The NFL announced this summer that both the National Anthem and The Black Anthem will be played at the beginning of every game.
A few weeks ago TV host Bill Maher criticized the NFL for playing two separate anthems to represent our one country. He stated that playing both The Star Spangled Banner and Lift Every Voice and Sing is “segregation under a different name.”
On The View, hosts Whoopi Goldberg, Sara Haines, and Joy Behar reacted to Maher’s comments. Goldberg especially had a problem with Maher claiming that “we have gone backwards a good 10-15 years, we’re having to re-educate people.”
Maher responded to Goldberg saying his point wasn’t about playing what’s historically known as the Black Anthem, but rather playing two separate anthems to represent the United States.
“Symbols of unity matter. And purposefully fragmenting things by race reinforces a terrible message that we are two nations hopelessly drifting apart from each other. That’s not where we were even ten years ago and it’s not where we should be now.”
Maher said he’s not opposed to replacing The Star-Spangled Banner with a more appropriate inclusive anthem.
Listen to Tony’s full commentary here:
