In 2016 former San Francisco 49er, Colin Kaepernick began kneeling during the national anthem prior to his games. He did this in silent protest of social injustices. His act of social disobedience upset millions of Americans. Soon his stand against racial inequality and police brutality became foolishness about disrespect to the American flag and the armed forces.

If we are being literal, historical and most importantly, factual, let's start with one thing. The American flag's conception was not based on or for the armed forces. It was designed by New Jersey Congressman Francis Hopkinson and sewn by Philadelphia seamstress Betsy Ross as a symbol of the country. Since 1777 Congress passed several acts that have changed the design and arrangement of the flag so to allow stars to be added to reflect the admission of each new state. The stripes represent each of the original 13 colonies, while the colors, red, white and blue had no specific meaning at the time of the flag's design. They were simply taken from the Union Jack flag, a.k.a The British Flag.

So again, the flag was created as a symbol of country, not military.

Now, if we want to argue that the point of "America's" conception was indeed to be racist and bigoted and that Kaepernick is disrespecting America by attempting to point out this status quo, well, that's an entirely different conversation.

But my point here is to focus on what is, and was is definitely NOT disrespect to the flag. Most American's really enjoy pretending to know what they are talking about, but annoyingly so, many are just wrong. Opinions are presented as fact and actual facts are given room for interpretation. So to clear this up, let's turn to The United States Code, Title 4 - Chapter 1.

1. The flag should never be worn.

So, to clarify, kneeling is bad, but if I had an American Flag bikini stuck in my ass crack, or a dusty pair of 'Mercan flag flip flops, or whatever Sarah Palin is doing, that would be fine?

2. The flag should always be allowed to fall freely.

"It should never be festooned, drawn back, nor up, in folds."

*clears throat* I guess unless someone thinks it's a cool photo op!

3. The flag should never be placed anywhere where it can be easily damaged.

"The flag should never be fastened, displayed, used, or stored in such a manner as to permit it to be easily torn, soiled, or damaged in any way."

Yet again, I guess it being upside down, dusty on someone's rooftop is fine as long is wasn't Black people who put it that way. (I'm sorry, did I say that?)

We see the flag dirtied, hanging off of cars, torn..etc, every day and we walk on by because we deem it unimportant.

4. The flag should never have anything placed upon it."The flag should never have placed upon it, nor on any part of it, nor attached to it any mark, insignia, letter, word, figure, design, picture, or drawing of any nature."

So, I guess those grocery store aisles that pop up before every Independence Day where 'Mercan's purchase all of their American Flag merchandise will be going away?

5. The flag should never be used as a receptacle for receiving, holding, carrying, or delivering anything.

A literal soldier, holding a literal baby in a literal flag. But disrespect to the American Flag is okay when it's "cute."

6. The flag should never be embroidered, printed or impressed onto anything.

"It should not be embroidered on such articles as cushions or handkerchiefs and the like, printed or otherwise impressed on paper napkins or boxes or anything that is designed for temporary use and discard."

Again, what would the 4th of July look like without American Flag napkins, cups, and plates?

7. Advertising signs should not be fastened to a staff or halyard from which the flag is flown.

Yes, this includes but is not limited to self-advertising.

8. No part of the flag should ever be used as a costume or athletic uniform.

However, a flag patch may be affixed to the uniform of military personnel, firemen, policemen, and members of patriotic organizations. The flag represents a living country and is itself considered a living thing. Therefore, the lapel flag pin being a replica, should be worn on the left lapel near the heart.

Oh, Tomi! Are we dressed up as the flag?

One thing I do find interesting...the proper way to dispose of the flag. Wanna take a guess?

Burning it.

"The flag, when it is in such condition that it is no longer a fitting emblem for display, should be destroyed in a dignified way, preferably by burning."

You don't have to like Kaepernick, and you don't even have to like Black people. But let's not make things up and spin the acts of social activists into something it isn't.