When I watch a football game, I want to watch a game. I don’t want to be given a lecture on societal issues that have seemed to plague our country. Yet, the NFL has constantly reminded its fanbase that in their eyes we are a nation of hateful bigots. We might be a nation of many things, but I will not subscribe to the notion that we have regressed so far that we are back to the days of Jim Crowe laws or earlier.

The NFL began its Inspire Change Initiative in 2018 but decided to get into the political foray in 2020 with messages like “Vote” and “End Racism” adorning the end zones of every stadium. The official line for why they went to this extent may reflect that initiative, but the feeling is the summer of 2020 pushed the messaging to the forefront in big block letters for all to see.

While the problem isn’t necessary the messages the league wants to convey, the problem comes down to just how full of shit the NFL and the players association really is pertaining to it. As stated above, nobody wants to be brow-beaten over some messaging that pertains to how we should conduct ourselves in civilized society. Nobody wants to be called a racist either no matter how subtle the message is presented.

There are five messages altogether. “It Takes All of Us” is painted in one end zone with a choice of the “Choose Love”, “Inspire Change”, “Stop Hate” and the aforementioned “End Racism” as the other selections. Players can opt to wear a message of their choice on the back of their helmets.

Now, don’t get it twisted. I want all these things for our country and even the world. However, these messages tend to come across as hollow when you consider the state of things that are occurring in this country.

“It Takes All of Us”

Let’s start with the primary one. Painted in every stadium, the message suggests working together to achieve a better way of life. The problem is, we are a very divided country. It doesn’t help that we have Left-leaning politicians call out conservatives for their beliefs and lump us into the same despicable category as the KKK (a Democrat-based hate group) or fascists. Last I checked, we are allowed to have a difference of opinion. Yet, common sense issues like boys staying out of girls’ sports and their bathrooms draw the ire of the most extreme liberals. So, how are we to work together when we can’t even get protect our kids? The message here is nice, but ultimately falls short of the mark because we will always disagree on the simplest of issues.

“Choose Love”

If there was ever a message that was so full of shit, it has to be this one. We have a difficult time just being decent to each other. Keep in mind the same ilk who came up with this particular message would probably react to a conservative wearing a MAGA hat similar to Donald Sutherland at the end of the “Invasion of the Body Snatchers.” How are we supposed to choose love when a lot of people want to reach for hate? Look no further than the reactions to Charlie Kirk’s death where people openly celebrated murder. That is the complete opposite of choosing love.

“Inspire Change”

This is an interesting one. On the surface, the change we hope to inspire (at least to me) is be better and treat everyone with dignity and respect. Learn from our mistakes in the past and be the change that moves us forward. During the Biden Administration, it felt like we were re-visiting some of the most turbulent times of nation’s history and was running counter to what we should have been doing. So, my question is this: NFL, what change did you have in mind?

“Stop Hate”

I am not naïve to the fact that there are people who despise others based on race, religion or creed. Depending on who you ask, one side will tell you it’s the other. The truth is we are all guilty. White, black, Hispanic, Asian…it doesn’t matter. I’ve seen instances of hate that goes beyond skin color. I have personally been disowned by lifelong friends simply because I voted for Trump for three straight election cycles. If you had told me when I was 18 years old (27 years ago) that I would be judged and hated for who I voted for, I would have laughed at you. I would not have taken it seriously. If the last few years have been any indication, anything and everything is possible.

“End Racism”

This is downright comical. First, I don’t think we have a race problem in this country. I think we have a problem with certain people (namely politicians and the media) who create a narrative that we are a racist country. The driving catalyst always seems to be if a white guy does something to a black guy. What usually pushes the narrative? Bad cops. I’m not talking about those who have a legitimate bust or pull someone over for speeding. That shit is old. I’m talking about how a city can hire cops who shouldn’t be working in the position and abuse their authority. Yet, that has transcended law enforcement and onto the average, everyday citizen. Daniel Penny was charged with second-degree manslaughter and criminally negligent homicide because he stepped up and subdued a black man who was acting erratically and who he felt was a threat to those on the train. A good Samaritan damn near lost his freedom for doing the right thing. Now, I’m willing to bet had this man he put into a chokehold been a white guy, it’s a pat on the back and a show of gratitude.

Staying on the topic and focusing on speech, let’s talk about the use of the “N-word” during games. The black community thinks they are the only ones allowed to say it and if that is how they feel, so be it. But, wouldn’t it be counter-productive to ending racism if we maintain such an ugly slur in the vernacular of how we communicate with one another? Let the word die already. The players can trash talk without going to such an ugly place. Look up the exchange between the Chiefs Chris Jones and the Eagles Jalen Hurts as the latter was taking a knee to end the game. I found it pretty amusing.

Americans go to games to watch a competitive game. They are not there to be reminded of just how shitty things have become over the past decade. Football fans want a reminder of a great highlight and not some dumb, hypocritical message painted in the back of the end zone. Keep the initiative and continuing doing your part to build the fan base and improving our communities. Give us more football and less moral talking points.

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