The NFL is once again under fire for its decision to play “Lift Every Voice and Sing,” also known as the “Black National Anthem,” before its games. Critics argue that this move is divisive and unnecessary, calling for a boycott of the league until it stops pandering to the so-called “woke” agenda and returns to exclusively playing the Star-Spangled Banner, the one national anthem that represents all Americans.
Conservative voices across the country are speaking out against the NFL’s continued insistence on injecting identity politics into sports. Among the most vocal is conservative commentator Paul A. Szypula, who took to social media to slam the NFL. “Apparently, the NFL hasn’t caught on that people, and many companies, are over the DEI garbage,” Szypula said. “There is ONE anthem for this country, and it’s for everyone who is proud to be an American. Their pandering is embarrassing.”
The outrage is part of a broader pushback against corporate wokeism, where companies have been forced to scale back on divisive diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs in the face of conservative pressure. Critics argue that playing the “Black National Anthem” is just another example of virtue-signaling that serves to divide rather than unite Americans.
Many fans share this sentiment. A vocal user on X (formerly Twitter) suggested that the NFL’s decision to feature the song is part of a deliberate attempt to foster division in society. “This is a communist tactic, to sow racial divisions within society,” the user posted. “It’s part of a divide-and-conquer strategy. So the NFL execs are communists or they are bowing to communists. People need to be wiser than communism, we outnumber them!”
The frustration over the “Black National Anthem” isn’t new. Former ESPN commentator-turned-conservative voice, Sage Steele, has also publicly criticized the decision to play the song before games. In a recent discussion, Steele expressed her dismay over what she sees as a move that further divides the country. “Why are we now choosing to separate again when we’ve been in a tough time here the past several years?” Steele asked. “This is only our anthem, but y’all better stand up. Get your a** up. … I think we’re all Americans and it’s our anthem.”
Steele’s frustration reflects the feelings of many sports fans who are tired of having politics forced upon them when all they want is to enjoy a game. She referred to the “Black National Anthem” as the “blanthem,” emphasizing how disconnected most Americans are from this new ritual. “What’s that? The black national anthem. Because it’s new and they’re shoving it down people’s throats. What are we doing?”
The pushback against the NFL is the latest in a growing wave of opposition to the woke agenda infiltrating American culture, entertainment, and sports. From Bud Light to Disney, consumers are speaking up, sending a clear message: enough is enough. People want to support institutions that unite rather than divide, and for many, the playing of the “Black National Anthem” represents the opposite of unity.
For a sport that once brought Americans of all backgrounds together, the NFL’s decision to continue down this path is seen as a betrayal. While some may cheer for the inclusion of the song, the overwhelming response from many fans has been one of frustration and anger. They believe that the Star-Spangled Banner is the one anthem that truly reflects the spirit of the nation and should be the only anthem played before games.
In a time when America desperately needs to come together, critics argue that the NFL’s insistence on division through identity politics is taking the country in the wrong direction. Whether the league will listen to the growing calls for unity remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: Americans are paying attention, and they’re not happy.
