"Please rise and remove your hats as we honor our country with our nation's National Anthem."
There have been hundreds of articles written and countless news segments surrounding the idea of "standing or sitting" for our country. Colin Kaepernick, the quarterback for the San Francisco 49ers, has chosen to sit during the National Anthem for their last two preseason games and has since sparked a conversation about racial inequality in America. When speaking to the press after the 49ers' August 26th preseason game, Kaepernick articulated that he is choosing to remain seated during the National Anthem to stand for people of color.
"I am not going to stand up to show pride in a flag for a country that oppresses black people and people of color," Kaepernick told NFL Media after the game . "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."
Since then, debates have erupted across the nation, with many fans supporting Kaepernick's actions while others are enraged. The argument against Kaepernick's actions claims that his behavior is disrespectful towards the men and women who serve in our military. In spite of this idea, the hashtag #VeteransForKaepernick
has been trending on Twitter.
Drew Brees, quarterback for the New Orleans Saints, made a statement to ESPN
in response to Kaepernick's protest:"I disagree. I wholeheartedly disagree. Not that he wants to speak out about a very important issue. No, he can speak out about a very important issue. But there's plenty of other ways that you can do that in a peaceful manner that doesn't involve being disrespectful to the American flag...Like, it's an oxymoron that you're sitting down, disrespecting that flag that has given you the freedom to speak out."
In the 49ers' final preseason game against the San Diego Chargers, Kaepernick kneeled during the pregame National Anthem and was joined by teammate Eric Reid. Together, Kaepernick and Reid chose to kneel to find a middle
ground
, where they can maintain the same message while showing more respect for our nation's servicemen and women. Seattle Seahawks' cornerback Jeremy Lane also sat in protest in their game against the Oakland Raiders last week.
Several celebrities, athletes, and public officials, including President Barack Obama, have publicly supported Kaepernick's decision to utilize his first amendment rights. "I think he cares about some real, legitimate issues that have to be talked about," revealed President Obama during a news conference in China . “And if nothing else, what he’s done is he’s generated more conversation around some topics that need to be talked about.”
The American flag is a representation of American freedoms, rights, and equal opportunity. However, when the rights and freedoms of groups of people are being compromised, how can we expect the oppressed to feel pride under this symbol? Even though the method may cause frustration, the message is crystal clear, and Colin's Kaepernick's act of resistance has fueled more conversation circling the racial problems existing in our country.
"I'm not anti-American ," Kaepernick said. "I love America. I love people. That's why I'm doing this. I want to help make America better. I think having these conversations helps everybody have a better understanding of where everybody is coming from."
