National Anthem Kneelers Poorly Communicated Message

Dear Editor,

Many who initially opposed kneeling protests changed positions due to the death of George Floyd. Some had voluntary change of heart while others feared increased pressure. It’s their right. Early supporters blame early complaints for failure to address kneelers concerns. In short, opponents have been blamed for failure to address police brutality in time. Initial complaints over kneeling have been falsely portrayed as evidence of systemic racism. In this explanation, opponents failed to understand the intention due to underlying racism.

In reality, this only proves that Colin Kaepernick and kneeling protestors poorly communicated. They used a powerfully divisive gesture with absolutely no explanation. Without words, viewers were left with their own logical interpretations. Kneeling during the anthem symbolized anger toward the government, its representatives and patriots. The only way for viewers to understand the message, understand the intention, was to expend energy and time to research. They had to literally watch post game shows or read coverage. Attendees who just wanted to watch the game could not be expected to research. The message and forum were poorly selected for anything except inciting greater distrust.

The response to critics further inflamed mistrust. It isn’t the recipients fault the communicator chose such divisive offending tactics. Instead of changing format to address valid concerns, Colin Kaepernick and supporters attacked them to the point that the message was lost entirely. We spent the past several months debating the offensiveness of the presentation, why opposing perspectives were offended, defending the rights of legitimately offended individuals to be offended and the treatment of Colin Kaepernick. We spent so much time discussing everything else, other than the intended message, the message was lost. Mr Kaepernick failed to communicate effectively, period.

Mr Kaepernick demonstrated textbook poor communication. In the end, the acts of one or a few can only be attributed to those individuals. However, critics continue to be accused of racism that caused Mr. Floyd’s death. Perhaps if Mr. Kaepernick had changed his strategy to consider opposition criticism, we could have addressed the intentions prior to events leading to Mr Floyd’s death? His failure and stubbornness is much more responsible for this lost opportunity than anything else. The communicator had much more power to shape the discussion than the receiver. Yet we are blaming the receiver for valid concerns.

Alan Burke

 

Prepare To Be Robbed And Blackmailed

Dear Editor,

Let’s chum the waters and see what rises from the bottom.

Citizens in Minneapolis have been abandoned by their government. Particularly the 3rd precinct, which was the foundation for the failed country of CHOP. They were told, in a letter from the city government and law enforcement, written on July 28, “Robberies and Carjacking’s have increased in our precinct. Cell phones, purses, and vehicles are being targeted. Some victims have been maced, dragged, assaulted, and threatened with a gun. 100 robberies and 20 carjackings have been reported to the 3rd Precinct Police in July alone.” Instead of increasing police presence they are told to protect themselves and if confronted to surrender their property. From the letter, “Be prepared to give up your cell phone and purse/wallet.” Also, if confronted by a violent robber they should “do as they say.”

Hey, Greensboro City Council, are you taking notes? You could save yourself some time and have Minneapolis City Council email you a copy of the whole letter for distribution.

In Louisville, one Phelix Crittenden, the “lead supply organizer for BLM Louisville chapter,” created a group called “Blacks Organizing Strategic Success.” Its website claims to be a “creative cooperative designed to level the playing field” and “empowering minorities with business resources & networking opportunities.” It seems they have been going around to local businesses making them an offer they can’t refuse. Among their demands:

Adequately represent the black population of Louisville by having a minimum of 23 percent black staff

Purchase a minimum of 23 percent inventory from black retailers or make a recurring monthly donation of 1.5 percent of net sales to a local black nonprofit or organization

Require diversity and inclusion training for all staff members on a bi-annual basis

And display a visible sign that increases awareness and shows support for the reparations movement

And they created a “Social Justice Rating System” and businesses are given a social credit score based on how many demands they met. The grades are “Ally,” “Complicit” and “Failed.” If they fail to cave … I mean comply … I mean pay protection, “protesters would respond by launching negative reviews and social media posts about the businesses,” according to WDRB-TV.

Businesses have been told they “better put the letter on the door so your business is not f***ed with.”

Cue “The Godfather” theme.

There is more of this stuff to come … it just takes time to make it up.

Alan Marshall

 

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