On Friday, August 26th, The San Francisco 49ers Quarterback, Colin Kaepernick made a physical statement that caused quite an uproar in America. He refused to stand up for the national anthem before the 49ers Friday night preseason game against the Green Bay Packers. He later explained in an interview with NFL Media the reason behind his actions, "I am not going to stand up to show pride in a flag for a country that oppresses black people and people of color, 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."
Mr. Kaepernick did nothing wrong. Many people agree with him for multiple reasons. First, he exercised his First Amendment which includes freedom of speech. Isn't that the same amendment that racists hide behind when they try to defend and justify their racist comments? Aside from that, unless you can be counted as black, especially a black male, you are probably finding it difficult to understand what he’s talking about. In the past few years, the treatment of African-Americans has become a major issue all over the United States. “Black on black” crime is a big problem and police brutality is an even bigger problem. And this is just the start of inequality that includes bias, stereotyping, and many other creative ways that minorities are discriminated against in this country. Unfortunately, this isn't being recognized by many people that are in a position to do something about it.
Colin Kaepernick not standing up for the national anthem was his way of standing up against social inequality and giving a voice to a group of people that have no voice. Legally, there is nothing wrong with that. People tried and are still trying to make it bigger than what it really is. For example, some people say that it’s showing disrespect to the Army. It’s understandable why people may feel that way, but that was not his intention. If anything he is paying respect to the armed forces. Isn't freedom for all Americans what service men and women fight for?
This is not the first time a person of his status has stood up for civil rights and social inequality, and it won’t be the last. You can count Mohammed Ali, Bill Russell, Tommie Smith, John Carlos, LeBron James, and Carmelo Anthony among many athletes that have chosen to be patriots and stood up (or sat) for what they believe in. Continue to stand up for your beliefs, Colin Kaepernick.
