By: Will Zhang
Two weeks ago, prior to the San Francisco 49ers third preseason game, quarterback Colin Kaepernick showed support for the Black Lives Matter movement by refusing to stand during the singing of the National Anthem in protest. In a post-game interview, the 49ers quarterback told NFL Media, “I am not going to stand up to show pride in a flag for a country that oppresses black people and people of color.” This protest quickly sparked outrage with major media outlets picking up the story the next day.
Critics of Kaepernick called him unpatriotic, seeing this gesture as disrespect to the flag and to the service men and women who fight for our freedom. Support for Kaepernick was initially slow due to the massive media outrage making it difficult to for anyone to support such a disliked man.
Regardless of the massive outrage, supporters saw the true meaning behind his actions. He was not intending to disrespect the flag; he was merely sending a message and fighting for his belief that something had to be done about the injustices faced by black Americans in this country. This debate on his actions has transcended the sport of football with athletes, celebrities and media outlets falling on both sides of this argument.
Let’s make one thing clear: Colin Kaepernick has every right to refuse to stand during the National Anthem. This should not be the debate, but sadly, it has become the focus in most media coverage. The first amendment of our constitution grants all law abiding citizens’ freedom of speech and therefore, freedom to stand for his beliefs. No matter how unpopular his actions may seem, Kaepernick is simply exercising his rights as a citizen. Ironically, those people who are attacking his right to protest the flag are being more disrespectful to the flag and the freedoms and liberties it stands for than Kaepernick himself. I am a firm believer of every person is entitled to have a voice. It saddens me to see people attempting to silence ideas and voices they disagree with.
Along with being a firm believer in his right to protest, I also support what Colin is fighting for. The inequity African American’s face at the hands of rogue cops and corrupt politicians is indubitable and cannot be tolerated. Those with racist tendencies who attempt to undermine blacks and any other minorities should be held accountable. There is an innate racism woven into the fabric of our society that has been there since this country was founded. Although this cannot be fixed overnight, support for movements such as Black Lives Matter will hopefully start the ball rolling on progress in this country.
Colin Kaepernick made the right move when he protested the anthem. There are many out there who support his message, but do not like how he conveyed it. These people do not appreciate him undermining the flag our military works tirelessly to defend and have every right to feel unsettled or even disgusted by his actions. I am not one of these people. Kaepernick took the right course of action for his beliefs. In his position, there doesn’t seem to be a more effective or impactful way to share his discontent than with such a bold action. His intention was not to disrespect the military; it was to send a message. This message is being heard by people from across the country and support for his protest is slowly gaining traction. Several athletes, including NBA superstars Kevin Durant and Stephen Curry, have come forward in support for their fellow athlete. Many others have even gone as far as join him in his protest. Just last Sunday on 9/11, countless football players from across the country imitated Kaepernick in attempts to spread the message. Support for Colin has even reached the White House. At the G20 meeting last week, President Obama supported Kaepernick’s right to protest calling these types of protests, “…something very necessary for us to improve as a country.”
Despite how disputed his actions were, Kaepernick undoubtedly generated more conversation around the topic of racial injustice. Hopefully, this conversation continues to grow, eventually leading to changes that will improve us as a country.
