Colin Kaepernick is speaking out on not standing with the rest of his team for the U.S national anthem at a recent football game.
The 49ers quarterback told the NFL, “I am not going to stand up to show pride in a flag for a country that oppresses Black people and people of color. To me, this is bigger than football and it would be selfish on my part to look the other way. There are bodies in the street and people getting paid leave and getting away with murder.”
No matter who you are, you should never be forced to stand for the national anthem or salute the flag. That is one of the great things about living in the United States and I think everyone should have the freedom to do what they please in that regard.
However, I am truly a bit confused by Kaepernick's decision and his statement, and have a few honest questions for him. Obviously, I don’t think he will ever address any of these questions, but I think they are worth thinking about.
Why now?
Why, after 6 years in the NFL do you suddenly feel that minorities are being oppressed, Mr. Kapernick? Why did you not bring this issue to light any time before now? I suppose it could be because you are no longer getting the fame and recognition you once did, and it is possible you could be wanting to become relevant again, but even so, the timing seems odd.
Who are these people that are getting away with murder?
If you are accusing people of getting away with murdering minorities, please be clear about who these people are. I am not doing this, and neither is anybody I know. Are you talking about police officers? If so, why not just come out and say it? Why hint around at all? Where exactly are these bodies that are lying in the streets? If you refuse to stand up for the USA flag, you need to have some kind of proof or example to support your anger.
Do you actually care about minorities?
On average you make $19,000,000 a year. Now, I am not one to tell anyone what to do with their money. You’ve earned that money and can do whatever you’d like with it. But if you are claiming to be so upset for minorities in this country, why not do something that will actually help them? Why not donate time or money to inner-city Boys and Girls Clubs? Why not create a scholarship program so minorities can go to college? Of all of the things you have the power of doing for minorities, this seems like the least effective.
Again, I strongly believe Colin Kaepernick and every other American athlete should have the freedom to stand, sit or do whatever they want while the nation anthem is played. I just think that this decision did a lot more harm than good for all Americans, including minorities, and created yet another reason for us to be divided.
