Football and Militarism

[VectorVictor]

Yes, I did, so I do understand why you asked.  It was the most recent example.

And you obviously missed the point of the post. If folks want to actually discuss the dynamics of this in a coherent, academic manner, then cool.

If you’re going to selfishly tee off on the opposition without even attempting to understand the discussion and it’s points (e.g. Dewiz’s post), then not only is that part of the problem, but these posts should be called out.

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As for the topic at hand, I get why people ascribe meaning to the SSB—people have pride in their country and the people that they feel support and defend it. But that meaning doesn’t exist for everyone, and forcing someone’s views on others is anathema to what these same people proclaim makes this country great. 

Maybe if the people that that had issues with people kneeling legitimately researched and listened to those kneeling, we could resolve these problems and move on to bigger things. Instead, we have people that instead of listening for knowledge, they go to their echo chambers for codification and reinforcement of pre-conceived ideas, and they don’t listen. One side of this argument is significantly more guilty of this than the other, to be honest. 

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One other thing—I mentioned before that the SSB was written by a slave owner and someone with a deep animosity towards minorities (especially those who were enslaved and fought for their freedom by joining the British). Someone here suggested that we replace the SSB with America the Beautiful, and I think that’s a wonderful idea. One thing I always have to remember is that just because an idea or action is tenacious, that tenacity doesn’t define its worth. This is one of those situations. 

(Sorry for any errors—on mobile device as I’m in class right now)

 

[bhamHusker]

It's just marketing. The same core base of people who enjoy football and NASCAR tend to be the most pro-military demographic as well. Football teams/leagues are pandering to their audience, trying to show how much they respect the military by allowing and encouraging all of these appreciation events and advertising. TBH, as a vet, I don't care one way or the other. Doesn't matter to me unless I'm getting free food, then my interest might be piqued. I do have to admit that I hate when people find out I'm a vet and scramble over each other to shake my hand and lick my butthole in feigned gratitude because they feel like it's what they are supposed to do. #pleasedontdothat #justsayhi

I couldn't agree with this more. On a personal level, I'm proud of my service, but I cringe so hard when I get that reaction. It's a relatively new phenomenon, or at least it seems so to me. I don't remember anyone ever giving me the "thanks for your service tongue bath" until a few years after 9/11. It's gotten to the point where I never mention the fact that I served around other people just to avoid it.

With regards to OP, the level of jingoistic nonsense that all has been insinuated into sports at all levels (even my young kids' rec leagues ffs) annoys me profoundly.

 

[VectorVictor]

I couldn't agree with this more. On a personal level, I'm proud of my service, but I cringe so hard when I get that reaction. It's a relatively new phenomenon, or at least it seems so to me. I don't remember anyone ever giving me the "thanks for your service tongue bath" until a few years after 9/11. It's gotten to the point where I never mention the fact that I served around other people just to avoid it.

With regards to OP, the level of jingoistic nonsense that all has been insinuated into sports at all levels (even my young kids' rec leagues ffs) annoys me profoundly.

Not just sports—it’s in every aspect of our lives.

Frankly, if this country and its citizens truly valued the contributions these vets make, they would:

a) hold politicians accountable for the sorry state of the VA and put money/resources into it to make it a shining example of how well we treat our veterans 

b) Pass laws allowing service members full rights at age 18 to drink, smoke, view porn, or anything else behind an archaic, ill-conceived age firewall. If you’re old enough to die for your country, you’re old enough to enjoy it fully

I had a c) reason, but I’m tired. 

 

[StPaulHusker]

I am not sure you fully understand why people are upset at the kneeling.  Maybe I don't, who knows?  Many have zero problem with protesting and actually support it.  Its the manner in which they have chosen to do it they makes people upset.  Many believe in the tradition of standing for the anthem as way of showing respect for our country and the sacrifices made.  

As an example to try and make my point......most consider weddings to be sacred and a cherished event.  If I were to go into your wedding and kneel or protest in someway, does it make it okay?  If I just  say "it is not meant to be disrespectful", does that mean the wedding was not some how effected and tarnished?  I think respecting the players right to protest but asking them to find another way besides something that people cherish is a good middle ground/compromise.  By kneeling during the anthem, it all comes across as my beliefs are more important than yours. 

We don't all have to think alike, but we all must find ways to effectively communicate and compromise if we are going to have a functioning society.

Protests are disrespectful and inconvenient.

But that is the point.

 

[GBR0988]

Is anyone else uncomfortable with how much the DoD seems to be embedding itself into athletics, particularly football, on both the collegiate and professional levels? It isn't healthy. Who at the university is responsible for things such this past weekend's Veteran and Military Appreciation game?

I see what you’re saying, and there’s definitely something to it. However, I find the gratitude towards the military, at sporting events, refreshing considering all the anti-Americanism currently going on in this country.

 

[khaake]

I see what you’re saying, and there’s definitely something to it. However, I find the gratitude towards the military, at sporting events, refreshing considering all the anti-Americanism currently going on in this country.

Where do you see anti-americanism going on?

 

[GBR0988]

Where do you see anti-americanism going on?

How specific do you want me to be? I could just go broad and say the left, the media, and academia. Not letting the past be the past and trying to move forward together. Many of these people would rather we be Europe.

 

[khaake]

Well, without being able to comment on anything specific I can't say much, but in general I don't see disagreeing with how things should be as anti-americanism.

 

[RedDenver]

How specific do you want me to be? I could just go broad and say the left, the media, and academia. Not letting the past be the past and trying to move forward together. Many of these people would rather we be Europe.

That's a pretty broad and non-specific allegation. Do you have any specific examples or evidence to support your claim?

 

[zoogs]

Oh, good lord. "The left/media/academia are anti-American."

Too far gone, I'm afraid.

 

[BigRedBuster]

How specific do you want me to be? I could just go broad and say the left, the media, and academia. Not letting the past be the past and trying to move forward together. Many of these people would rather we be Europe.

You’re going to have to be more specific than that. 

 

[Fru]

How specific do you want me to be? I could just go broad and say the left, the media, and academia. Not letting the past be the past and trying to move forward together. Many of these people would rather we be Europe.

Does attacking war widows and POW's count as being anti-American? 

 

[BigRedBuster]

Does endorsing and befriending brutal dictators count as unamerican?

edit to add:  while ignoring and angering our most loyal and long time ally. One that values freedom and human rights. 

 

[BigRedBuster]

Is it anti American to side with a KGB officer above all American intelligence agencies and their officers both past and present?

 

[TGHusker]

This probably belongs in Politics & Religion more than Husker Football, but I see why you put it here.  The conversation is going to be heavily politicized.

I am very uncomfortable with the militarization of football, especially at the college (amateur) level.  It is deliberate, and it's been noticed by a lot of people.

Football Shaped by Military

Pentagon Paid Up To $6.8 Million Of Taxpayer Money To Pro Sports Teams For Military Tributes

There's a difference between patriotism and jingoism. One is a healthy love and respect for your country - which we should all have (and if you don't have it, you have to work to make your country worth having it).  The other, jingoism, is an extremist love of country, often characterized by aggression.  Jingoism is a tool used by governments to control the people - and ours uses it to control us.  

Learned a new word today - thanks Knapp.   Jingoism sounds a bit too much like some of the stuff we are seeing in the USA today with the rise of Trumpism - the extreme nation first rhetoric, extreme anti-immigration view points that has emboldened the alt right groups.