AMERICAN SYMBOLISM AND RACIAL

HYPOCRISY

By : Aislinn Wallace

Liberty and freedom are our country ’ s ideals . So why does this not translate as so to all

Americans ? Why have Americans of color always challenged the American symbolisms that

represent these ideals ? Simple , because the application of these ideals , & “ liberty and justice for

all ” are not extended to all . Racial hypocrisy is the inability to apply the same ideals of freedom ,

equality , and justice to people of color based on no other reason than race . The deception of

telling Americans that all men are created equal while living in a land that systemically

oppresses people of color is the exact reason certain Americans show opposition to the

symbols that are supposed to represent these ideals .

Over time we ’ ve seen athletes and other celebrities of color who large platforms shine light on

the oppression of people of color in the United States , through making it a point to not recognize

American symbols . Colin Kaepernick was one of those athletes who decided to use his platform

to take a stand against the oppression of people of color by not standing for the national anthem

in a preseason game . And it was , of course , countered with hostility from mainly white

Americans who felt that him not standing for the national anthem was disrespectful to this

country and its military . While most white Americans view the national anthem , the American

flag , and the pledge of alliegiance as representations of peace , bravery , and freedom ( the ideal

narrative America was built on ). People of color do not because , as previously stated , racial