Let’s face it, we’ve seen more memes about Colin Kaepernick in the past 24 hours than the number of emails Hillary Clinton lost in the email scandal.
Kaepernick’s decision not to stand for the national anthem during an NFL preseason game against the Green Bay Packers has gone viral with fans up in arms on both sides of the issue over his protest.
Because of what he deems are wrongdoings against African Americans and minorities in the United States from law enforcement, Kaepernick sat on the bench during the national anthem Friday night.
“I am not going to stand up to show pride in a flag for a country that oppresses black people and people of color,” Kaepernick told media members after the game. “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.”
pic.twitter.com/fo4Cxb6 American Flag the size of a football field #winning #USA
— Ryan McGill (@McGilligann) September 12, 2011
With so many moving parts on this subject, let’s break this down issue by issue.
First, this really isn’t anything new for athletes or companies to get politically involved. Kaepernick joins the NBA’s Dwyane Wade, LeBron James James, Chris Paul and Carmelo Anthony who opened the ESPYs last month calling for change. That same week, WNBA players from around the country also used their platform to raise awareness on issues.
But the biggest move came just weeks after when the NBA announced that it was moving the 2017 NBA All-Star game because of the league’s objection to North Carolina’s House Bill 2, a controversial “bathroom bill” which sought to protect the privacy and security in public bathrooms according to North Carolina Gov. Pat McCrory.
NBA pulls 2017 All-Star Game from Charlotte, focuses on New Orleans. @WojVerticalNBA report on @TheVertical. https://t.co/WBB5RVhxNh
— The Vertical (@TheVertical) July 21, 2016
Second, Kaepernick has the right and the freedom to choose whether he wants to stand for the national anthem. While it doesn’t seem like it at the moment because of the nature of the protest, most people agree that there needs to be change when it comes to the treatment by law enforcement.
Third, the way that Kaepernick went about his message was the wrong way. If he wants to take a stand on the issue then go right ahead. But don’t disgrace the American flag. If it wasn’t for the troops that have served this country since its inception, than Kaepernick wouldn’t be able to enjoy the freedoms that he has today.
New Orleans Saints quarterback summed it nicely when he said;
“I wholeheartedly disagree,” Brees told ESPN. “Not that he wants to speak out about a very important issue. No, he can speak out about a very important issue. But there’s plenty of other ways that you can do that in a peaceful manner that doesn’t involve being disrespectful to the American flag. … Like, it’s an oxymoron that you’re sitting down, disrespecting that flag that has given you the freedom to speak out.”
Fourth, while everyone is calling Kaepernick an idiot among other names, he’s actually a smart guy if you think about. The 28-year-old quarterback knew that not standing up for the national anthem would cause an uproar and that his message would be heard.
He knew it was disrespectful, but that was the point because he has your attention.
Kaepernick voiced last month on Instagram about how he felt on racism and police brutality, but that message wasn’t heard. The 49ers quarterback has gone on to say that since that time he’s been thinking of other ways to let his voice be heard.
Well, he go it.
The bottom line: I give credit to Kaepernick for standing up, but he just went about it the wrong way. Surely there are better ways to let your voice be heard than taking to Instagram before turning your back on the American flag.
Actions speak louder than words and because of his action, his message was heard loud and clear. But that action could have come another way and that’s why a majority of fans are up in arms with his decision not to stand up for the national anthem going forward.
Athletes such as Michael Jordan have taken action by giving away $1 million each to organizations that will help build trust between citizens and law enforcement.
So what action is Kaepernick going to take? We’ll see, but as of right now, the backup quarterback is doing what he’s always done: sitting on the sidelines.
