ToplineAlthough her decision received support offline, Gwen Berry, U.S. Olympian, protested the American flag at the Olympic trials ceremony last month. However, posts condemning the hammer thrower have dominated Facebook over the past week.Gwendolyn (L), third, watches as Brooke Andersen (C), second place and DeAnna... (+] Price (C), are joined by Brooke Andersen (C), on the podium following the Women's Hammer Throw final at Hayward Field, June 26, 2021, Eugene, Oregon. Getty ImagesThe Key FactsCrowdTangle data, an analytics tool owned Facebook, shows that four of the top ten most popular link-based posts since June 27 were about the protest. Three prominent conservatives specifically criticize Berry for her demonstration against systemic racism. With over 300,000 responses, Ben Shapiro, right-wing commentator, shared an article from The Daily Wire about two Republican legislatorsRep. Dan Crenshaw (Tex. Senator Tom Cotton (Ariz.), calling on the U.S. Olympic Team to remove Berry. A similar message was posted by Franklin Graham, an evangelical leader who is consistently ranked among Facebook's most-popular conservatives. Graham shared more than 140,000 responses, 47,000 comments, and 21,000 shares. A post by Dan Bongino, a Fox News host and popular podcaster, slamming Berry was also ranked in the top 10 on Facebook.Chief CriticWhy are you representing America at the Olympics if you don't like America? Bongino posted a June 20 message to more than 156,000 responses, 22,900 comments, and 11,500 shares.Important BackgroundBerry, who placed third in the U.S. Olympic trials, in Eugene, Oregon on June 26, turned her back from the American flag during the podium ceremony of the Star Spangled Banner. Berry also wore a black Tshirt with the words Activist Athlete over her head, which she claimed was because she was told that the national anthem would play earlier than expected. She later defended her actions and said that she had never hated the country.Important QuoteBerry stated that my purpose and mission are more important than sports. I am here to help those who have been affected by systemic racism. That's the most important part. This is why I am here. This is why Im here today.ContraBerrys protest was widely praised, even though it appeared to be a one-sided issue via Facebook. After the protest, other Black track and field athletes, such as 2020 Olympians Teahna Danis and Will Claye, offered support. Claye, who competes at the triple jump and long jump, said that she hopes the country will one day understand that all of what you do is for the love of your country. Michael Johnson, a former world record-holder sprinter, praised Berry's courage in standing up to her beliefs despite the backlash. Berry's protest is just the latest example of Black athletes using sporting events to raise awareness of issues of racial inequality. These protests, such as Colin Kaepernick's kneeling during the national anthem during the 2016 NFL season, are often met with polarizing reactions. In some cases, these athletes have suffered negative professional consequences (Kaepernick was not signed by any professional football teams since the protest).Surprising FactBerry's right to peacefully protest against the backlash was defended by the Biden administration. Jen Psaki, White House Press Secretary, stated at a press conference that President Biden would acknowledge that there are times when we as a nation haven't lived up to our highest ideals.What to WatchBerry hasn't said if she will protest again, if she is able to make it to the podium at 2021 Tokyo Olympics Games. Berry said that it depends on how I feel, speaking to CNN's Don Lemon. It all depends on how I feel at that moment and what I want for my people. The International Olympic Committee (IOC), however, has placed a ban called Rule 50 which will prohibit athletes from protesting at the Japan Olympic Games. It is unclear what would happen to Berry if he broke the rule. The IOC guidelines state that disciplinary action will take place on a case by case basis.Continue readingGwen Berry Trending After Olympic Trials Protest (Forbes).Gwen Berry Responds to Backlash Over Flag Protests: I Never Said I Hate The Country (Forbes).Rep. Crenshaw calls for Gwen Berry to be removed from the Olympic team after she turned her back on The Flag (Forbes).
