They Fight. He Sits. | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Politics and Activism

They Fight. He Sits.

Does Colin Kaepernick really know what he is doing?

24
They Fight. He Sits.
wikimedia.com

Recently, the news has been focusing on the NFL. Not only is it because football season has officially begun, but, certain players have decided to not acknowledge the national anthem. It all began with Colin Kaepernick, who is quoted saying: "I am not going to stand up to show pride in a flag for a country that oppresses black people and people of color." There are many people who agree with this statement. Yes, there is oppression of people of color in this country. Only an ignorant person would deny this fact. That does not mean, however, that a person should not show respect during our national anthem. The national anthem is not meant for people to display their political views. The national anthem is played so we can show respect for our flag, our country, and the many men and women who fought and sometimes died for this country. By not standing during the anthem, he disrespects our flag and our soldiers. Here is something that the protesters should think about. World War I, a time of great oppression for any person of color. Black people were not allowed to do many things, including: vote, marry a white person, live in certain neighborhoods, sit anywhere they wanted in public, drink from certain bubblers, go to school with white people, etc. Black people had absolutely no reason to be proud of this country. They were killed because of their skin color and people just looked the other way. However, when the call to arms came for Americans, black people joined the forces. They proudly risked their lives to fight for their country. However, when these brave soldiers came home, they were still treated as second class citizens. The situation for their race had not improved.

World War II came about, and once again, American were called to arms. Instead of sitting at home and doing nothing, over 2,000 people of color enlisted in the military to risk their lives for this country. Even with the way they were treated, they still wanted to fight for the land they called home.

"The Vietnam War saw the highest proportion of blacks ever to serve in an American war. During the height of the U.S. involvement, 1965-69, blacks, who formed 11 percent of the American population, made up 12.6 percent of the soldiers in Vietnam" (http://www.english.illinois.edu/maps/poets/s_z/ste...). During all of these wars, people of color had little to no rights as American citizens. They were lucky to even hold the title of citizen. But, when their country needed them, they stood up. They fought for the place they called home.

Even today, black American soldiers are all over the world, fighting for this great country. 17.8 percent of the military is black. (http://www.statisticbrain.com/demographics-of-acti...). This is a large percentage, when one considers that only 13.3 percent of American citizens identify as African American alone, according to the 2015 census (https://www.census.gov/quickfacts/table/PST045215/...).Why are they fighting? They are fighting for the future. They are fighting, because they see what this country could be. They want to help make the vision a reality. They are not sitting down at home, complaining about their race being oppressed. By sitting during the national anthem, Colin Kaepernick and other NFL players not only disrespect our country, they disrespect all the men and women, white and black, who fought and still fight today for a better future. Don't sit becuase of the present. Stand to say, "thank you." Stand for the future.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Entertainment

Every Girl Needs To Listen To 'She Used To Be Mine' By Sara Bareilles

These powerful lyrics remind us how much good is inside each of us and that sometimes we are too blinded by our imperfections to see the other side of the coin, to see all of that good.

98048
Every Girl Needs To Listen To 'She Used To Be Mine' By Sara Bareilles

The song was sent to me late in the middle of the night. I was still awake enough to plug in my headphones and listen to it immediately. I always did this when my best friend sent me songs, never wasting a moment. She had sent a message with this one too, telling me it reminded her so much of both of us and what we have each been through in the past couple of months.

Keep Reading...Show less
Zodiac wheel with signs and symbols surrounding a central sun against a starry sky.

What's your sign? It's one of the first questions some of us are asked when approached by someone in a bar, at a party or even when having lunch with some of our friends. Astrology, for centuries, has been one of the largest phenomenons out there. There's a reason why many magazines and newspapers have a horoscope page, and there's also a reason why almost every bookstore or library has a section dedicated completely to astrology. Many of us could just be curious about why some of us act differently than others and whom we will get along with best, and others may just want to see if their sign does, in fact, match their personality.

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

20 Song Lyrics To Put A Spring Into Your Instagram Captions

"On an island in the sun, We'll be playing and having fun"

16585
Person in front of neon musical instruments; glowing red and white lights.
Photo by Spencer Imbrock on Unsplash

Whenever I post a picture to Instagram, it takes me so long to come up with a caption. I want to be funny, clever, cute and direct all at the same time. It can be frustrating! So I just look for some online. I really like to find a song lyric that goes with my picture, I just feel like it gives the picture a certain vibe.

Here's a list of song lyrics that can go with any picture you want to post!

Keep Reading...Show less
Chalk drawing of scales weighing "good" and "bad" on a blackboard.
WP content

Being a good person does not depend on your religion or status in life, your race or skin color, political views or culture. It depends on how good you treat others.

We are all born to do something great. Whether that be to grow up and become a doctor and save the lives of thousands of people, run a marathon, win the Noble Peace Prize, or be the greatest mother or father for your own future children one day. Regardless, we are all born with a purpose. But in between birth and death lies a path that life paves for us; a path that we must fill with something that gives our lives meaning.

Keep Reading...Show less
Health and Wellness

10 Hygiene Tips For All College Athletes

College athletes, it's time we talk about sports hygiene.

15844
Woman doing pull-ups on bars with sun shining behind her.

I got a request to talk about college athletes hygiene so here it is.

College athletes, I get it, you are busy! From class, to morning workouts, to study table, to practice, and more. But that does not excuse the fact that your hygiene comes first! Here are some tips when it comes to taking care of your self.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments