On Friday, August 26th Colin Kaepernick refused to stand during the national anthem. The San Francisco 49ers quarterback cited wrongdoing against African Americans and minorities as the reason for his protest.

"I am not going to stand up to show pride in a flag for a country that oppresses black people and people of color," Kaepernick told NFL Media. "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."

Now obviously, this has caused some controversy. Facebook, Twitter, and other social media have blown up with posts and pictures saying that Kaepernick is disrespecting veterans and hates America.

Pictures like those above are Facebook fodder, meant to initiate an automatic "share" in respect for veterans. What I think is at the heart of this debate is a fundamental misunderstanding of what being American means.

Being American means being blessed with freedom. Freedom of religion, freedom of the press, and yes, freedom of expression. Colin Kaepernick was simply exercising his rights to expression and protest. What we have to understand about freedom is that we don't get to be selective about it. This means that others are able to use their freedoms in ways that you might not agree with. And you have the right to disagree.

What we don't get to do is shame these people into submission when they do something we don't agree with. That is not freedom. That is not American. That is not respect for the veterans who fought and died to secure those freedoms.

The 49ers issued a statement in support of Kaepernick's choice:

"The national anthem is and always will be a special part of the pre-game ceremony. It is an opportunity to honor our country and reflect on the great liberties we are afforded as its citizens. In respecting such American principles as freedom of religion and freedom of expression, we recognize the right of an individual to choose and participate, or not, in our celebration of the national anthem."

I think we need to focus less on the fact that Kaepernick didn't participate in the national anthem, but rather look at why. Why does Kaepernick and people of color like Kaepernick feel unsafe in America and how can we change that? How can we make sure that the rights and freedoms promised to all Americans are actually being carried out?

Maybe when Kaepernick feels that all Americans are equal in the eyes of the law, then he will stand. Until then, I respect his choice and his freedom to do otherwise.

"I am not looking for approval. I have to stand up for people that are oppressed. ... If they take football away, my endorsements from me, I know that I stood up for what is right."