'The Athlete As Agent Of Change'

Athletes should use their influence for a political agenda that aims for positivity and change for the better. In the article “The Athlete as Agent of Change” it shows how a scholar-athlete expressed her dislike of the Iraq war in 2003. “ Toni Smith, the then- 21-year-old senior guard on the Manhattanville College women's basketball team, who expressed her opposition to the Iraq War in 2003 by turning her back on the flag.” This shows that protests during the National Anthem can occur at any level of sport not just the professional level. This is a brave action by Ms. Smith because she more than likely knew that she would receive harsh criticism and mostly hate at such a young age. Mrs. Smith isn’t the first person to protest during the national
anthem either, this has been happening decades before her. “For decades, athletes have used their fame as a platform to address injustice. Tommie Smith and John Carlos, for instance, raised their fists during 1968 Summer Olympics to protest the unfair treatment of African-Americans. Tennis champion Billie Jean King advocated for Title IX to bring about more gender equality in college athletics. The Phoenix Suns wore Spanish-language versions of their jerseys to protest racial-profiling laws.” This shows that athletes using their platform to protest has been happening as early as the late 60’s and probably even earlier than that. In conclusion, athletes should use their influence and everything in their power to try to change the world for the better.