What a week for Democrats. After a decisive showing in the midterm elections, it seemed as if they’d swept every race in sight. Then Thursday brought a sharp turn: stocks fell, and the mood shifted just as quickly.
And the news from San Francisco added another talking point. Before the Golden State Warriors game, a singer performed the national anthem while holding a small Pride flag. It was Pride Night at the arena, but some viewers argued that waving a flag during the anthem crossed a line.
The singer’s gesture drew criticism online, while others saw it as a personal expression during the event. The players appeared amused as they watched, though it’s hard to know exactly what they were reacting to.
Pride Night is a regular feature across many sports teams. Still, critics said the occasion didn’t make the anthem the right moment for a protest or political statement. To them, the flag turned a song meant to bring people together into a distraction.
WNBA Finals teams leave court during national anthem
The moment also brought back criticism of the Atlanta Dream and Golden State Valkyries, whose players left the court during the national anthem before each of their first three WNBA Finals games.
For those who objected to the players’ choice, seeing a Pride flag waved during the anthem felt like another example of sports becoming a stage for statements that divide people. Others may see these gestures differently. Either way, the debate over what belongs during the anthem is unlikely to disappear soon.
