On August, as the San Francisco 49ers were about to play the Green Bay Packers, when Colin Kaepernick, who plays for the 49ers, decided to sit down during the National Anthem before the game. Needless to say, Kaepernick faced immediate backlash from all kinds of American citizens, regardless of their football allegiances. But, why? Why did he choose to sit down during an ode to America and its greatness?
In response to a similar question, Kaepernick answered, “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 are getting away with murder... I have to stand up for people that are oppressed. If they take football away, my endorsements from me, I know that I stood up for what is right.”
At first, I was speechless. Even as a Black Lives Matter supporter, who understood his motive, I was taken aback by Kaepernick’s contempt for his own country. It’s no secret that the system is rigged against people of color. It’s no secret that Black lives are brutally and senselessly murdered on the streets every day. But, there are other ways to support our movement without disrespecting the country that built you, that provided you with a bright future that children in underprivileged, third-world countries dream about. Why not walk on the streets of Oakland with other protesters, rallying for change within the establishment? Why not visit and talk to black mothers whose sons have been murdered in cold blood, victims of institutional racism and police brutality? Is this the way we honor those who have served and lost their lives for our freedom?
I’ll admit that America has its flaws, but in our crusade towards pure equality, we cannot forget the past strides America has made to end discrimination. We have a long way to go, but that doesn’t mean that we should be ungrateful for what we have already accomplished.
Yet, the more I thought about Kaepernick’s actions, the more I grew to admire his courage to stand up for what he believed in.
Our country was built on the premise of free speech, the ability to voice your opinions and fight for what you think is right. Kaepernick is merely exercising his right as an American citizen. It doesn’t matter if I disagree with his methods. It doesn’t matter if you don’t believe the same way. Our troops fought for our freedom to protest American injustices, our freedom to speak out against the rigged establishment, and -- yes -- our freedom to sit down during the National Anthem.
When John Carlos and Tommy Smith held their black-gloved fists up during the National Anthem at the 1968 Summer Olympics, they faced a similar type of backlash, losing their endorsements and reputation -- Kaepernick’s career may be at stake. Many fans are burning their jerseys and renouncing their connections with the athlete, but that’s okay -- this is a form of free speech, as well.
While I, as a vocal BLM supporter, am sympathetic to Kaepernick’s cause, I still think that his actions were disrespectful, that there are other ways to protest police brutality and racial discrimination. But, if someone can burn down an American flag without violating the Constitution, then a football player can sit down during the National Anthem to elucidate the injustices present in our society. And, that is what makes America great.
