Kaepernick vs. 'Merica
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Politics and Activism

Kaepernick vs. 'Merica

On the Kaepernick controversy

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Kaepernick vs. 'Merica

The latest issue that seems to be making the rounds in the mainstream media is Kaepernick’s decision to sit down during the national anthem prior to a 49ers preseason game. The issue that this is all the center of all of this is freedom of speech and expression. The divide across the country is clear. Republicans despise Kaepernick’s decision to sit down during the national anthem and almost universally call for him to be punished in some way or another. Democrats (meaning regressives, not liberal Democrats alike) applaud him for standing up for what he believes in and some even go as far to say that since he is a black man in America, he is oppressed. Like most issues, the right answer (the logical answer) is somewhere in between the two extreme sides. However, also like most issues in America, the logical conclusion tends to have a liberal bias, as the Democrats are the most correct in this particular issue.

From the Republican’s point of view, Kaepernick’s decision to sit down during the national anthem was a symbolic slap in the face to good old Uncle Sam. They believe that he doesn’t know how good he has it and they really want him to be punished for his offensive act. What I don’t believe that most Republicans understand is that they are not the only ones with the right to freedom of expression. Imagine, if you will, if they, for some reason, did a Muslim prayer before the game (never would happen, I know, but bare with me) and Kaepernick decided to sit down in protest. How would Republican react? First of all, they would lose their shit over such a prayer being said before a NFL game. Secondly, they would applaud him and admire him because “Muslims bad, ‘Merica good!”They do not understand that this is a two way street. There is no white or black, good or bad. But they live their lives in an “us vs. them” mentality. If you share their political views and/or religious views, they will accept you. However, if you oppose them or dare to question America’s motives in the Middle East, they will not hesitate to unleash the dogs. Everyone have the freedoms of speech and expression. If a Republican wants to fly the Confederate flag (as long as it is on personal property and not government property) they can do so. Likewise, if someone wants to protest the national anthem or the pledge of allegiance (because of the “under God” line) they have every right to do that and there isn’t a damn thing anyone can do about it. America is supposed to be the “land of the FREE and the home of the brave” right? No. In the minds of many Republicans across America, you are only free when you cooperate within their narrative.

Earlier, I said that the Democrats are mostly right regarding this issue. However, like many Democrats do, they can’t allow me to just simply praise them. Rather, they have to give me a reason to criticize them too. The reason in this issue is that Democrats in the SJW wing of the spectrum say that since he (Kaepernick) is a black guy in America, he is oppressed. He has an average yearly salary of 19 million dollars. By my estimate, that is anything but oppressed. Does racism still exist in America? Absolutely. But does systematic racism in America exist. No. If it did, there would be no rich black guys and Kaepernick is certainly a rich black guy. So Democrats, get your heads out of your asses and just enjoy this victory. You are the better of the two major parties. Don’t go off the handle like Republicans tend to do. You are better than that.

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