How hard is it to stand for about two minutes to honor the United States of America?
Starting on August 26, during an NFL preseason game, Colin Kaepernick the quarterback for the San Francisco 49ers sat during the playing of the National Anthem. After the preseason game concluded, Colin talked to the press. He told the press that he sat during the National Anthem because of the oppression of people of color and the battle with police brutality that has been on going. Kaepernick has also told the press that his protest has nothing to do with the military.
Colin thinks the best way to voice his opinion is to sit during the National Anthem to get people's attention. Kaepernick used the first amendment to speak out what he thinks needs action. After watching Clemson's head football coach, Dabo Swinney speak, I agree with what Dabo talked about. Swinney talked about how Colin could have done his protest in a better way than what he did. Swinney also talked about how Colin could have held a press conference to voice his opinion. The thing I liked the most about Dabo’s interview was how he talked about how Colin can go join organizations and make a difference that way. One major thing that stuck out to me, Swinney talked about how when Martin Luther King Jr., Rosa Parks, Michael Jackson and Muhammad Ali spoke out about racism, they did it under love.
I don’t agree with Colin and sit during the playing of the national anthem, as others do. The national anthem is to honor America and the men and women who have sacrificed their lives every day. The men and women are overseas to fight for our freedom and Colin’s rights to play in the Nation Football League (NFL). Myself, and so many others out there have family and friends in the military. Every opportunity I get, I stand and put my hand on my heart to respect those fighting for our country.
I do give Colin credit for speaking out for color lives and the police brutality. Colin did what he thought was best. The next game Colin played in, he kneeled and was joined by teammate Eric Reid. During week one of the NFL, Colin and a few other players decided to join him play kneeling. The Seattle Seahawks locked arms and held their fists up to show respect for the American flag and what it represents. President Obama has given Colin respect to voice his opinion and the cause he is fighting for.
Since the protest started, Colin has received many death threats which is not right because as Americans, we are “One nation under God.” Colin told the press that he wants to donate the first million he makes to charities that focus on racial issues. He also plans to join the charities to start making a difference. Once something is done, Colin said he will start standing during the National Anthem.
Every country stands during their playing of the nation's anthem. When others start to realize when Americans are not standing during their national anthem, the United States does not look to be together as one country.
Kaepernick definitely could have gone a different direction with the protest. Not standing for the National Anthem is disrespectful. Respect the men and women who have served and stand during the National Anthem.
