We have all heard about the recent trending topic of athletes joining Colin Kaepernick's protest of not standing during the national anthem. At first, the protest caught everyone by surprise. But now, everyone is outraged. Outraged, that an athlete will not stand during the national anthem. Outraged, because Kaepernick is an American, and as an American he should be respecting our flag.
Now, here is why I shall kneel with Kaepernick. Kaepernick, is expressing his first amendment right, and whether we agree with him or not he has the right to protest. Sure, there are different ways to raise awareness for his cause, but what better way to catch people's attention than to protest the national anthem.
In a recent segment of Tomi Lahren's Final Thoughts, she expressed how it was un-American and disrespectful. However, I begged a differ Miss Lahren. It is by all means very American. Kaepernick has in fact inspired athletes of all genders and race. Like, Megan Rapinoe a female lesbian soccer player, who by the way was bashed by Lahren on how if she were in another country she would have been stoned or thrown off a building because she is a gay athlete, and how she is disrespecting our country's flag as well.
For those who do not understand the reasoning behind sitting down or kneeling during the anthem it is to spread awareness about Black Americans and minority oppressions.
Now we can argue back and forth as to why he has decided to take a stand for the black community, but frankly, it does not matter because he is doing it now and inspiring millions to get involved and take a stand. Or, we can hear critiques like Lahren constantly claiming how un-American he is and how he is a "whining" about a non-existent oppression. Or whether he is now going to reject the "American dollars" that he is receiving since they are "full of American propaganda that is found oppressive."
Many are offended but if standing during the anthem is such a controversy, why don't the people who are offended actually stand during the anthem while they are at home? Is it because no one is watching? Does Kaepernick receive more criticism because he is a NFL player and since he is supported by "American dollars" he should be more respectful?
The list goes on, however, it is clear that his purpose is not to offend but rather raise awareness. Not because he detests America, it is because of his love for America and the people in it that he doing this protest. He desires equality for minorities, and if that is offensive then Americans need a reality check.
If Americans are worried that he is offending Veterans, there is a hashtag going around stating "#VeteransForKaepernick," and by the way this hashtag is trending. So now who Kaepernick offending? Let us stop feeling targeted and begin to start a conversation, because that is his goal, and frankly, it should be everyone else's goal as well.
