Friday night lights: the event that every high school student looks forward to after a long week of tests, homework and early mornings. Being able to show your Blue Devil pride outside of the classroom through the football game themes—neon out, black out, jersey theme—unites students together. But as years go on, there’s one thing missing from the elongated list of themes: a USA game. As we all show our school pride each day, that should go hand in hand to our pride we have for our country.
This particular theme should not be completely wiped away from football games. Each day we acknowledge our citizenship to the U.S by standing for the pledge of allegiance each morning. As we all have different political views and opinions, those should not interfere with something as simple as a red, white and blue themed game. One thing each of us can find ourselves taking for granted is the privilege of our freedoms. We should be showing our patriotism and love for our country considering some countries have none of these rights, freedoms and liberties.
In past years, some people took this theme out of hand, but that should not eliminate it all together. Limitations should be made on what students can and cannot wear. Having politically-motivated gear should be prohibited, but wearing something as simple as the American flag and the colors red, white and blue should not be in question. This would put an end to the theme being seen as too political, but uphold our allegiance to our country while also being a fan favorite theme in the student section.
Many students voice their own opinions about this topic, and the majority desire to have the theme come back. I went to a USA-themed game my freshman year and it was probably one of my favorites; the student section was roaring with excitement and positive energy. A couple of people were politely asked to put away or remove any politically motivated clothing or accessories they had, which they had done. A small quantity of students abusing the privilege of this theme should not ruin it for everyone. Guidelines to the theme would make sure it ran smoothly, and if anyone felt uncomfortable with it could choose not to participate. Showing passion and excitement for the country we live in and for our school we have pride for should be a given.
