Voices of Tuscarora: To Stand or not To Stand?
September 28, 2017
There are a lot of divisive issues in America today. We, at the Titan Times, have decided to explore differing sides of relevant and sometimes controversial topics by interviewing the students here at THS. Ultimately, we hope that in showing both sides of these issues we can all find that, while we may not agree, we all have our reasons for thinking and believing the way we do.
This week’s topic: Standing for the National Anthem
Here’s what the Titans have to say on the subject:
Katie Fetting – Junior: “I will always personally stand for the National Anthem because of what my personal beliefs are. However, I feel that everyone, because we live in America, is free to either stand or kneel as they please. No law is forcing them to stand.”
Javier Flores – Senior: “I feel each person who does kneel should have a reason to do so, whether it be religious or something else. I feel that, without a reason, everyone should have to stand for the National Anthem.”
Ambar Gaitan – Senior: “I feel that role models, such as the football players who didn’t stand, should have to stand because their reach of influence is so large and reaches so many young people. Outside of large events, though, say in school, each person should be able to do as they please.”
Andrew Johnson – Senior: “I feel that people should stand for the country’s history and what we have done in the past. People have fallen for that flag and they should stand for that. It is disrespectful for people to not stand.”
Andrew Sullivan – Senior: “Personally, I take it as an insult when people don’t stand. I find it to be very disrespectful if people kneel during the National Anthem.”
Ethan Miletich – Senior: “I understand people are upset over what has happened, but it’s still disrespectful to not stand during the National Anthem. These people have every right to protest and speak their minds, and they are expressing that right. On top of that, it’s peaceful.”
These are just a few voices of the Titan nation. What about you? How do you feel about the controversy? Take our poll below:
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Kaitlyn Minor • Sep 29, 2017 at 3:05 pm
Good morning or afternoon, to whoever this concerns.
Before I begin I’d like to thank you for taking the time to read my comment, this may take a while. My opinion has changed over time on this topic, and that was only because before it had, I knew nothing of the situation. I had seen it as disrespectful to the flag, as well as the men and women who fight for our country. Our officers, our politicians, so on, so forth. Perhaps, even fellow Americans. However, it is important to me that I stress to you that if you and others at least attempt taking this to heart, and giving the time to listen to what I, and everyone else who believes the same as I, perhaps a change of opinion could occur. You see, our flag represents many, many things, one of those “things”, being the first amendment. You already know what it means, and if anybody doesn’t, they should. Everyone is entitled to their opinion, and I will respect it, like I respect yours, and my own. For example, I believe that whether someone decides to stand, sit, or kneel, is no issue. The people that do this, they do this for a reason, and that reason is to send a message. This message is not “we are disregarding our country and all it’s ties.” When a man, woman, smurf (I kid), child, or whatever it may be, kneels, they are saying, “I choose not to stand until we, as a country, are truly united.” Look around, we do NOT stand united. Matter of fact, we are divided. We acknowledge our right to stand or kneel, because not only do American soldiers fight for our right to stand, but also our right to kneel. Just because one individual disagrees with another, does not mean person B can infringe upon person A’s speech. And I want everyone to know this. We shouldn’t be fighting each other, but the problems that Americans face. Whether it be discrimination, brutality, oppression, or any matter. We must guide and learn from one another. We must respect each other’s beliefs and decisions, whether or not we disagree. Have a nice day.
Sincerely,
Kaitlyn Minor, 9th Grade.