Why I Sit With Colin Kaepernick | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Politics and Activism

Why I Sit With Colin Kaepernick

Freedom for all.

29
Why I Sit With Colin Kaepernick

On August 26, 2016, Colin Kaepernick, quarterback for the 49ers, took the country by storm when he decided to kneel instead of stand for the National Anthem. Millions took to social media platforms after it happened and expressed their outrage. After the game was over, Kaepernick was interviewed and asked about why he didn't stand. His response? "'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.'" Even after Kaepernick gave justification to his actions, many football fans were still outraged. Nasty comments were made on Facebook posts saying things like "he doesn't know what it's like to be black because his parents are white", or even calling him a felon for not standing. Comments like those are why Kaepernick felt the need to kneel, and why I've decided that I'm going to take a knee with him.

If you've watched any news in the last year, you know that there seems to be a targeting of sorts on people of color. Philando Castile, an innocent black man, was shot to death by law enforcement even after following every direction the officer gave him. Gymnast Gabby Douglas was publicly ridiculed for the way she wore her hair. Presidential candidate Donald Trump even went as far as to ask black voters "What do you have to lose?" in an attempt to get their votes. Black people in America, or any minorities really, are not treated with an ounce of respect often times, and Colin Kaepernick used his professional athlete status to take a stance against it. Many people viewed it as disrespectful, but those are the same people showing massive amounts of disrespect toward people of color.

But Kayla, what about the people who have fought for our country? Why shouldn't he stand for them? Good question. While he didn't stand, he did stop what he was doing. He could've continued warming up, but instead he took a knee. That's more than what Joe Schmoe is doing when he's in the bathroom taking his pre-game pee while the anthem plays. The veterans that people believe Kaepernick is disrespecting fought for freedom for all American citizens. By not standing, Kaepernick is exercising his freedom. To deny him of that would be more unpatriotic than not standing while an anthem plays.

Colin Kaepernick chose to sit to bring attention to the unfair way black people in America are treated. While it didn't immediately fix the problem, it sure sparked a lot of discussion, which is a great starting point. As a person who believes in freedom for all, I will strongly support Kaepernick in his decision to sit. His actions spoke for all of the people who don't feel free in America. Freedom cannot exist until everyone is free, and if we're up in arms over people trying to express their freedoms, we've got a long way to go.


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

18 Things I Want To Do Now That I'm 18

I'm technically an adult, so I'm legally required to live a little, right?

728
Happy Birthday Cake

For the entirety of my high school career, I was always seen as the goody-two-shoes. I never got in trouble with a teacher, I kept stellar grades, and when I wasn't doing extracurricular activities, I was at home studying. Even when I did go out, it was usually with a bunch of fellow band geeks. The night would end before 11:00 PM and the only controversial activity would be a fight based on who unfairly won a round of Apples-to-Apples when someone else clearly had a better card (I promise I'm not still holding a grudge).

Now that I'm officially an adult, I want to pursue some new things. I want to experience life in a way that I never allowed myself to do prior to entering college. These are the years that I'm supposed to embark on a journey of self-discovery, so what better way to do that than to create a bucket list?

Keep Reading...Show less
Featured

10 Life Lessons from Christmas Classics

The holiday classics that shaped my life

455
10 Life Lessons from Christmas Classics
Flickr

The holiday season is full of stress, debt, and forced conversation. While we rush through the month of December, it's important to take a step back and enjoy the moments before they're gone. Most families love to watch Christmas movies, but these beloved films provide more than entertainment. Here are 10 life lessons that I've learned from the holiday classics we watch every year.

Keep Reading...Show less
Featured

15 Mind-Bending Riddles

Hopefully they will make you laugh.

199476
 Ilistrated image of the planet and images of questions
StableDiffusion

I've been super busy lately with school work, studying, etc. Besides the fact that I do nothing but AP chemistry and AP economics, I constantly think of stupid questions that are almost impossible to answer. So, maybe you could answer them for me, and if not then we can both wonder what the answers to these 15 questions could be.

Keep Reading...Show less
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

20449
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

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments