So recently, everyone's favorite topic to talk about in sports news has been Colin Kaepernick (and supporters of him) taking a stand (pun intended) for what he feels is important.
Quite frankly, I can't do anything but applaud him. I understand that most people will automatically assume I support him solely because I am African American, but, as a human being with a heart and an understanding of why Kaepernick and so many other athletes are choosing to take a knee instead of the latter, I can't deem this as wrong doing.
And let me just throw this out there no one is OBLIGATED to stand during the presenting of the national anthem, it has always been a choice. Personally I've watched plenty of sporting events on TV where as always the national anthem is recited, and not risen to my feet. Does that mean I don't respect and appreciate the countless men and women risking their lives everyday to ensure my safety and freedom? No. Just the fact that you stand during the national anthem means nothing, it doesn't show how you actually feel about anything. It just means that all your life you've seen people do it so naturally you grow accustomed to doing the same. The issue at hand is not athletes kneeling instead of standing and saluting during the national anthem, the issue is social injustice. Why does a man kneeling during the national anthem evoke so much hate and anger but not the unjust murders of countless African Americans by law enforcement this year alone. Colin Kaepernick has been given a platform in which he can advocate for what he thinks is right and he is using it in the best way he sees fit and it's working. People are angry and people are talking. So while people are upset about Kaepernick kneeling someone somewhere is learning about the social injustices taking place in our country so i'd say Kaepernick is getting the job done on and off the field.
