The “Lift Every Voice and Sing” (Dubbed the “Black National Anthem”) was performed at Super Bowl LVII, and viewers immediately let their opinions be known about a segregated National Anthem.
Following country music star Chris Stapleton’s performance of the National Anthem, “Lift Every Voice and Sing” (Dubbed the “Black National Anthem”) was performed before Super Bowl LVII by actress and singer Sheryl Lee Ralph, and controversy immediately arose, with many feeling as though the country is reverting to segregated times, with African Americans now having their own National Anthem, an anthem intended to represent the nation as a whole.
On the other hand, many felt empowered by the anthem having been sung before the United States largest viewed and traditionally most anticipated sporting event. This comes during Black History Month, and having two Black quarterbacks going head-to-head for the first time in Super Bowl history.
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However, in response to this argument in favor of the “Black National Anthem,” many feel as though the NFL and supporters of the anthem are intentionally attempting to dismantle the cultural significance of the unity behind the National Anthem. Opting for racial division as opposed to racial unity in the United States.
“Black National Anthem” is an oxymoron. We are ONE nation under God. If you think otherwise, you’re in support of segregation. It’s that simple.
— Xaviaer DuRousseau (@XAVIAERD) February 12, 2023
Spoiler Alert: The people pushing the “Black National Anthem” aren’t trying to unify the country, they’re trying to divide it.
— ALX 🇺🇸 (@alx) February 12, 2023
As a result of the “Black National Anthem: having been performed at Super Bowl LVII, many have taken to Twitter to make the hashtag #BoycottNFL trend.
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However, with the Super Bowl already having been played and with over 200 days until kickoff for the next NFL season, it’s unlikely that this will be a large enough movement to last until the 2023 NFL season in September.
Divisive 'Black National Anthem' Sung at Super Bowl LVII
"Diversity" divides a nation and destroys it from within – as we are seeing now.
More reason to continue to #BoycottNFL
— ꧁🍃 Ɣ 🍃꧂ (@V_its_me_) February 13, 2023
The shame of @nflcommish continues.. from sheltering of wife-beaters, the harboring of known criminals, and now a black National Anthem??.. #WakeUpAmerica #BoycottNFL #FBLM #DumpGoddell #FJB https://t.co/3gyOiuGrqW
— Charles Yannetti (@CharlesYannetti) February 13, 2023
The “Black National Anthem” largely rose to prominence following 2020, a year that saw the BLM protests and riots following the death of George Floyd. Many believe a separate national anthem for a particular race could be seen as divisive and harmful to the idea of a unified nation. Many also believe that a separate national anthem for a specific race is not necessary, and that American citizens of all races should be coming together to celebrate the United States, not specific ethnicities within the United States.
If you want to have a separate National Anthem start your own country. We have one National Anthem and the NFL are cowards for cow towing and letting this be done.
So, are we waiting on a native American anthem? Pakistani anthem, chinese anthem? Or what?? I say NO to this and will not be singing or standing for it at any stadium in the future. I say boycott any sports teams who indulge in this. I dont know ANY nation which has more than ONE NATIONAL anthem.
ALL THESE IDIOTS PUSHING A “NATIONAL BLACK ANTHEM” DONT GIVE A CRAP ABOUT UNIFYING THIS COUNTRY. HELL WHY DONT WE HAVE TO SEPARATE NFL SUPER BOWLS.., ONE FOR THE BLACK PLAYERS AND ONE FOR THE WHITES?? MAKES JUST ABOUT AS MUCH DAM SENSE AS 2 NATIONAL ANTHEMS. WE ARE THE ONLKY COUNTRY IN THE WORLD TO HAVE 2 “NATIONAL” ANTHEMS. HOW IDIOTICALLY STUPID IS THAT?