2020 and all its rottenness has successfully proven that Peer Pressure isn’t just a teenage phenomenon but extends into all aspects of life. Many people prefer to be quiet and protective of their inner-most thoughts and beliefs on subjects that could become controversial or divisive. 2020 has brought wearing masks, social distancing, sheltering at home, attending worship and being essential into public discussion and critique.

Peer Pressure is the major underlying factor in people’s decision of where to establish their positions on these matters. You can blame the media if you like for all the wasted time, space and coverage they give to the idiots on either extreme side of these issues, but when the smoke clears, it is still Peer Pressure shaping most of our positions.

Watching this first weekend of NFL football was eye opening as the pressure to conform to others’ beliefs were evident. There was a time when persons selected to perform the pregame ceremonial singing or playing of the national anthem were expected to be talented and respectful. Neither of those was required this weekend. The league instead went for shock value and caved to Peer Pressure.

Several performances were poorly sung and some turned the honor of being selected to sing into a political statement by wearing tacky T-shirts. Yes, the T-shirts were emblazoned with the political issues of the day but they were still $9.99 T-shirts.

The message they were pressured to convey was easily lost in the screeched out songs and sloppy wardrobes. We have nothing against the singing of “Lift Every Voice and Sing.” Some want to call it the Black National Anthem. But we already have a national anthem so please pick another term. If any network or broadcast was smart enough to put the lyrics to the song on the screen so people could know what was being sung, it would have been helpful. We are familiar with the song because we were fortunate to hear it performed three years ago by an elementary school choir made up of both Black and white public school children in Richmond, Va. It wasn’t presented as divisive or as a political statement but rather as a beautiful song with heartfelt meaning. The young people sang it in celebration. Yes, adults can ruin everything.

The final thought was how the Steelers game got lost in all the attempts at political statements, political correctness and Peer Pressure. But one person, one American, one soldier, stood above the public fray.

Retired Army Ranger, Alejandro Villanueva, starting offensive tackle for the Pittsburgh Steelers, is that man.

While the league was posing to correct 100 years of racial injustice in one weekend, including his teammates honoring someone they felt died as a result of police brutality and racism, he stood alone in honoring someone else.

This isn’t the first time he showed his bravery or loyalty to his country.

Last year when the rest of the Steelers remained in the locker room, he stood at attention for our national anthem.

This time instead of just being a joiner and accepting the Peer Pressure, he chose to honor Alwyn Cashe.

Cashe was awarded the Silver Star Medal, an award for bravery in combat, for his heroism in Iraq while fighting a real war alongside others such as Villanueva.

It matters not that Cashe’s skin color was Black. While others may have good intentions, very few have given real thought and consideration to whom or what they are honoring. Number 78 got it right. No Peer Pressure there.

— RV