😲 USWNT Players Silent During Anthem: Bold Statement or Party Pooper?
TL;DR; A handful of USWNT stars, including Megan Rapinoe, decide to go silent during the national anthem as a sign of protest against social injustice. While some label it a lack of patriotism, others applaud their courage and conviction. 🔥🇺🇸
Every time that iconic anthem starts, you’d expect to see a field of athletes belting out their love for the red, white, and blue. But, some US Women’s National Team players decided to play it a bit… differently. Remember the feeling when you’re at a party and someone changes the track mid-jam? Yep, that kind of vibe. 🎵🤐
Led by Megan Rapinoe, this silent choir has opted not to sing the national anthem. Their reason? Protesting social injustices, particularly racial inequality, in America. Now, while some folks (shoutout Megyn Kelly!) think it’s all about “hating the country,” others believe these gals are just turning up the volume on issues that matter. 📢🤨
These silent six—Andi Sullivan, Naoi Girma, Emily Fox, Sophia Smith, Crystal Dunn, and Trinity Rodman—stood firm against the backdrop of the anthem in New Zealand’s World Cup matches. Their gesture? Arms at the side or behind their backs, a pose some label ‘disrespectful’ but could also be seen as them having… well, a backbone. 💪
It’s not the first time though. Flashback to 2020: Rapinoe, our MVP of stirring the pot, chose not to sing the anthem for similar reasons. She has been quite the beacon for LGBTQ rights, pay equality, and the Black Lives Matter movement. But let’s be real, taking a stance, especially a silent one, always comes with its set of critics. So, where do you stand—or sing?
One key highlight here is the tennis legend Martina Navratilova, who served some real talk back at Kelly’s critiques. She’s of the opinion that playing hard and winning is how the team defends the country, not necessarily by singing. Well, when you put it that way…🎾🔥
Defender Girma, a member of the silent anthem crew, seems unfazed by the whirlwind of opinions surrounding her. Pre-game ritual? Just focusing on the game. Can’t fault an athlete for having their eyes on the prize, can you? 🥅⚽
With the World Cup in full swing and the USWNT aiming for another trophy, one has to wonder: Will their pitch performance outshine their silent anthem stance, or will this be the chorus of their World Cup journey?
Whatever goes down on the field, here’s a question for all you netizens out there: Is silence always golden, or are there moments it can be a tad too loud? 🤔🏆
