Netflix Doc Director Discusses the US NBA Players Who Kneel During the Anthem
The National Basketball Association (NBA) has long been a symbol of unity and diversity, with players from all over the world coming together to compete and entertain. However, in recent years, the association has faced controversy surrounding the issue of protests during the national anthem. Specifically, some players have chosen to kneel during the anthem, sparking heated debates about free speech, patriotism, and social justice.
In an exclusive interview with Netflix Documentaries, director Stanley P. Johnson, who has produced several documentaries on social justice issues, weighed in on the topic, shedding light on the complex and often polarizing issue.
"Kneeling during the national anthem is a conversation that is deeply rooted in issues of racism, oppression, and systemic inequality," Johnson explained. "Many of these players are not apologetically using their platform to draw attention to the systemic injustices faced by many communities of color in this country. It’s a powerful statement that requires attention and action."
Johnson, who has worked on films such as "The Black Panthers: Vanguard of the Revolution" and "Times of Slack: The Pro-Black Years," emphasized the importance of understanding the historical context behind the protest. "The Black Power movement of the 1960s was characterized by militant and sometimes violent resistance, but it was also marked by a strong sense of unity and collective action. The same is true for the movement today. Kneeling during the anthem is not just about individual freedom of speech, but about collective action and resistance."
One of the most prominent instances of kneeling during the anthem in the NBA was when American football player Colin Kaepernick, now a quarterback for the San Francisco 49ers, began doing so in 2016 as a form of protest against police brutality and systemic racism. Kaepernick’s actions sparked widespread debate, with some supporters hailing him as a hero and others branding him a traitor. Johnson believes that Kaepernick’s actions sparked a national conversation about the country’s racial reckoning.
"Kaepernick’s actions served as a catalyst for a broader conversation about racism, police brutality, and systemic inequality," Johnson said. "It’s not just about the NFL or the NBA; it’s about the yawning chasm of disconnection between the American promise of equality and the lived experiences of many communities of color."
Johnson acknowledged that not all NBA players choose to kneel during the anthem, and that some may have differing opinions on the matter. "Respect for the national anthem is a deeply personal and subjective matter, and I respect the right of every individual to hold their own opinion. However, the notion that kneeling during the anthem is unpatriotic or anti-American is a flawed and ahistorical perspective."
The director also highlighted the role that social media has played in perpetuating the debate. "Social media has both amplified the voices of the protesters and festished the fires of division. It’s important to engage in constructive dialogue, to listen, and to acknowledge the humanity of others."
Johnson concluded, "The fight for racial justice is not a partisan issue, nor is it limited to the sports world. It’s a human issue that requires empathy, understanding, and collective action. By engaging in honest and constructive dialogue, we can begin to bridge the divides that have long plagued our society and move closer to a more just and equitable world."
The debate surrounding kneeling during the national anthem is far from over, but with directors like Stanley P. Johnson shedding light on the issue, it’s clear that the national conversation will continue to evolve and grow.
