Since Francis Scott Key wrote The Star-Spangled Banner after witnessing the battle of Fort McHenry in 1814, it has generated debate. In fact, according to Gillian Brockell for the Washington Post, controversy prevented it from being chosen as the National Anthem for a century in 1931.
The Star-Spangled Banner has most recently made headlines after Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban announced that he would not be playing the anthem before games, igniting yet another discussion between those who love and dislike it.
For information on the Star-Spangled Banner dispute, continue reading below:
Kaepernick protested the anthem, right?
Colin Kaepernick of the San Francisco 49ers has created a new discussion over the national anthem when he started kneeling before NFL games. Many people mistook his non-violent actions of kneeling during the national anthem for un-American protests against the flag and The Star-Spangled Banner.
But in reality, Kaepernick stated: I am not going to stand up to exhibit pride in a flag for a country that oppresses black people and people of color, in an exclusive interview with NFL Media following the game.
The Third Verse
Some people take issue with The Star Spangled Banners third verses allusion to slavery. The sentence goes: The slave and hireling had nowhere to turn. The star-spangled banner triumphantly waves over the land of the free and the home of the brave, protecting them from the fear of flight or the shadow of death.
African Americans felt threatened by verse?
According to the Washington Post, several academics argue that the statement regarding slaves obviously posed a threat to African Americans who were given freedom in exchange for fighting against the United States by the British.
Was the verse not literal?
Other academics contend that Key never even considered African Americans when he used the phrase slaves in relation to British soldiers. According to academics at Stevenson University, the term slave originally referred to free men serving as a lap dog or puppet for a more powerful person.
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Was Francis Scott Key racist?
Key was accused by historians of being racist and of enslaving men. According to the Washington Post, he supported emancipating slaves but believed that after their release, they should be transported to Africa.
Is a new anthem required?
According to an article on MySA.com, Rep. James Clayburn, D-S.C., has suggested that the Black national anthem Lift Every Voice and Sing be recognized as a national hymn and stand equally with The Star-Spangled Banner as a symbol of togetherness in January.
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Some, however, contend that more action is required to combat structural racism in America and that this is merely a symbolic gesture.
What role does Mark Cuban play?
This NBA season, Mark Cuban, the owner of the Dallas Mavericks, decided to cease playing the national anthem, but he later said that he would restore the tradition.
Cuban made the following comment in a statement: We recognize and always have respected the peoples enthusiasm for the anthem and our country.
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The voices of those who believe the national anthem does not accurately reflect them can also be heard clearly. Since they havent been heard, we believe that their voices ought to be acknowledged. Our wish is that people will continue to listen to individuals who feel differently than they do with the same fervor with which they already advocate for this topic. Only then will we be able to go forward, engage in brave debates that advance this nation, and discover our commonalities.
Act to protect the Star-Spangled Banner
According to the Express News, Lt. Governor Dan Pattick declared that he would give top priority to a bill this legislative session that would mandate the playing of the National Anthem at all events that receive public financing.
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