If you have been keeping up with the news or social media at all lately, then you have probably heard of Colin Kaepernick, the starting quarterback for the San Francisco 49ers. His name came to national attention after he took a knee during the national anthem in protest of racial injustice across the country. Kaepernick explained his actions by saying he is "not going to stand up to show pride in a flag for a country that oppresses black people and people of color." He added that, "To [him], this is bigger than football and it would be selfish on [his] part to look the other way. There are bodies in the street and people getting paid leave and getting away with murder."
His refusal to stand for the national anthem made a powerful statement, which caused many strong reactions in the citizens of this country. Due to this act, he has become the most hated player in the NFL, and I would say this is wrongfully so.
Why is a man who took a stand against injustice more hated than Ndamukong Suh, who is notorious for how dirty he plays, Tom Brady, who was allegedly involved in cheating, or Ben Roethlisberger, who has been accused of many messy things in his personal life? Why is Colin Kaepernick hated for doing what he felt was right?
Regarding Kaepernick's action, many people still hold the thoughts that I first had: "How could someone not want to stand for the national anthem of our country?" As I am highly patriotic, I was first taken aback when I saw this. However, as patriotic as I am, I am equally as supportive of the African Americans and minorities in this country that are being oppressed. As I dwelled on the lyrics of our national anthem, I began to see why Kaepernick chose to kneel for it. The final lyric is, "the land of the free, and the home of the brave." Is that really how we would describe our country in its current state? We are blessed to be Americans, but one would have to be radically ignorant to not see the problems going on in the country we call home.
Not everyone is free, so if this is truly the home of the brave, then we must bravely stand for those who cannot stand for themselves right now.
Veterans fought for our right to stand for the national anthem, but they also fought for our right to kneel for it. Kneeling is not violent, nor is it disrespectful. The injustice and the violent responses to it going on in our country are not what our veterans fought for. The NFL has explicitly stated that they do not require players to stand. I believe if an athlete like Kaepernick who has the platform to raise awareness about a topic as pressing as this one, then he is in the right to do it.
The "Colin Kaepernick effect" has been astonishing and widespread. Since he and 49ers safety Eric Reid kneeled for the anthem, four more 49ers joined them in week 2, raising their right fists. Players for the Miami Dolphins, Tennessee Titans, and Denver Broncos, amongst others, have joined in this protest. College and high school players are taking part in this as well, and athletes and other celebrities are finding other ways to join the protest or raise awareness. Important discussions are taking place, and people are becoming educated. People are joining the movement.
I love America, and I love all of the people in it. Minorities are just as a part of America as caucasians are, and they need help. That is why I think Colin Kaepernick was in the right by taking a knee for the national anthem.