Patriotism, by definition, "is an emotional attachment to a nation which an individual recognizes as their homeland."
As Americans, we've come to understand patriotism as pledges to our flag, national anthems at sporting events, Old Glory pin lapels and hot dogs on the Fourth of July.
I've always stood for the national anthem. I'm thankful to live in a country whose leaders don't bash me in the head or toss me in a cell for speaking my mind. I'm even paid to give my views, and that's a beautiful thing.
But I don't pretend to understand the emotional attachment everyone in this country has with their homeland. Not everyone grew up in my middle-class suburban Broward County, Florida, neighborhood with parents who gave them a weekly allowance and sent them to sleep-away camp. And even those who do live comfortable lives in this country might recognize vast disparities worth scrutinizing.
A small but gutsy group of NFL players has forced us to talk about patriotism. It's easy to say those four Miami Dolphins players shouldn't have kneeled in front of the flag on the 15th anniversary of the Sept. 11 terror attacks. Many Americans found it distasteful and the players understand that. It was a day of mourning to remember the worst terrorist attack to ever hit our mainland.
But this debate, which began with San Francisco quarterback Colin Kaepernick's decision to kneel during the national anthem in the preseason, has me pondering patriotism and what it really means. And that's the point.
"I don't think everybody's even ready to admit there is a conversation that needs to be had," safety Michael Thomas, one of the Dolphins who kneeled, told me Monday. "But there is. There's a conversation that needs to continue about inequality, injustice to minorities in the system. Something needs to be done. It wasn't an easy decision to do it on 9/11."
Thomas feels he both honored the memory of 9/11 by observing the moment of silence and sent a message of change by kneeling during the anthem with his hand on his heart. He and the other Dolphins players have the support of owner Stephen Ross and they plan to use the Ross Initiative in Sports for Equality to further boost their message.
The prevailing argument is that as American citizens, we have a duty to respect and honor our flag. Otherwise, we can live somewhere else. And NFL players have even more of a responsibility to honor the flag because they're role models and the country has treated them well.
That's way too simplistic. NFL players around the league who raised fists and kneeled have a single commonality, and that's race. All of the Seahawks and Chiefs players joined in interlocking arms, but so far the most controversial protests have come from a total of 18 black players.
Unless you're black, you don't understand what it's like to be an African-American citizen. And even if you are black, not everyone has the same experiences.
Various studies have estimated as many as 90 percent of black Americans are descendants of Africans who were forcibly brought to the United States in the slave trade.
My family willingly came here a century ago to escape anti-Semitism in Europe. They chose to be Americans. But others didn't, including many black citizens who feel they're still treated as second-class citizens by law enforcement. Those with a platform desperately want to raise awareness. To them, that's patriotism.
No one has a trademark on patriotism, and we each it perceive it differently. The flag and the national anthem are easy forms of patriotism. You stand as one to show you love your country and honor those who have died for it.
But who are we to say these players love their country any less than we do?
Denver Broncos linebacker Brandon Marshall, who kneeled before Thursday night's win against Carolina, is already losing endorsements. He feels so strongly about this issue that he will continue to protest.
Thomas said it "took a lot of strength and courage" to kneel in front of the entire nation. He doesn't hate America. He doesn't hate the police. Last year, Fort Pierce declared a day in honor of Thomas. He was given keys to the city for his community involvement with children, teachers, firefighters and, yes, law enforcement.
"Think of all the killings, police brutality, social injustice _ there is a disconnect," Thomas said. "Maybe that person didn't listen to the cop because of fear. Maybe the cop didn't actually ask what was really going on and he acted out of fear, rage. There's a disconnect and it's going to take a conversation on both sides before we can actually make change."
It can only help to hear where these athletes are coming from. Perhaps you'll gain a new perspective. Maybe you'll remain unmoved. But if patriotism is truly an emotional attachment to your homeland, try to understand how everyone in our country feels.
ABOUT THE WRITER
Andrew Abramson is a columnist for the Sun Sentinel. Readers may email him at aabramson@sunsentinel.com.
