Colin Kaepernick Has A Right To Sit Out The National Anthem | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Sports

Colin Kaepernick Has A Right To Sit Out The National Anthem

Because freedom of speech is not only valid when you agree with what is being said.

17
Colin Kaepernick Has A Right To Sit Out The National Anthem
SportingNews.com

It’s not often that the mere act of choosing to sit or stand causes others to look at us with scorn and outrage. This simple act repeated many times in a day often has no consequences or reactions from others. But when you chose to sit instead of stand when the National Anthem is being played, the result is vastly different. The day Colin Kaepernick decided not to rise for the playing of the National Anthem is the day his life, career, and reputation changed.

When asked why he had chosen not to stand, Kaepernick stated, “I am not going to stand up to show pride in a flag for a country that oppresses black people and people of color. 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.”

Kaepernick was soon plastered across news stations around the nation as people took to social media to voice their outrage at his actions. Many reminded Kaepernick of how fortunate he is to be making a yearly average of 19 million dollars playing in the NFL. Others posted picture of wounded military members and questioned how Kaepernick could sit when so many of our service men and women no longer have the choice to stand.

Let me say this, I do not agree with Kaepernick’s actions. I love my country and I respect those who have fought and given their lives so that my family and I can live in freedom. I come from many generations of military members and understand the sacrifice that takes place on a daily basis to serve our country. I believe there are other ways to communicate your frustration of current events besides dishonoring your countries National Anthem and all that it stands for. I too am frustrated by the lack of respect showed by Colin Kaepernick.

But here’s the thing. Freedom of Speech is not only okay when I agree with what is being said.

Colin Kaepernick lives with a different worldview than I do. He faces different challenges and struggles than I do. If he chooses to stand up for his beliefs by not standing for the National Anthem, then he has every right to do that. No, I do not agree with him, yes, I think he is being disrespectful. But it is his absolute right to sit on that bench for every single note of the Anthem.

When the military goes into battle, wherever it may be, they fight for our freedom to choose. They fight for our freedom to have the right to choose where we go and what we do, who we love and what we believe in. The military does not fight so that everyone will agree with them; they fight for us because they love this country and what it stands for. They fight for our right to stand and honor our flag as the National Anthem is being played, and yes, they fight for Colin Kaepernick’s right to sit on the bench.

If Colin Kaepernick’s actions truly upset you, then stop posting about him. Stop sharing photos or memes or news stories about him. Colin Kaepernick is achieving what he set out to do. He has gained so much media attention and buzz, that his message is spreading across the United States and the world, and that’s exactly what he wanted.

Kaepernick says he is committed to sitting out the National Anthem for the rest of the season and will more than likely encourage other football players to do the same.

My hope is that Kaepernick will soon see the change he hopes for and will again join his teammates in standing as the National Anthem is played. Not only for the good of our country but also for the unity of his team. And my hope is that we as bystanders and Americans can one day come to understand that Kaepernick’s right to free speech is just as valuable as ours.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Entertainment

Most Epic Aurora Borealis Photos: October 2024

As if May wasn't enough, a truly spectacular Northern Lights show lit up the sky on Oct. 10, 2024

2835
stunning aurora borealis display over a forest of trees and lake
StableDiffusion

From sea to shining sea, the United States was uniquely positioned for an incredible Aurora Borealis display on Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, going into Friday, Oct. 11.

It was the second time this year after an historic geomagnetic storm in May 2024. Those Northern Lights were visible in Europe and North America, just like this latest rendition.

Keep Reading...Show less
 silhouette of a woman on the beach at sunrise
StableDiffusion

Content warning: This article contains descriptions of suicide/suicidal thoughts.

When you are feeling down, please know that there are many reasons to keep living.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

Power of Love Letters

I don't think I say it enough...

449335
Illistrated image of a letter with 2 red hearts
StableDiffusion

To My Loving Boyfriend,

  • Thank you for all that you do for me
  • Thank you for working through disagreements with me
  • Thank you for always supporting me
  • I appreciate you more than words can express
  • You have helped me grow and become a better person
  • I can't wait to see where life takes us next
  • I promise to cherish every moment with you
  • Thank you for being my best friend and confidante
  • I love you and everything you do

To start off, here's something I don't say nearly enough: thank you. Thank you, thank you, thank you from the bottom of my heart. You do so much for me that I can't even put into words how much I appreciate everything you do - and have done - for me over the course of our relationship so far. While every couple has their fair share of tiffs and disagreements, thank you for getting through all of them with me and making us a better couple at the other end. With any argument, we don't just throw in the towel and say we're done, but we work towards a solution that puts us in a greater place each day. Thank you for always working with me and never giving up on us.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

11 Signs You Grew Up In Hauppauge, NY

Because no one ever really leaves.

21588
Map of Hauppauge, New York
Google

Ah, yes, good old Hauppauge. We are that town in the dead center of Long Island that barely anyone knows how to pronounce unless they're from the town itself or live in a nearby area. Hauppauge is home to people of all kinds. We always have new families joining the community but honestly, the majority of the town is filled with people who never leave (high school alumni) and elders who have raised their kids here. Around the town, there are some just some landmarks and places that only the people of Hauppauge will ever understand the importance or even the annoyance of.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Moana's Top 10 Life Tips

"Moana" is filled with life lessons that involve far more than finding true love as many other Disney movies do.

44602
Animated image of a woman with long dark hair and tattoos
StableDiffusion

1. It's easy to be fooled by shiny things.

Digital image of shiny gemstones in cased in gold. shiny things StableDiffusion

Tamatoa created a liar filled with shiny things simply for the purpose of tricking fish to enter and become his food. He too experiences a lesson in how easy it is to be tricked by shiny things when Moana distracts him by covering herself in glowing algae so Maui can grab his hook.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments