In case you have been hiding under a rock for the past month, or you just don't watch sports, or the news, or television, much speculation has been shined towards the pregame rituals of kneeling during the National Anthem. Started by San Francisco 49ers backup quarterback Colin Kaepernick, this action has been imitated by many other players across the NFL as well numerous other athletes in the sports world.

As a writer I must not be biased, but rather be able to look at every perspective. However, this is a tough predicament because of the situation. Kaepernick is taking a stand for a very real problem, but has conducted his peaceful protest in a very controversial way, one that many people feel is un-American.

In order to really understand the topic, it is necessary to look at the situation from different perspectives. If you asked a person who supports Kaep’s actions, they may say something like:

"As a supporter of the Kaepernick kneeling during the national anthem, I believe that he is not only a Black Lives Matter activist, but also a civil rights leader for the African-American community today. Mr. Kaepernick made a courageous move in attempt to unfold and bring light to the constant oppression of the African-American people in the United States.

Kaepernick has been taking hate and even death threats only for the fact that he is expressing his rights as an American citizen. Just like Ghandi, his method of protest is neither violent, nor hurts anyone, yet he is being torn apart for his attempts. In an interview, Kaep stated, “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.” This man truly believes in what he is standing (really, kneeling) for. I support the movement that Kaep has created, and really believe that in bringing out the real problems with our nation."

Now with that being said, many people also dislike the actions by Kaepernick. Burning his jersey, and “sending death threats” are just few of the actions people have taken to show their resentment towards him. If you asked a non-supporter of Kaep’s national anthem protest, one might say something along the lines of:

"Colin Kaepernick is an attention seeking, un-American, washed up football player who needs something to make him still feel significant in the world of sports. This thuggish quarterback makes $19 million dollars a year, is signed to a six year contract, and cannot even stand for 120 seconds to show respect for the country that he lives in. In my opinion, regardless of what you believe in, that short amount of time that you are required to stand to show respect for your country is time that is dedicated to the husbands, wives, mothers, fathers, etc. that are overseas fighting for our freedom.

Now I understand many Kaep supporters may say something like, “He has the right to express his beliefs, and not stand”, but I won't take any of it. If you are going to protest, keep the flag out of it. The country you live in gave you the right to do what you love to the highest ability and succeed greatly at it, so respect it."

Regardless if you support him, or hate him, everyone will have strong feelings about this. In order to fully understand the protest of the flag, you must explore both points of view, and then devise an opinion from there. So, next time you're watching Scott Van Pelt doing his Kaepernick spiel on late night Sport Center, or Conan interviewing athletes about the recent events, remember to open your mind and broaden your perspectives on the kneeling QB.