The Evolution of Taking a Knee: Examining the Shift in Global Sports Activism
By USAZINE
Nearly a decade ago, the world witnessed a pivotal moment in sports and activism when Colin Kaepernick, quarterback for the San Francisco 49ers, made the powerful decision to kneel during the US national anthem. This act, which he explained as a protest against racial injustice, ignited a global conversation about oppression and became a rallying cry for athletes everywhere.
Kaepernick’s initial statement, where he expressed pride concerns for his community, resonated deeply. He noted, “I am not going to stand up to show pride in a flag for a country that oppresses black people and people of color.” This bold move inspired athletes across various sports to join in solidarity, making kneeling during the national anthem a widespread gesture of support for victims of racial and social injustices.
Following this surge of support, prominent athletes from soccer, cricket, rugby, and basketball adopted the kneeling ritual. Notably, organizations that typically maintain strict policies against political expressions, like FIFA, embraced this act as a stand against discrimination and a call for human rights advocacy.
However, recent findings reveal a marked decline in the practice. At the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, only the England and Wales teams chose to kneel, while the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand saw no teams taking part in this gesture. The trend continued into the 2024 Olympic soccer tournament in Paris, further indicating a waning acceptance of kneeling among athletes.
Far from signifying apathy towards racial injustice, the drop in kneeling may stem from players’ evolving perspectives on the gesture itself. Crystal Palace’s Wilfried Zaha, who opted not to kneel, expressed that he finds the act degrading, reinforcing a message about pride and standing tall in one’s identity.
In sociological terms, this sentiment relates to the concept of “cognitive dissonance,” where individuals struggle between their beliefs and actions. The historical significance of kneeling—perceived across many cultures as a gesture of submission—may conflict with the empowering spirit athletes want to embody during competition.
Consequently, alternatives to kneeling are emerging. For example, the Australian rugby union team proudly donned First Nations jerseys to express solidarity. Similarly, in Germany’s top soccer league, teams showcased their commitment to social justice by wearing distinct armbands. These adaptive methods of activism could replace kneeling and provide athletes with a more resonant means of expressing their support for marginalized communities.
As the world of sports continues to evolve, the conversations around activism and solidarity remain crucial. The journey from kneeling to new forms of expression reflects the dynamic nature of societal values and highlights the athletes’ commitment to championing meaningful change.
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