At the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup, a portion of the U.S. team showed reluctance to put their hands over their hearts during the National Anthem. This act is seen by some as a lack of patriotism and has sparked conversations around the values athletes represent. In a separate controversy, players have voiced demands for equal pay to their male counterparts, despite differences in revenue generation. Some argue that this, coupled with the anthem incident, highlights a lack of appreciation for the opportunities provided by the nation they represent. These instances have prompted calls for consequences for their actions. Yet, in a challenging era for our nation, unity and respect for our values continue to be pivotal.
