Ever since Colin Kaepernick refused to stand during the National Anthem, the internet has been blowing up. I can’t go on Facebook without seeing hateful comments like “He should just leave the country.” Even worse were the racist comments that I read about him, things that I don’t care to write because they are so awful. No wonder Kaepernick is fed up! While I myself would stand up during the National Anthem, I can respect Kaepernick’s right as an American citizen not to.
Before you call me unpatriotic, I’d like to remind you that we live in the United States of America. This country was created and united by rebellion, and it is rooted in freedom. The beauty of our country is that we can freely exchange ideas without fear of being punished (which sadly isn’t the reality of some countries). The problem I see with Kaepernick’s situation is that people refuse to accept his freedom to sit down during the National Anthem. There is no law stating that one must stand during it. While it might be the respectful thing to do, it should not be forced upon someone because that takes away from the very word freedom. We have the freedom to show respect, but we also have the freedom to disagree, even if that means disrespecting some people.
In the 1989 Supreme Court Case Texas v. Johnson it was decided that even burning the American flag is protected speech. Obviously burning the American flag is extremely controversial, but is it illegal? No; it is symbolic speech. Do I like that people burn the flag? Not necessarily. Do I like that it is legal? Yes, because I am happy to live in a free country that doesn’t restrict minority opinions. Before you say “Get out of this country if you disrespect the flag” think about this quote from Justice Anthony Kelly: “Though symbols often are what we ourselves make of them, the flag is constant in expressing beliefs Americans share, beliefs in law and peace and that freedom which sustains the human spirit. The case here today forces recognition of the costs to which those beliefs commit us. It is poignant but fundamental that the flag protects those who hold it in contempt.”
Our country is obviously not perfect, but I prefer a free country that allows me to protest when I feel that something is unjust. By forcing someone to stand during the National Anthem, it takes away meaning from the song. Men and women have died to protect our country and our rights, and one of those rights is to simply be able to say no.
