System theory is an approach for analyzing conflicts by concentrating on interaction patterns among people as part of the entire society. The responsibilities of the involved individuals are also put into consideration while using this theory. The system theory seeks to discover rules that govern a behavior and the role of the conflict in that system ( Wallensteen, 2015 ). The central principle of the theory is that systems operate as interdependent with no heroes, villains, wicked, and upright people.
The conflict to be discussed is that witnessed in 2016 when the NFL player protested by refusing to stand up while the national anthem was played. Colin Kaepernick started the protests by refusing to stand up during the anthem which showed his frustration over the police ruthlessness and racial discriminations across the United States. This has become a nationally divisive issue raising different concerns. This is because many professional athletes and footballers in other sports, as well as high school athletes, has embraced the act of refusing to stand while the national anthem is played. This has ignited debate over the demonstrators’ messages and how they have decided to deliver the message. Supporters of the act argue that this is a suitable and sufficient technique to bring attention to important matters affecting the black Americans without using violence. However, critiques have asserted that footballers should not engage themselves in political protests and should respect the country flag by standing up during national anthems.
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Conflict assessment is necessary to collect information about the dynamics of conflict. The conflict leading to the protests by professional players will be analyzed to learn about the system influencing it. According to Kaepernick, the police were discriminating the black Americans as well as harassing them (Pena, 2017). Additionally, he emphasized that the men and women in the military are being treated unjustly even after fighting for the country. The United States president Donald Trump has criticized the players who kneel down. The president and his aides are arguing that the players are disrespectful and unpatriotic to the flag and to the soldiers who are fighting to protect the nation. Conversely, the defenders of the players are hailing them for exercising their freedom in not participating in the national anthem and placing their hands over their hearts.
The competing style is evident whereby each party want to defend their side. The players want to continue protesting until they are heard while the government wants them to end the protests. This conflict has sparked a social media debate where some are siding with the players and others with the critiques (Pena, 2017). The players are willing to continue kneeling until their grievances have been addressed. Conversely, the government through the president feels that a rule that one should not kneel during national anthems should be made compulsory. The intimidation tactics from the president are not bearing any fruits. Through his Twitter page, President Trump twitted that if fans boycotted games until players stop disrespecting the country, changes would be witnessed. However, the players continued with their protests by locking arms, avoiding playing fields, and opting to kneel during national anthems. This shows that both sides are unwilling to negotiate since no side wants to listen to the other. There are using competitive tactics to express their views. This is because no side is willing to heed the complaints or suggestions of the other to find an amicable solution.
The players feel that as long as police brutality and discrimination continues, the national anthem cannot unite the people of America. Since the players have a huge follower base, they believe that they will be able to advocate for change in the country. They are willing to continue kneeling as long as there is equality in America. They believe that as long as they protest, the government will stop the police from harassing the black people. On the other hand, the government feels that all people are treated equally hence sitting during the national anthem is only a tactic to disrespect the flag (Pena, 2017). The government priority is to ensure that every citizen respects the country and will stand during the national anthem.
This conflict was manageable before 2009 when players were not supposed to come out of the locker room until the national anthem was sung. At this time the fans will stand attention during the anthem without the disruptions of the players. However, this is not effective since nowadays players are present in the field during the anthem.
The best strategies to solve this conflict will include politicians and the players sitting down and coming out with a solution that will be a win-win for all. If the government addresses the grievances of the protesters by reducing the racial discriminations towards the black Americans, then the conflicts will reduce. Additionally, the sports leagues should give a medium over which the players express their grievances apart from the national anthem. This will steer the teams away from using the national anthem as a vehicle for protest.
References
Pena, V. (2017). Taking a stand by kneeling: An analysis of national anthem protest coverage.
Wallensteen, P. (2015). Understanding conflict resolution . Sage.
