Any thread on 9/11 Texas mattress commercial yet?

Well good for him. But it could just as easily have gone the other way. It's risky taking a stand and speaking your mind. Sometimes it goes good, sometimes not. But either way, you are free to speak.

 

They have every right to make a moronic commercial. I gave up being surprised or shocked by idiots long ago.

 

I didn't say I was "A-OK" with Kaepernick. I asked you if you felt both items were equally offensive.

 

Very true. Freedom to do so. Not freedom from reprisal.

 

And that's OK...because we don't need that stupid book larnin' anyhow.

 

You have created a false dichotomy, first people are free to have a problem with both, Also in terms of the first amendment I think there meaningful distinctions between protest speech and commercial speech, but aside from legal issues, I think it is perfectly reasonable to give more leeway in allowing someone to express anger, frustration, and protest perceived injustice and still have a problem with crass commercialism.

 

Everyone thinks they are a comedian.

 

Actually, they fought and died for Kap's right to do exactly what he did.

 

Didn't John Oliver do a bit on his show last year concerning bad advertising related to the 9/11 anniversary?

 

People aren't happy unless there's something to be "outraged" over.

 

Understatement, eh?

That is,,,,,,,, wow.

 

Odd comparison. One is a TV commercial that's in bad taste, so people have pointed that out and, I suppose, they will stop running it, by their choice (they are free to keep paying to run it). The other is a guy staging a peaceful, personal protest about a serious cause related to human rights, in which he believes. Even if you disagree with his point of view, if you're offended by what he's doing, or not doing, that's your problem.

 

The 49ers ownership must not agree with you...the CEO announced they are donating $1 million to a couple groups to fight racial & economic inequality in support of Kopernik.

 

This is a false equivalence. Protest is covered under the first amendment and is in line with our long held tradition of questioning our leaders, laws and conventions. Differing viewpoints are equally acceptable and part of our country's ongoing dialog and subsequent socio-political evolution.

Parody of tragic events is also free speech, however at the risk of being perceived as extremely disrespectful to the victims and their families. Yes, you have the right to do it but the act will most certainly hurt a lot of grieving people. There is no bigger picture to consider nor social comment suggested or implied. It's just mean spirited and (sometimes) intended to offend, maybe to make a point but often not. Common decency should dictate against these displays.

If it was ok to do so then there would be skits about the Holocaust or Sandy Hook or whatever; decorum and respect usually weigh over free speech rights in these circumstances.

 

I see it as very disrespectful.

In any case, the kind of "protest" that Kap has engaged in is, IMO, too general in nature. That is why their is a public reaction that is often negative. Who specifically is he calling out? He has the podium so he should articulate and be specific.
He stated "I am not going to stand up to show pride in a flag for a country that oppresses black people and people of color," as the reasoning for the sit down. Accusing "the country" of oppression is a stretch.
Yes, he also said "There are bodies in the street and people getting paid leave and getting away with murder." What does that have to do with the national anthem? My point is he would be better off using his power and fame to directly tackle his perception of issues in law enforcement versus disrespecting the flag and the perceived disrespecting of troops that in US society is so tied to that flag/anthem. I think the latter is an established norm/view, thus my disagreement with your view around whether it is disrespectful.