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After declining to sing the national anthem before their World Cup opener against Vietnam on Saturday, the US women's football team received harsh criticism. While their rivals sang their hymn with pride and passion, the majority of the USA players stayed silent and did not put their hands over their hearts. The disrespect for the anthem infuriated and disappointed some spectators and commentators, despite the US team pulling off a 3-0 win.
The US squad has a history of controversy surrounding the national anthem; they are the four-time champions and two-time defending World Cup champions. Megan Rapinoe, a star player, became the first white athlete to take a knee during the national anthem in 2016 in support of NFL player Colin Kaepernick, who was protesting against police brutality and racial inequality. Rapinoe has been outspoken in her disapproval of former President Donald Trump and his actions, eventually declaring that she would probably never again sing the national anthem.
Players were officially prohibited from kneeling during the national anthem by the US Soccer Federation in 2017, but the rule was subsequently overturned in 2020 after the Black Lives Matter movement and widespread protests in response to George Floyd's death. While some athletes have decided to remain silent or turn their backs on the flag, others have continued to stand and sing the national anthem.
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The US team's stance on the national anthem has caused controversy among fans and analysts, with some defending their freedom to express their opinions and others accusing them of being rude and unpatriotic. Others have questioned whether their political activity has impacted how well they play on the pitch.
Journalist Megyn Kelly was not at all impressed with this behavior of the team and slammed their actions by saying” I really do believe their version of what a feminist is, what it means to be an empowered woman, at least as an American woman, means you need to hate your country. For several of them, not even holding their hands over their hearts during the national anthem, was a bridge too far.
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Tuesday's encounter against Portugal will be the US team's next contest, and it will be another opportunity to prove their title credentials. The squad will also have to cope with the fallout from their anthem protest, which has overshadowed their campaign thus far. The US squad will need to figure out a way to stick together, concentrate on their football objectives, and honor their nation's customs and values at the same time.
