The NFL‘s decision to include the Black national anthem before games seems divisive among fans. Bill Maher disapproves of this decision, saying it’s “segregation,” but “under a different name.”
Beginning his show’s discussion panel last night, Maher talked about education in America, and how college campuses and classrooms have become a “social justice factory.” He states many of the things being done now regarding social issues just make things worse, especially for children. “This is what these teachers are talking about. You’re taking children and making them hyper-aware of race in a way they wouldn’t otherwise be!”
He pivoted to Thursday’s football game as an example, saying it divides people more than unites them. Rather than have separate anthems, he suggests we have one.
“I saw last night on the football game, Alicia Keys sang ‘Lift Every Voice and Sing,’ which now I hear is called the Black national anthem. Now, maybe we should get rid of our national anthem, but I think we should have one national anthem. I think when you go down a road where you’re having two different national anthems, colleges sometimes now have … many of them have different graduation ceremonies for Black and White, separate dorms — this is what I mean! Segregation! You’ve inverted the idea. We’re going back to that under a different name.”
Maher concluded the panel by criticizing the University of Oregon for having lower graduation standards for “people of color.” Panelist George Will concurred with Maher, while the other panelist, Christina Bellantoni, said it’s “important to understand” why discussions like this are taking place.
Megyn Kelly Also Condemns Black National Anthem at NFL Season Opener
Bill Maher isn’t the only talk show host condemning the Black national anthem being played at NFL games. On her “Real Talk” segment on her SiriusXM podcast, Megyn Kelly voiced her disdain for the decision.
“I don’t think that the average American – Black or white – wants to hear the Black national anthem before they hear the national anthem,” Kelly said. “And it’s no offense against people of color, we’re one country. We don’t need separate anthems.”
Additionally, Kelly believes people use sports as an escape and few want politics or cultural issues included. “It’s a chance to come together. Celebrate America… and then play a sports game. And not to shove politics or divisive cultural issues down the throats of the viewers who are looking for a getaway.”
Kelly even cites the NBA doing something similar and how the NFL should take a page from the former’s book. “I don’t think people want politics in their sports. I think that’s why the NBA has taken such a hit and learned from its prior experience. The NFL doesn’t seem to be learning quite as quickly.”
