Western Reader
On September 8th, 2023, an unexpected event took place at the Kansas City Chiefs’ Super Bowl title defense game against the Detroit Lions.
The game, which ended in a close defeat for the Chiefs with a score of 21-20, was overshadowed by a controversial decision made by the National Football League (NFL).
The league chose to play the “Black National Anthem,” titled “Lift Every Voice and Sing,” before the traditional “Star Spangled Banner.” This decision sparked a wave of discontent among the fans present, leading to a chorus of boos echoing throughout the stadium.
The NFL’s decision to play the “Black National Anthem” before the traditional national anthem was met with widespread disapproval from the crowd.
Christian singer Natalie Grant took the field to perform “The Star Spangled Banner,” following the rendition of “Lift Every Voice and Sing” by The Kansas City Boys and Girls Choir.
However, the sequence of events did not sit well with the audience, who expressed their dissatisfaction vocally.
The Kansas City Chiefs replaced the United States National Anthem with the black national anthem. 😡🤮🤢 pic.twitter.com/u8y6F2bIx0
— 🗡️🛡️Sir Rickster🛡️🗡️ (@Rickster_75) September 8, 2023
Social media platforms were soon flooded with reactions from both sides of the debate. Some users applauded the NFL’s decision, arguing that it was a step towards racial harmony and inclusivity.
Others, however, saw it as a divisive move that prioritized political correctness over patriotism. The latter group included many Chiefs fans, who felt that the traditional national anthem should have been given precedence.
The NFL’s decision to play the “Black National Anthem” before the traditional one is not a new development.
The practice started during the 2020 season after the Black Lives Matter and Antifa riots that followed the death of George Floyd. The league’s decision was seen as an attempt to appease the “woke” radicals, but it has since been criticized for promoting division rather than unity.
The performance of “Lift Every Voice and Sing” by The Kansas City Boys and Girls Choir was met with boos from the crowd.
It seems the NFL’s attempt to shield itself from criticism by having children perform the song backfired. The audience’s reaction was a clear indication of their dissatisfaction with the league’s decision.
The Kansas City Chiefs have the worst record in the NFL pic.twitter.com/B4TcvUTFdS
— Trev Reporteraport (@incredelman_11) September 8, 2023
The incident at the Chiefs’ game has sparked a nationwide debate about the role of sports in politics.
While some argue that the NFL is using its platform to promote social justice, others believe that it is unnecessarily politicizing sports. This incident serves as a stark reminder of the deep divisions that exist within our society.
The backlash from the fans at the game and the subsequent reactions on social media ultimately highlight the ongoing debate about the intersection of sports and politics. As the NFL continues to navigate these contentious waters, it remains to be seen how it will address such issues in the future.
This article appeared in TheDailyBeat and has been published here with permission.
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