The playing of the American national anthem, which Dunn and many others see as disrespectful, seems to have been the impetus for Dunn’s call to action.
“When you disrespect the American anthem, you don’t deserve to represent this country,” Dunn said in her statement, expressing her outrage.
Dunn’s stance supports the idea that when athletes are in a position to represent their country, they should appreciate the deep meaning that national symbols, like the anthem, possess.
This emotion stems from a larger context in which athletes are often expected to represent their country’s pride and ideals, especially on global stages such as the Olympics.
Brittney Griner has received criticism from a number of sources. She gained notoriety for her remarkable athletic abilities but also for her vocal support of social causes.
Her demonstration during the anthem was a part of a broader movement in which athletes have advocated for social change and brought attention to structural inequities using their platforms.
