The American flag is one of the most recognizable symbols in the world. It is a visible reminder of the most powerful nation on Earth and of the freedoms and liberties it guarantees to its citizens. Over the past few months, two college basketball players, Toni Smith of Manhattanville College and Deidra Chatman of the University, decided to literally turn their backs on the American flag during the playing of the national anthem to protest U.S. foreign policy. WhileSmith and Chatman are entitled to their concerns about the direction of U.S. foreign policy, actions such as these have no place at a sporting event and Smith and Chatman should not exploit their status as student athletes to express their political views.
Those who are upset with the direction of U.S. foreign policy or the chance of a forthcoming war in Iraq should realize that the American flag does not represent a particular president or administration. This country is not the United States of George W. Bush. The flag represents all Americans past and present, especially the millions who lost their lives to ensure Smith and Chatman the freedom to do what they did.
Patriotism is always a thorny issue. Is it "unpatriotic" to turn your back on the flag? Or is a person all the more patriotic when they express their true opinion, albeit an unpopular one? In Smith's case, public opinion has spoken loud and clear. Since she started turning her back on the flag, Smith has been greeted at every visiting arena with flag-waving students who chant "USA" and sing "America the Beautiful." While it may be cruel, can anyone blame them?
Dan Patrick of ESPN points out, "In turning her back on the American flag, Smith is doing more than making her point -- she's rejecting everything the flag and this country represent." So when Smith turns her back on the efforts and lives of those who died for our country, it isn't surprising that people get a little upset. Smith needs to weigh the magnitude of her actions and the unfortunate consequences that might come with them. In 1968, sprinters John Carlos and Tommie Smith carried out a political protest on the medal stand at the Olympic games. Three decades later, Carlos made known that he found gainful employment after the Olympics unattainable. People didn't forget.
When a college athlete puts on a uniform, he assumes the responsibility of representing their school in a dignified manner. Turning your back on the American flag during the national anthem is not acting in a dignified manner. Patrons of sporting events are not paying to see a political protest. They're paying to see well-trained athletes play a sport at a high level of competition. If those who attend sporting events wanted to watch political protests, then they would buy a ticket to the Grammys and watch performances by out-of-touch celebrities wearing anti-war shirts.
The beauty of this country is that Toni Smith and Deidra Chatman, who has since apologized for her actions, are each given the freedom and the right to protest in the manner in which they did. In this country it's even legal to burn the hallowed emblem of red, white and blue. But if Smith and Chatman wanted to protest U.S. foreign policy, they shouldn't have abused the forum given to them as college athletes. They would be equally served to attend a rally, write a letter to a congressman, wear a pin or put a bumper sticker on their car.
The University athletic department did an admirable job in handling the incident. While Smith continues her behavior at Manhattanville with the support of the school president, U.Va. Athletic Director Craig Littlepage was quick to note, "Miss Chatman was not speaking on behalf of the University." However, people won't forget what happened. It is unfortunate that the incident has tainted an otherwise successful season for the women's basketball team.
Supporters of Toni Smith point to her right as an American to stand for what she believes in. No one is denying her this right; the Gestapo and the Stasi aren't hauling her off the court to a military prison. But Smith needs to realize that there is a proper time and a proper place for exercising that right. There is a right to expression in this country, but it isn't acceptable for a legislator to use his right to free expression and raise a middle finger to a fellow legislator on the floor of the U.S. Senate. This country guarantees all of us free speech, but the use of racial epithets is frowned upon and often cruel. Toni Smith and Deidra Chatman should be mindful of the vast majority of fans who stand with a stiff back, remove their hats and face the flag when they carry out their political protests. Their universities should realize that as student athletes it's unacceptable to voice their political concerns by donning an athletic uniform for their college and turning their backs on the American flag.
(Joe Schilling is a Cavalier Daily viewpoint writer.)
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