Change” and “Say Their Stories”. It’s a little thing, but I’m watching football again.

I live in Rochester, NY and the Buffalo Bills are having a great season, so I’m happy to jump on the Bills bandwagon. It is something that has united folks in upstate NY. I bought the following hat to show my support for the team and the social justice initiative. Justice and Equity are on the front of the hat and Opportunity and Freedom are on the back.

The only issue have with Buffalo Bills supporters is that fans are using the moniker “Bills Mafia” which I find offensive.

So there has been progress. The Bills have embraced the Inspire Change slogans and wear them on back of their helmets. And I can enjoy football again. I hope to watch the Buffalo Bills in the Super Bowl this year.