The decision by some fans, mostly White, to boycott the National Football League (NFL) has sparked mixed reactions. These fans became upset after “Lift Every Voice and Sing” was played.
“Lift Every Voice and Sing,” often referred to as the Black National Anthem, was performed before kickoff at the Kansas City Chiefs vs. Baltimore Ravens game on Thursday evening.
Following the performance, some White NFL fans took to social media to issue boycott threats, accusing the NFL of being divisive and warning that they would no longer watch the games. The NFL has been featuring the Black National Anthem at games since 2020.
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“Boycott the NFL,” one fan wrote. “Ridiculous.”
“BOYCOTT THE NFL for playing the Black National Anthem,” another fan stated. “There is only ONE National Anthem.”
In response to these threats, American sports journalist Jemele Hill hit back, criticizing the ‘White’ critics.
In an X post, Hill wrote: “So every year we just have to go through this thing where some white people get ridiculously angry upon discovering 1) that a Black national anthem exists 2) that the NFL has been playing it for years at the start of the season.”
So every year we just have to go through this thing where some white people get ridiculously angry upon discovering 1) that a Black national anthem exists 2) that the NFL has been playing it for years at the start of the season.
— Jemele Hill (@jemelehill) September 6, 2024
Amid the social media uproar, other fans dismissed the critics, suggesting their threats were hollow.
“Man… these people saying they’ll boycott the NFL are just fooling themselves. As soon as their team is on TV, they’re switching the channel on ASAP,” one fan joked.
“First a knee gets them triggered, now a song… but kids dying in school sure doesn’t,” another fan commented.
“Honestly, it’s not a big deal. Nice lady singing a nice song — and over half the NFL is Black. Plus, they sang the official National Anthem too. So, I don’t think this is a big issue,” added another fan.
While everyone is entitled to their opinion, boycotting the NFL over the performance of “Lift Every Voice and Sing” seems unnecessary.
What do you think? Share your thoughts in the comments section.
