In these times of protest and popular dissent, it is interesting to see the ways the general population reacts to unpopular methods of protesting. At Manhattanville College in downstate New York, a senior forward on the basketball team, Toni Smith, has taken her protests to the court, refusing to face the American flag during the national anthem.
That in itself is not worth media attention; what has garnered such response was the reaction of the fans. During each game, fans of the opposing teams are given American flags to wave at Smith and agitate her. This reaction proves that while she has gotten the attention her cause warrants, her audience has failed to understand her cause. Rather than protesting anti-American sentiment, what they are protesting is her right to free expression.
This matter begins with Smith, who chose to exercise her right of free speech during the national anthem at this season's basketball games. Though she has said her dissent is to protest American foreign policy, it is unclear why she suddenly felt that this was the time or the place to air her grievances. If she feels strongly about her cause, her position would be best advocated in other forms of activism. Her stand toward the issue shows that she is willing to stand up against adversity, and that quality should help her greatly if she decides to take up activism in the name of her cause.
If her goal was to increase awareness that she can do this, she has been very successful. The fact that her case is being discussed across the nation shows how many people are willing to discuss the extent of civil liberties. The debate about her actions also shows how polarized America has become on the issues surrounding her moves.
Unfortunately, the publicity is not focused on her beliefs, but instead on the response she has garnered from opposing fans. A Vietnam War veteran walked onto the court during the game and advanced toward her while brandishing an American flag. While he was removed from the court, she is protested against wherever her team travels. Opposing fans are handed American flags and are encouraged to taunt her. If those fans chose not to notice her display of free speech and did not help create spectacle, no one would be hearing about this story.
If people are going to argue with her, the argument should be based on the merits of her points, not her rights to display her disapproval. If that is the issue, then the basketball court is not the place to have such a debate. Any fan that is angry at how she is protesting has completely missed the point and is guilty of whatever anti-American claims are being made against her.
Now that she has gained national attention, it is interesting to see what she will do with her position. If she is able to transform her publicity into advocacy and activism, she will be a success. If she falls flat and cannot back up her points, however, she has no one to blame but herself.
If Smith feels the need to protest, her views should be expressed off the court as clearly as they are on the court. Those protesting against her - people who are bursting with patriotism - should be advocating freedom, including Smith's. Both sides of the issue must realize what they are arguing for, and now that they are on the national stage, both have the opportunity to do so.
Photo: Courtesy of Laron Fomby
