As RENÉE Graham points out in “Why aren’t we talking about racism?’’ (Opinion, Sept. 27), most of the coverage of the NFL taking-a-knee controversy is a diversion. It is also, at least in part, evidence of racism. Why weren’t these critics upset at fans sitting or talking or going to the bathroom during the playing of “The Star-Spangled Banner’’? Why didn’t these acts of gross disrespect precipitate national condemnation?

Only when Colin Kaepernick and others took a knee to protest American racial injustices, especially the killing of black men by police, did outrage explode. Only then did people decry what they saw as disrespect for the flag and for our troops and veterans. Suddenly, kneeling, traditionally a sign of respect, was considered an insult. Kaepernick and others have explicitly stated that the gesture is one of protest, not of disrespect. Yet others feel they have the authority to tell these people what they mean by their gesture.

Contrary to the criticism, kneeling is not a sign of disrespect. Taking a knee is an appropriate way to protest. Now, and any moment of any day, is the appropriate time.

Michael Biales

Acton