There are fine arguments to be made for standing and paying respect when the national anthem is played (As is customary in all countries, far as I can tell .…)
There are also rational arguments for not doing it. Jackie Robinson chose to not stand, as does NFL player Colin Kaepernick. To me, the flag and anthem represent not only the tremendous sacrifices made, but the promise, the aspiration of what America can and wants to be. But this young country is still a work in progress. For Kaepernick it’s not about the rare fame, money and spoiled rock stardom of being a pro athlete. It’s about the mistreatment of African Americans in the real world, outside the shiny sports arenas. One can argue about standing for the anthem, but not about the lingering existence of inequality and mistreatment.
