Quote:
Originally Posted by TwistedChief
Sure, but his view doesn't change. And for a lot of people, that's the problem. It's like his view is frozen in ice regardless of the evolution of the situation.
I thought the Malcolm Jenkins response was very powerful. Maybe it's not how some of you feel, but are you saying he's just too sensitive? Or is it more likely it's just difficult to empathize with what black people experience?
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Or is it more likely that Brees does empathize with what black people experience, but he has his own experience regarding reverence for the flag and the anthem that Malcolm doesn't quite feel.
It's tough to be critical when people are emotional and trying to express themselves, but not doing a great job. But Malcolm says BOTH that his relationship with the anthem and flag aren't as rosy as he assumes Brees' is, AND that he was 'just trying to raise awareness.'
Remember that old commercial where the husband takes a sip of coffee and says 'mmm, good coffee' and the wife then goes into a depressive funk because 'he always used to say GREAT coffee?' Sometimes people take anything less than complete and undivided acclaim as total rejection.
And sometimes people get overly invested in their own intentions and lose sight of how they hurt others. And that's an ironic blindspot to have when you are seeking empathy and connectedness.
The presentation of the flag and the playing of the anthem is supposed to a moment where everyone forgets all other concerns and remind themselves for a moment of what connects us. And if you kneel, or turn your back, or sit on an exercycle, . . . WHATEVER IT IS YOU INTEND TO SAY, you are saying at that moment 'this moment of unity is not for me.'