Colin Kaepernick Lets His Voice Be Heard, But Is It Disrespectful To America? | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Sports

Colin Kaepernick Lets His Voice Be Heard, But Is It Disrespectful To America?

Colin Kaepernick continues to not stand during the national anthem.

7
Colin Kaepernick Lets His Voice Be Heard, But Is It Disrespectful To America?

Freedom of speech is an important right in the United States of America, but Colin Kaepernick is taking it to a more serious level.

With all of the racial oppression in the United States, Kaepernick made the decision that he would not stand during the national anthem, and would sit on the bench instead. Ever since he began sitting during the anthem, he's been slurred at, called names, and shunned by teammates and coaches around the league. The major question surrounding the situation is this: is Kaepernick wrong in sitting down? Or is he right in trying to end racial oppression?

After a long discussion with Nate Boyer, the former Army Green Beret, and safety Eric Reid at the hotel on Thursday afternoon, Kaepernick changed his plan to sit on the bench, and instead he would sit on one knee so he wouldn't offend people as much and attempt to be more respectful.

"Once again, I'm not anti-American, I love America. I love people. That's why I'm doing this. I want to help make America better. I think having these conversations helps everybody have a better understanding of where everybody is coming from."

There have also been players around the league that have spoke to Kaepernick and agreed with his morals, they were just too afraid to speak what was on their mind. Seattle Seahawks cornerback Jeremy Lane also joined Kaepernick's protest in Oakland, taking a seat Thursday night during the anthem before a game against the Raiders.

Kaepernick is also following the old saying "actions speak louder than words". After speaking to the media, he stated that he plans to donate the first million dollars he makes this year to help communities in need for racial inequality. He went on to say..

"It was something I was thinking about to try to make sure that I'm not just talking about something but I'm actively being involved and actively trying to make a change in these communities and I've been very blessed to be in this position and be able to make the kind of money I do and I have to help these people," Kaepernick said. "I have to help these communities. It's not right that they're not put in the position to succeed or given those opportunities to succeed."

After hearing everything from the media, as well as players and coaches, what are your feelings toward Colin Kaepernick? Is he going about racial oppression in an appropriate matter? Or is it too disrespectful to our country to not stand during the national anthem?

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Thoughts While Studying For Finals
StableDiffusion


That time of the semester has arrived once again, finals. The worst week ever. Who thought it was a good idea for all your classes to have exams all in the same week? Definitely not me. Here's 20 thoughts you may have studying for finals.

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

Disney magic for New Year!

The "Happiest Place on Earth" has a lot of characters with some pretty great advice.

5339
Disney magic kingdom castle on new years
StableDiffusion

Disney movies are well known and very popular in today's world. Although many people appreciate the plot and the storyline, not many people appreciate the wisdom these characters possess. Every Disney movie has unique advice that can be applied to everyday life. Here are 11 Disney quotes to help start your New Year off right:

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

40 Gift Ideas for the Indecisive

It's a time of love, family, memory-making, and gift-giving. But also a time of stressing over the perfect gift.

119540
Christmas gifts around a tree
StableDiffusion

It's officially December. There is less than a month of 2024, and I still feel like yesterday was summer. Now comes the merriest time of the year, the Christmas season.

Everyone has been waiting for this time of year since mid-October (which is way too early, in my opinion) or before. It's a time of love, family, memory-making, and gift-giving. A lot of times when I ask friends and family what they want, I get a lot of "I don't know" or "I don't care."

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Bucket List To Live In The Now

Find excitement in your life and start exploring wherever you are right here, right now.

1339
mu bucket list

I was sitting at my cubicle, now that I am an adult, looking at the rain pouring down on the windowsill, bumming on life, wishing for the rain to just stop for a full day.

There are moments where we count down the hours until work is over and how many more days till the weekend, and this many weeks until something exciting. Or something like that? Well, I was bumming because my next day off from work is not until Memorial Day weekend, which is not until the end of May. And since this is my first year out of college being a “real person,” I am totally missing the winter, spring and summer breaks. I am sure all of us have felt this way even if just for a hot minute…

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

11 Ways To Survive Finals As Told By Leslie Knope

Because you know you're going to be stressed out, and Leslie knows exactly how to survive.

964
Everything hurts and I'm dying

So finals are on their way. That's right everybody, finals are about to start.

But hey, don't panic. Start getting your affairs in order and prepare for a week of hell. Here's a few things Leslie Knope wants you to do to make your finals week just a little bit less stressful:

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments