Colin Kaepernick's Protest Against Racial Injustice In The U.S.A.
The backlash against Kaepernick is a sign that Americans are not yet ready, willing, or able to make reparations and resolve the problem of racism. If freedom of speech is introduced in the First Amendment of the United States Constitution, penned in even before the right to bear arms. Protesting the anthem is supremely a patriotic act, as Kaepernick strives to make his nation a better place. So why are so many Americans upset with Colin Kaepernick speaking and doing what he believes in.
All Kaepernick did was; first, refuse to stand for the national anthem and then, knelt during the national anthem. His kneeling has become a symbol of political protest in 2017:” taking a knee “is now a common phrase. The national anthem has sentimental value for many Americans. Refusing to stand or taking a knee can be construed as being disrespectful because Americans have been taught since they were in Kindergarten that one should not only stand during anthems, but also place their right hand over their heart when saying the “Pledge of Allegiance.”
Kaepernick’s actions cut to the heart of what it means to be an American. It seems that many Americans are being confronted by their own skewed views of what patriotism means or how to display it. Putting a hand over the heart during the anthem is not patriotism. Do a degree, fighting in a war to defend one’s country is ultimate sign of patriotism but being a political activist is, too. Being a political activist means making incredible sacrifices for common good. Sacrifice and patriotism are exactly what Kaepernick embodies.
Protests are nothing new in sports. Because of the intimate connection between race, power, and sports in America, it makes sense that some of the most important sports-related political protests have also been protests related to racial and social justice. The most important sports-related political protest for this generation today is Colin Kaepernick’s “taking a knee.” Kaepernick used his power as a sports celebrity to draw attention to racial injustices in the United States. Kaepernick was one of the best football players in the world but because he took a knee, he is out of work.
Many other sports heroes have protested against racial injustice. Such as the Miami Heat team collectively wearing black hoodies to protest against the unjustified killing of Trayvon Martin and the way the court systems and the media handled it. Using sports as a means of social and political protest make sense because of the connections between sports and the media. Typically, corporate sponsors call the shots with the messages that go on the air. With protesters like Kaepernick, they take back their power. No longer allowing themselves to be swayed or seduced by the promise of money, like Kaepernick.
When Colin Kaepernick decided to sit out the national anthem, he did not just suddenly do it. There was a greater social and political context within which the protests take place. Before all this come about there were several public protests by other organizations like;” Black Lives Matter.” Kaepernick has made a difference by raising awareness and capitalizing on the power of social media and in Kaepernick’s case, the mainstream media. He has also made protesting more accessible to younger and less powerful players, who may take inspiration from Kaepernick and refuse to cower under pressure. However, not all the effects of Kaepernick protests have been positive.
The entire NFL has been in turmoil over the protests. Those who criticize Kaepernick continue to do so out of anger that suggests that they are not paying attention. When Colin Kaepernick knelt during the national anthem, people in his hometown were angry -people were angry all over the nation. Many have accused him of hating America or hating the military, misunderstanding the principles of free speech and what standing for the anthem really means.
In conclusion, today Colin Kaepernick has remained unsigned since he became a free agent following the 2016 season. Kaepernick has already created a legacy, but there is still a lot of work to do here. He still does not play the sport he was born and trained to play. Yet he capitalized on his opportunity in the spotlight to alert America of its continued problems, problems the nation has tried to sweep under the rug.
