The NFL and Kneeling: Division or Unity In addition to historical records, mas has existed as a social being. All cultures of the world believe so much in unity through strength that excommunication is perceived as one of the most punitive decisions. However, missed goals are common where a predominantly unifying factor leads to division. Likewise, a seemingly divisive issue can end up unifying the group. In such cases, society is involved in endless debates in the aspiration to support, nullify or at least redefine the factor in question. The recent protest featuring players kneeling during the national anthem is an example of debatable arguments regarding the unity or division of society. This article critically examines the controversy surrounding the National Football League (NFL) regarding kneeling (and sitting among some players) during the national anthem to expose the associated unity or division in society. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an original essay Kneeling during the national anthem was introduced by Colin Kaepernick, former quarterback of the San Francisco 49ers, in protest of alleged police brutality against black men.[1] Calling the brutality racial discrimination, Kaepernick resisted defending the flag, an act that President Donald Trump did not take idly. As a result, Trump instructed team managers to fire players who failed to stand during the national anthem,[2] which further fueled the protest. As more and more players “take the knee,” a recurring controversy is evident. The most affected parties include the NFL and its sponsors, football players, the administration and society at large. Realizing that individuals are sometimes motivated to perform some acts when in a group rather than when alone, it is impossible to create a fine line to label the act as a completely unifying or dividing factor. A critical eye on both sides, however, would offer significant insights. To a large extent, kneeling during the national anthem has intensified division in society. While Kaepernick's protest could be justified as an avenue to air his grievances, the protest's impact goes beyond the personal now that a larger group is involved. Several sources report that the controversy has led to increased polarization[3]. In the simplest form, society will have differing opinions regarding the legality of the act. For example, failure to play the national anthem may be perceived as disrespectful to the nation[4]. This view would be strongly held by disciplined officers and many other individuals with the belief that standing during a hymn shows respect for the state. Such individuals would support any action to defend the land from such disrespect. On the other hand, others would perceive this to be right, both because kneeling is also an expression of reverence, and because they believe that Kaepernick and any other individual have the right to choose what to do or not do to safeguard their dignity. If left unchecked, such a division would disrupt the social order and significantly affect national unity. Team officials are also divided in a role conflict, undecided whether to surrender allegiance to the state following the president's directive, or retain their esteemed players. Despite the decision made, the division is certain within the teams, which explains why it is notonly one player was fired[5]. It would be easier to tame a disobeying player, but when multiple players band together in support of their peer, sending them all away threatens the team's operations and puts vast resources at stake. If a team, for example, dared to let go of a player, civil society would be up in arms. Among the players, some will choose to follow Kaepernick's actions while others will follow Trump's advice. This leads to contempt, when a teammate, cherished by the kneeling player decides to stand during the anthem. This slowly exacerbates cabin feelings and significantly threatens team unity. The divide among NFL sponsors is also evident. Some believe that kneeling has negatively affected their sales, while others believe that the NFL and kneeling are not to blame. The impact is felt by shareholders who bear the loss. For example, Papa John's attributes declining pizza sales to its customers' perceptions of NFS, stating that "customers have a negative view of the chain's association with the NFL...NFL leadership has hurt shareholders of Papa John". Realizing that Papa John's is one of NFS's sponsors and advertisers, the divide is clear as other sponsors argue that the NFL and its leadership should not blame the uproar in the conduct of its players. An example is Buffalo Wild Wings Inc finding an opportunity in the controversy, stating that they "see that a lot of our buyers and potential buyers are watching the NFL", so they will do another chicken commercial featuring the NFL. Amid this dispute, the company is divided over whether the players' conduct is tarnishing the NFL's image, which would answer the question of whether the NFL should blame the suffering on the affected companies' shareholders. It is important to note the divide between legislators and the legal society as a whole. One side advocates for legal action against those who do not stand, while others point out that those who kneel deserve a hearing. In such a scenario, supporters are seen to interpret the constitution to suit their interests, and the discussion takes the form of gun laws versus gun rights. Lawyers for the kneeler are quick to point out that Americans perceive the flag differently while their counterparts believe the act is illegal regardless of the rationale behind it. The difference depends on various schools of thought and how you define right and wrong. The everyday American remains split down the middle, and some feel unrepresented when elected legislators take a different stance. This view explains John Schnatter's statement that the controversy “should have been nipped in the bud a year and a half ago,”[6],” a comment that has had hundreds of interpretations. All in all, kneeling during the anthem has polarized American society. Notably, kneeling can also be seen as uniting society in various ways. To begin, it is important to realize that players of all races participate in the NFL.[7] It is well known that people from all walks of life come together during an adverse event. While police brutality is not limited to Black people, Kaepernick takes on the role of doing the unimaginable and links brutality to racial oppression. It is his act that prompts the president to order team owners to fire any player who kneels during the national anthem. Following Trump's instructions, paymasters from various teams join in protest. As a result, more players were seen kneeling during the national anthem and..