Reference no: EM133721071

Part 1

With the global pandemic and social awareness, the NBA chose to display Black Lives Matter and different statements on the back of jerseys. The NFL wanted to have the Black National Anthem played at the beginning of the games. As we've seen throughout the sports parts of this class, Black athletes are always held to a higher standard, while still dealing with racism on and off the courts/fields. While many companies are being called out for not hiring qualified Black people, the NFL and NBA have majority Black players and they're standing by their "employees."

Topics to think about and consider when answering:

1. When is it okay for a company/organization to show support for their employees and show that they're trying to change the system? Why is sports one of the main places where they can't show social awareness, but commercials and other forms of media are showing social awareness?
2. Should the National Anthem be played at the beginning of the games or should players be able to opt out until the games start? Why or why not? (Read the full lyrics, not the first verse: National Anthem Full LyricsLinks to an external site.)
3. If athletes win championships, some choose not to go to the White House. Why is that being disrespectful when they were disrespected globally by the former leader of the US? (Look up Steph Curry and Lebron James declining invitation to the White House during NBA championships)
4. Is it wrong for athletes to use their platforms to speak about social justice and bring awareness to people? Why or why not?
5. Besides Colin Kaepernick and Lebron James, who are some of the other athletes and entertainers that are activists? How are they activists and what are they fighting for?