It has come to my attention that the NFL has done something deemed so horrific that many Americans feel it is necessary to flood Facebook feeds everywhere with detailed descriptions of their shock. Before you stop reading in disinterest, don’t worry, it’s not the organization’s constant apathetic attitude towards battered and raped women that people are outraged about. No, it is the inflammatory act of allowing their players to kneel during the national anthem in solidarity with black Americans who have been unjustly killed. For a week now, I have seen person after person claim to be horrified at the disrespect shown towards our flag and what’s worse, our veterans with the act of a kneeled position. They share posts, pictures, and memes all with the intent of showing how very patriotic they are and how much they care.

Oh, the hypocrisy. I am neither a person of color nor am I a veteran but I’m writing as someone who finds it so very convenient that people are suddenly upset over the “disrespect” our anthem, flag, and veterans are receiving. I did not see any of these people displaying outrage a few months ago when millions of Americans were about to lose their health insurance, including the many veterans and their families who rely on Medicaid. I did not see them get upset when the brave soldiers who identify as Transgender while serving their country were disrespected by our President last month. I didn’t see them getting angry when the President (yes, the same one that “boldly” called the athletes out on their “disrespect”) forgot to put his hand on his heart during the national anthem. This leads me to conclude that it is only when black Americans exercise their first amendment right that “disrespect” really becomes an issue worthy enough for some people to type out a few lines on social media.

It disgusts me that these Facebook-ers use veterans as the justification for their racism. My childhood home is less than a mile from an active naval base and growing up, I saw the effect that having a loved one in active duty can take on a family. I’ve also had an ancestor fight in almost every war this country has participated in since the eighteenth century. The people that have fought for this country fought for the potential of America. I’m not saying that every veteran or active duty member would agree with how some athletes are choosing to express themselves, but when you fight for such broad concepts and ideals, you cannot pick and choose which interpretations you like best. If you fight for this country, you fight for all of this country. That being said, I do implore those Facebook users who are excitedly exercising their first amendment right of posting their every thought online to do something more impactful with their energy. If you really do care about what happens to veterans, do something that helps them. What if every time someone “disrespects” the troops, you donate five dollars to the VA instead of clogging up my Facebook feed? What if you do some research on why these protests are taking place? Even if you’re at the other end of the spectrum, try sending five dollars (if you can spare it) towards the ACLU instead of engaging in a Facebook fight with your conservative friends. Conversation is great and important, but your Facebook post doesn’t house or feed homeless veterans: money and legislation do. Call your representative, read a bill, vote or donate. Otherwise, don’t act like you care when it’s convenient to you and your “outrage.” Care because it is your civic duty and care in ways that actually affect those being impacted.