Another great post, FH. as it stands now, Boro players are seen as opposing an anti-racist gesture and opposition players who take the knee will be even more heartily booed because 'we' don't.Agreed.
By not joining in this gesture, I believe some have (willfully or otherwise) misunderstood that Boro actively oppose the taking of the knee. This has created an excuse for racists. Joining in would at least close that excuse.
I also agree with the point that Boro are not responsible for racism in wider society, but that is no excuse for doing nothing. Influence what you can influence, and they definitely can influence what happens inside their own stadium.
The point that people don't understand what they're booing - that they think they're supporting the idea that 'all lives matter' - is irrelevant. The position that 'all lives matter' is based on an erroneous understanding itself;:that standing up for equal rights implies fewer rights for the privileged group, is somehow subtracting rights from elsewhere. No, it means (equal) human rights for all. We're not obliged to give equal credibility to notions that are not only morally wrong but untrue, nor are we doing anyone any favours giving people a free pass to wallow in their ignorance just because they have trouble understanding.
Eventually, just as open racism became beyond the pale for the vast majority, so booing the taking of the knee ought to become beyond the pale. That it hasn't yet become so on Teesside is the reason why Boro should go back to taking the knee and keep on with it.