Sometimes in a person’s quest striving for something good, they find themselves entangled in something that detracts from their original intent.
I think this is certainly the case with Colin Kaepernick.
During an NFL preseason game last week, people noticed Kaepernick, the San Francisco quarterback, did not stand for the national anthem. What they didn’t realize is that Kaepernick has remained in his seat for each of the three preseason games he has attended. The only difference between the first two instances and the one last week is, for the latter, Kaepernick was in uniform.
After last Friday’s game, reporters asked Kaepernick a barrage of questions relative to his protest. Kaepernick was well-informed and answered each question with thoughtful consideration and a depth of knowledge that many people don’t possess.
The unfortunate reality is most media outlets are focusing on everything except Kaepernick’s reasons behind his protests.
For the record, Kaepernick is protesting because he wants to bring awareness to the disproportionate maltreatment of people of color. Such maltreatment is displayed in various forms, but Kaepernick cited the instances of police brutality. Kaepernick clearly stated, “This country stands for freedom, liberty and justice for all, but that is not happening for everyone right now.”
Mainstream media are focusing on the physical aspect of the American flag, rather than what the words of the national anthem represent. Mainstream media are also ignoring Kaepernick’s original intent to increase awareness about injustices against people of color. That is the type of information large news outlets need to disseminate to their respective audiences. Instead, some present-day journalists opt to sensationalize the news or even distort truths in a quest to gain more readers or viewers. Such efforts are what I call irresponsible journalism.
Kaepernick wants America to do better and be better. His protest is about raising awareness and holding the country to the very promises it touts. America certainly needs to be more accountable to people of color, but there must also be accountability for the millions of military men and women who risk their lives every day, yet come home broken and in despair with few resources to help them post-active duty. Kaepernick has spoken publically about both of the aforementioned causes, and the media has an obligation to report the whole truth – not solely the portions that may garner the most public support.
While I admire Kaepernick’s stance, he is not the only athlete to make such a statement. We all remember the fascinating image of American Olympic runners Tommie Smith and John Carlos, who opted to raise their fists from the medal podiums while the national anthem was playing during the 1968 Olympics in Mexico City. Additionally, two years ago former Cleveland Cavaliers player Dion Waiters refused to be on the court while the national anthem was played, and in 1996 Denver Nuggets player Mahmoud Abdul-Rauf was criticized for intentionally sitting down during the national anthem.
Each of the athletes I just mentioned received some sort of backlash from their decisions to peacefully protest. That is one of the reasons I have such deep respect for them – there was personal sacrifice. I respect Kaepernick for the same reason, as well. If a person cares so deeply about a particular cause that they are willing to lose something and risk everything, they get major respect from me.
Kaepernick said he decided to take a stand and risk so much because he wants to be a voice for people who do not have a voice. Kaepernick’s quest to be a voice for the voiceless may cost him millions of dollars in endorsements. His outspoken nature may also cost him his job.
My hope is that Kaepernick remains steadfast in his efforts. I commend him for working toward goals of fair treatment and equality. I also hope more people (celebrities, athletes, entertainers and everyday people) use their platforms to advocate for inclusiveness. It will take each of us doing our individual part to advance this country.
