San Jose Sharks goalie James Reimer has become the second NHL player this year to refuse to wear a LGBTQIA+ Pride jersey.
Reimer said on Saturday that he was remaining true to his Christian beliefs in a statement posted on social media. (The Post Millennial)
Compulsory Symbolism
Some people, with considered reason, oppose the mandatory recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance. Others complain of being mau mau’d into reciting the latest crowd-enforced slogan, on pain of being called a (fill in the blank), or perhaps even being drummed out of your community or livelihood.
Why are we asking anyone anywhere to wear symbols of ideology that have nothing to do with the events and activities the people are participating in?
Why not have jerseys, banners, flags, etc at sporting events, military bases, government buildings, workplaces, and US embassies celebrating the following?
- Christianity
- The US having more Jewish citizens than any other nation
- Two parent families
- Parenthood
- Fathers
- Large Families
- Hunting
- Truckers
James Reimer’s statement:
“Under the umbrella of the NHL’s Hockey is for Everyone initiative, the San Jose Sharks have chosen to wear jerseys in support of the LGBTQIA+ community tonight.
“For all 13 years of my NHL career, I have been a Christian – not just in title, but in how I choose to live my life daily. I have a personal faith in Jesus Christ who died on the cross for my sins and, in response, asks me to love everyone and follow Him.
“I have no hate in my heart for anyone, and I have always strived to treat everyone that I encounter with respect and kindness.
“In this specific instance, I am choosing not to endorse something that is counter to my personal convictions which are based on the Bible, the highest authority in my life.
“I strongly believe that every person has value and worth, and the LGBTQIA+ community, like all others, should be welcomed in all aspects of the game of hockey.
Compulsory Support
We are now in a place where simply going about your business and displaying charity and fairness to all is not good enough. We’re now put in situations where we must make some deliberate statement or action to “show support.”
If you fail to “show support” the crowd will question your beliefs and force you into futile attempts to “explain yourself.” After all, your refusal to “show support” is disappointing, and even hurting to others. Your bigoted recalcitrance is promoting hostility to oppressed peoples (who are so marginalized they have the power to compel you to wear special clothing, wave banners and recite dictated phrases (and who can marshal the power of others for extra muscle)).
A New National Credo
James Reimer’s statement, edited and univeralized, makes a perfect statement that should be the gold standard for this nation:
I have no hate in my heart for anyone, and I have always strived to treat everyone that I encounter with respect and kindness. In this specific instance, I am choosing not to endorse something that is counter to my personal convictions. I strongly believe that every person has value and worth and should be welcomed in all aspects of life in the United States.
Better yet, end compulsory symbolism at every level.
What say you?