Over the past few weeks, the phenomonon surrounding the debate over the national anthem has been sweeping both the internet, as well as the country, as more supporters are joining the protest that Colin Kaepernick created when he refused to stand during the anthem, before the 49ers preseason game. This stirred up a lot of controversy, amidst all races, the arising mix of opinions turning the seemingly simple gesture into an act of disrespect. Many important people, including law enforcement officials have put forth their own opinions, insinuating that the athlete should not have made such bold statements. Though it is up to you to decide what you think of what has gone down, here are a few things that you should know first about Kaepernick's actions, from all perspectives.
When approached about his protesting, Kaepernick himself claimed that it was not an anti-American act, but one that had been intended to bring attention to the racial injustice happening in the United States; however, he made several remarks in an exclusive press interview after the preseason game that he did not approve of this country, its flag and what they both stand for or do not stand for. He also commented a few times about how he would not stand because, in his direct words, "the country has not been living up to the standards that the flag was representing." These words could seem to sway his claim towards something different, but it is unclear.
ESPN analyst Trent Diller addressed the 49ers quarterback saying that he should be, "quiet and sit in the shadows and get the starter ready to play Week 1." In response, the athlete responded to what the analyst had to say, not only defending himself and his actions, but his reasonings. As a result, many people have also shown support for the protest, including, but not limited to; Brandon Marshall, the Denver Broncos linebacker, Megan Rapinoe of the United States national women's soccer team, as well as a few players belonging to the Miami Dolphins. Also, some college and highschool athletes have been following suit.
Ever since this was reported and made public, there has been a downpour of varied opinions and responses, some supportive, others opposing what he had done. One supporter, Lonnie Walker, the defensive back for Indiana State, knelt during the anthem during one of his recent games, and the university defended his right to exercise and express free speech. William H. McRaven, the University of Texas' chancellor disagrees with such defenses and expressions. McRaven, being a retired navy admiral, stated, "I spent 37 years defending freedom of speech and freedom of expression. Nothing is more important to democracy. Nothing!...However, while no one should be compelled to stand, they should recognize by sitting in protest to the flag they are disrespecting everyone who sacrificed to make this country what it is today--imperfect as it might be." Others have mirrored the chancellors opinion since the protest occurred.
A lot of people think that the best way to go in situations like these, with racial injustice, or with other issues of the like, is to be violent, to physically fight back or make their points by harming someone or something. If there is racial and religious violence happening in the country, it would be a contradiction to do the same thing in order to try to protest otherwise, because the person would not only be contributing to the issues, but making them worse. Other people feel it is better to respond or deal with things in a non-violent way. Despite the non-violence of Kaepernick's protest, it could be argued that it still is harmful, or escalates those types of instances.
According to the First Amendment, in the constitutional Bill of Rights, there is a right to free speech, as well as self-expression, and that is exactly what Kaepernick did, however, it may not have arguably been the right time or place to make the statement that he did. Even though he expressed how he felt about the injustice being served in the nation that he lives in, during a press conference, he mentioned his displeasure with this same nation, as well as the police, presidential candidates and military members. Is a press conference, outside of a football game the right time to be making derogatory remarks like that? Some people thought that it took away from the point he was trying to make, and others seemed to think that instead, it proved it.
In conclusion, regardless of what side someone is on, using Kaepernick as an example, the citizens of the United States of America should not be afraid to stand behind or defend their beliefs, especially in a country that advocates and encourages freedom. Yet, while it is good to believe in something, as well as to stand for and protect those things, often times, people are judged or mistreated for displaying those beliefs, which is why there are certain ways that should be heeded by in order to prepare themselves for such encounters. But, sometimes, it is worth that risk, even if it is met with negativity, or does more harm than good, if it induces positivity in the end. Making a change isn't always easy, and that is obvious in what Kaepernick did and faced as a result, but that does not mean we should not try our best to fulfill our purposes and to put in the effort to do what is right in the end. Only we, as individuals, and even as a country, can decide what is truly right.
