Disclaimer: The opinions on Colin Kaepernick kneeling for the national anthem in this article are not driven by my opinions on black lives matter, oppression in the United States, military men, and women in the armed forces, or veterans, but rather the information I have gathered through my research. In other words, this article is not subjective in manner, but rather objective.

As we all know, Colin Kaepernick has taken a stance, or rather lack of, with his silent protest against the National Anthem and the flag of the United States. He has begun kneeling for the National Anthem. When this silent protest first began, many people were outraged while many others sided with him. Kaepernick’s reasoning behind this silent protest is as such: he believes that the flag is a symbol of oppression for black people and those of color. Let’s analyze what the American flag represents as well as the National Anthem.

“The Star Spangled Banner” was created in 1814 by the poet Francis Scott Key after he witnessed the bombardment of Fort McHenry. He was inspired by the American flag as it stood tall and flowing while this event was occurring. The American flag and “The Star-Spangled Banner” today thus represents those who fought in battle and is a tribute to those who died in battle as well as the veterans of battle. While the United States does have a past of oppression and slavery, it should not follow that both these iconic symbols of American patriotism are symbols of oppression of those of color.

Many people will say that they understand why Kaepernick is doing what he is doing but is it ethical? Shaquille O’Neal was interviewed and asked to speak his mind about the situation. His opinion is that he understands why Kaepernick is kneeling for the National Anthem, however, Shaq said he would not do it himself. His question to Kaepernick was, “Why do it now, and not when he came into the NFL?”

So, what does this mean for Kaepernick? Many college coaches across the United States are being proactive with their players and showing them what it really means when we stand for the National Anthem and face the flag. That is, we stand for the National Anthem and present ourselves towards the flag out of respect for those who fought in battle, for those who survived, and for those who died. For example, there is a reason that the flag is placed on the caskets of those who died in battle. One coach said to his players, “See these men and women? See these seats? These men and women earned these seats while we have not.”

This country is great in the fact that we can peacefully protest and speak our own mind and formulate out own opinions. With that being said, you all can formulate your own opinions about this situation. Is Kaepernick in the right for his silent protest, or is he in the wrong?