Hannah Jones College Composition and Research Individual Summary Response Essay October 6th, 2016 Patriotism Confuses America America needs to be more focused on the real meaning of patriotism, rather than certain acts that disrespect our country. As Kaepernick and others are criticized for kneeling during the national anthem, a question arises; does the national anthem have to be played? Other than sporting events, neither America nor other countries obligate an anthem to be played before the event. Therefore, Gregory questions why sporting events have to be extremely patriotic? According to Mark Clague, an expert on the “Star-Spangled Banner,” “A ritual like the national anthem became part of the World War ii effort on the home front, and says that sports is committed to all things American” (qtd. in Clague par. 5).The main problem is linking sports and patriotism to our country. Gregory mentions citizens should realize there are acts that could be demonstrated rather than standing and singing the national anthem before the sporting event.