Josh Howard - Star Spangled Banner

By now most everyone has seen the YouTube video of Josh Howard stating that he doesn’t celebrate the National Anthem (in a bit more colorful language). As expected, he has taken a lot of heat for the comment. I have a few questions that everyone should ponder before judging Howard’s statements. First, what does the National Anthem (and the US Flag for that matter) stand for?

1. the citizens of the US
2. the freedoms democracy provides
3. the government of the US
4. all the above
5. none of the above

The answer to this question is important when assessing how the Anthem is viewed, specifically by African Americans. As a history lesson, the Star Spangled Banner was written during the War of 1812. This was a war between the US, Great Britain and BG’s colonies. As the lyrics suggest, it was a rallying song after a battle. African Americans were forced to fight in this war, though we were still slaves and enjoyed no freedoms. You could see why the song may not inspire a tearful outpouring of joy for African Americans. While White Americans were fighting for free trade and wealth during the War of 1812, African Americans were still hoping not to be killed for learning to read. In fact, soon after African Americans were freed we adopted “Lift Every Voice and Sing” as our unofficial National Anthem.

My second question is why should Howard have unwavering love for America? The first thing people say is that he made $9 million last year living in America playing basketball. I say “so what”, and “good for him”. Josh Howard was born into poverty, and he and his family lived in those conditions until he was drafted at the age of 23. So for 23 of 28 years, Howard was one of the children that were “left behind”. The NBA, like any other business, hires the best employee. The US didn’t give Howard $9 million. His hard work, natural athletic ability (a product of 300-400 years of selective breeding of African Americans during slavery) is what earned him an NBA contract. There are many Americans working for International companies. Josh Childress just signed a contract with a Greek team. Is he now required to LOVE Greece? After having success in the US, no US company would pay him what he was worth. Should he now hate America?

I am a Black man who stands up when the National Anthem is played. I have traveled to many countries around the world and KNOW the US to be the best country on the planet. That doesn’t mean the US is without problems, nor does it mean that I have to like and accept everything about it. If that were the case the NBA and NFL would be boring, and Babe Ruth would still be the Home Run King. So, before you blindly crucify Josh Howard, at least learn the history…then tell him that he is an idiot for making the statement on camera. That comment and the weed smoking statement may prevent him from making $9 million a year going forward!!!

TheGapMan

TheGapMan@live.com