Does David Brooks have a point with his "The Uses of Patriotism" column? | The Tylt
David Brooks wrote a column saying high schoolers who protest systemic racism by kneeling during national anthem are wrong. David argues that the anthem, and other patriotic symbols, are part of a “civic religion” that unifies America. Attacking these symbols gives people like Donald Trump room to push divisive ideas of ethnic nationalism (AKA white supremacy). But the internet is tired of “rich white men,” like David, explaining racism and how things should be.

Some think David’s column minimizes the experiences of many minorities. His experience with American symbols is different than what minorities experience, simply because of his race. David is willfully ignoring the huge divide between groups.
Critics say David’s column is tone deaf and makes too many assumptions.
But some people think David has a point. America needs something to unify it, something that transcends race.