In a move that has ignited a storm of controversy among conservatives, the NFL recently announced that this year’s Super Bowl will feature a performance of the “black national anthem.” Grammy-winning R&B sensation Andra Day is set to take the stage to deliver this alternative anthem, a decision that has rekindled a fiery debate about unity and identity in America.
The “black national anthem” was first introduced alongside the Star Spangled Banner at NFL games back in 2020 and has been a part of Super Bowl ceremonies ever since. However, the recent announcement has brought this issue to the forefront once again, with critics arguing that it only serves to divide rather than unite the nation.
Prominent conservative commentator Charlie Kirk voiced his concerns, stating that the introduction of a separate anthem for a specific racial group may be a misguided attempt at unity. He firmly believes that the Star Spangled Banner already serves as a unifying anthem for all Americans, regardless of their backgrounds.
“The NFL has declared that the so-called ‘Black National Anthem’ will be featured at the Super Bowl. In reality, the Star-Spangled Banner is the anthem that unites all Americans. The effort to establish a ‘black national anthem’ and even a ‘black Independence Day’ with Juneteenth only contributes to the wider project of dividing Americans along racial lines,” Kirk expressed passionately on X.
Others have raised concerns that the alternative anthem might inadvertently perpetuate a sense of anti-white sentiment. “The NFL appears to be perpetuating an anti-white agenda, deepening divisions during this year’s Super Bowl. If you support such a divisive agenda, then enjoy the game. I, for one, will not,” stated Paul A. Szypula on X.
Calls for an NFL boycott have also emerged as a form of protest. Conservatives have demonstrated their ability to organize successful boycotts in the past, as seen in the Bud Light and Target controversies from the previous year.
“Fans have only themselves to blame. An organized boycott can put an end to this nonsense within a few short weeks. Instead of complaining, let’s use our influence to orchestrate a boycott and convey to the NFL what it needs to do to regain its audience,” urged Biff Gruffly.
One X user went further to explain how the NFL’s involvement in the cultural and political landscape has completely turned them away from the sport. “Once again, one of the many reasons why I no longer watch the NFL or have any interest in it. I do not belong to the audience they are catering to. I believe in unity, and the NFL does not seem to share the same values,” wrote Benjamin Hinson.
Another individual shared similar sentiments, expressing their discomfort with the NFL’s perceived involvement in divisive racial politics. “I might just be done with the NFL. We already have a National Anthem that symbolizes the diversity of the great American melting pot. Creating an anthem specifically for one racial group feels like a slap in the face to every other ethnicity and to our nation as a whole,” they added.
Conservative personality Lavern Spicer emphasized the importance of the Star Spangled Banner as a unifying anthem for all Americans, regardless of their ethnicity. “The Black National Anthem is the Star Spangled Banner. The White National Anthem is the Star Spangled Banner. The Mixed National Anthem is the Star Spangled Banner,” she passionately asserted on X. “If you reside in the UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, your National Anthem is the Star Spangled Banner.”
The decision by the NFL to include the “black national anthem” at the Super Bowl has undoubtedly rekindled a fervent debate about unity, identity, and the role of symbols in American society. As the country watches this year’s Super Bowl, these discussions will continue to resonate in the hearts and minds of Americans from all walks of life.
