As many of you know, the news of Colin Kaepernick protesting for the oppression of Black America has been making headlines. Just a few days ago, walking white-privileged Tomi Lahren decided to speak her mind about the issue. Not only were her views ignorant, they were also disrespectful. Personally, I stand behind Kaepernick and his decision to sit down during the National Anthem because it is not the US Military he is protesting against, it is this country which claims to be equal and free that he is frustrated with. So, Tomi Lahren, before you start spewing your thoughts on an issue you know little about, be clear that you are seeing America through the eyes of a young white female who has her own television show to talk about whatever she wants.
Out of the entire video, there were a few points that she made that had zero relevance to the issue. Some of them being that he has two white adoptive parents, America isn't perfect, and this quote is one that I really hated: "If you don't like America, leave. There are thousands of people willing to take your spot." This was something that aggravated me because this is said whenever a person of color decides to protest against America and the way Black Americans are treated. The only answer White America has for us is that we should leave. Take note that when animal activists protest the cruelty and abuse of animals, no one is yelling at them to leave this country. It is only when people protest against the issues that occur regarding race, White America is quick to tell African Americans to leave.
Tomi Lahren, this is not about his heritage, it is not about his career. His protest is about the oppression of African Americans in this lovely country you call home. I would not expect you to understand his protest or to even agree with it, but for you to talk on your television show about how he needs to leave if he doesn't like America is wrong. America is about change. America is about being equal and free. He does not need to leave. Those who oppress and disrespect African Americans need to leave because America does not need those types of people in this country.
Let Colin Kaepernick sit down. Let the whole San Francisco 49ers Team sit down. They have a right to protest whether they are Black, White, Asian or Hispanic. They have the right to stand up for what they think is wrong with America. And Tomi Lahren, if you don't like that, then you can leave. I'm sure there is someone who would love to take your place.
