Patriots Country

Patriots 'Pride': Cancel Culture Targeting New England?

The New England Patriots' support of America's "Pride Month" is prompting some, um, interesting responses by fans claiming to be offended.

Richie Whitt

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Along with their six Super Bowls, the New England Patriots - as much as any team in the NFL - stand for diversity, equality and freedom. For all. Every once in a while, however, those noble pillars ruffle the feathers of a certain section of their fans.

In other words, welcome to Pride Month.

The Patriots, led by owner Robert Kraft, are at the forefront of combatting antisemitism. New England supports the military, helping soldiers celebrate American military holidays on U.S. soil. But along with the "Patriot Way" comes "Patriots Pride", which includes not only honoring the LGBTQ community but also standing up for it when critics try to ruin the party.

Like many pro sports teams, the Patriots shared Pride symbolism on social media this week as "Pride Month" kicked off June across America. Once viewed as risky territory, Pride celebrations are now commonplace across sports.

Gillette Stadium sported rainbow colors as a show of support of diversity.

The Patriots have made championing LGBTQ rights a tenet of their franchise, from sponsoring Gay Bowl to supporting same-sex marriage from the start. New England was the only NFL club to sign an amicus brief in support of same-sex marriage in 2015.

In 2021, Kraft showed up to Boston’s LGBTQ flag football league’s opening day.

Some fans, however, are offended by the team's inclusivity. In response to the Patriots' "Pride" posting on social media, there is a mini-backlash apparently attempting to put the team in the bullseye along with recent "cancel-culture" targets such as Bud Light and Target.

The post attracted 2,500 likes and almost 500 comments, including ...

"You call yourself the Patriots then post this."

"Been a Pats fan all my life although this draws the line. ... Me and my wife of 62 years are now officially free agents in terms of fandom." 

"This is truly nothing to be proud of. I am done with the Patriots."

"Disgusting"

"Gross."

"I hope you also celebrate straight month!"

"Focus on making the playoffs!"

"What a joke, I am officially taking my fandom over to a REAL organization like the Bills."

That "real" organization that plays in the AFC East of the NFL, of course, also supports Pride Month. Oops.

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Richie Whitt
RICHIE WHITT

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