Argumentation Blog #5: W.E.B. Dubois

      Typically opening sporting events are the National Anthem, or another song meant to represent and incite patriotism towards the United States. However, some do not relate to this patriotism. In this case, some people would rather respond humbly and comply, despite their conflicting beliefs, or not comply at all. African American activist W.E.B. DuBois advocates for a different kind of humility; to "noblesse oblige", that it is best to comply to an extent. Throughout history, people have demonstrated that non-compliance is the side that actually allowed for progress.
      In the 1960's, during the height of the Civil Rights movement, Rosa Parks became known for her act of non-compliance. Notably, she sat in front of a segregated bus, a spot reserved then only for white people. Refusing to give up her seat, she demonstrated this act in which she did not comply to the rules that white people placed on her. This movement led to many boycotts, all of which helped blacks in the United States gain a higher level of status in society. Progress happened because of many's acts of non-compliance.
      More recently, though, former NFL athlete Colin Kaepernick demonstrated his act of non-compliance. During sports competitions, the National Anthem is typically played at the start, during which spectators and athletes are expected to stand to "honor the flag". However, Kaepernick did not comply in order to protest racial injustice in the United States, and instead kneeled down (an act which led to the end of his career in the NFL). This act, though, inspired many to also "take a knee", showing that awareness of racial injustice has spread. His act of taking a knee is helping kickstart progress.
      Like DuBois, many believe that complying with the rules will actually create progress; that appeasement is a good option. However, in the pre-WWII era, appeasement was the ideal that led to Nazi Germany's status as a totalitarian world power. Appeasement did not lead to progress.
      As shown in history, progress can actually happen with non-compliance, contrasting DuBois' statement. In a world of growing injustices, though, many have taken the ideals of non-compliance and are using it to power the next social movement. Perhaps in the future these people will spearhead the next historical event of progress.