January 23rd 2024.
The NFL's announcement of their pregame lineup for Super Bowl LVIII, set to take place on February 11, has caused quite a stir. According to FOX News, the inclusion of "Lift Every Voice and Sing," also known as the Black national anthem, has sparked mixed reactions. While the league's intention was to celebrate diversity and honor the African American community, the decision has sparked debates surrounding national identity and historical context.
The highly-anticipated pregame show for the Super Bowl boasts an impressive lineup, including country music icon Reba McEntire performing the national anthem, popular artist Post Malone, and Grammy-winning R&B singer Andra Day set to sing "Lift Every Voice and Sing." This song has become a tradition at each Super Bowl since it was introduced by the NFL in 2020, following the death of George Floyd, as part of the league's response to racial injustice.
However, the NFL's decision to feature the Black national anthem has faced backlash. Some have expressed confusion and skepticism, questioning the need for a separate anthem. Radio host Larry Elder even suggested alternative anthems, while one NFL fan questioned the necessity of "Lift Every Voice and Sing," saying, "We are all American. Why do we need another anthem?"
The discussion has spilled over onto social media, with debates about a hypothetical "White national anthem." In response, journalist Nikole Hannah-Jones pointed out the historical context of Francis Scott Key's "The Star-Spangled Banner," including its racist lyrics and the fact that Key himself supported slavery. She challenged the idea of needing a separate anthem, stating, "The white national anthem is already played. It was written by a racist who believed Black people were inferior and fought against abolitionists."
The controversy has even caught the attention of some notable figures, such as "Insurrection Barbie" who tweeted, "Dear NFL, there is no black national anthem. There is only one national anthem. Anyone who supports this divisive race hustling bullshit hates America." Similarly, TV and radio host Wayne Root expressed his frustration, saying, "I've never demanded a 'white national anthem' because there is only one national anthem. Why does the NFL want to divide our nation and alienate 70% of their customers? They are pretty stupid and clueless, not to mention racist."
The NFL's decision has sparked discussions about national identity, historical awareness, and the implications of incorporating diverse cultural elements into mainstream events. As the league navigates these conversations, it remains to be seen how the performance of "Lift Every Voice and Sing" will be received during the highly-anticipated Super Bowl LVIII. One thing is for sure, this year's Super Bowl is already making headlines and sparking important conversations.
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