Those in outrage over players taking a knee during the anthem aren’t the only ones giving off the aroma of ignorance — they’re joined by the players who’ve only recently partaken in the peaceful protest.
The entire controversy surrounding free-agent quarterback Colin Kaepernick and his right to take a knee during our nation’s anthem is utterly ridiculous. When it comes to controversial topics such as race, many Americans seem to be uneducated. Even though it’s 2017 and most information can be found using Google, I still take into account people’s lack of comprehension. So, let’s start at the root of the protests.
Initially, Kaepernick sat during the anthem as a way to protest systemic oppression. Many Americans are supposedly infuriated by his refusal to stand because they claim soldiers fought for the flag. Contrary to popular belief, they didn’t. They fought for our rights and what the American flag is meant to represent, which isn’t oppression but rather our right to kneel. It wasn’t until Kaepernick’s conversation with former NFL player and Army veteran Nate Boyer he decided to take a knee as opposed to sitting. Boyer said kneeling would be more respectful, he claims soldiers often kneel in front of a fallen soldier’s grave as a way to pay homage.
Let’s also acknowledge that Oakland Raiders running back Marshawn Lynch told his coach he’s sat during the anthem for the past 11 years. Lynch has never publicly acknowledged if there’s a specific reason he doesn’t stand, whereas Kaepernick explicitly stated, “I am not going to stand up to show pride in a flag for a country that oppresses black people and people of color.”
Now we’ve found the problem.
People aren’t upset because players are “disrespecting” the flag. They’re mad because the precious time dedicated to mainstream football is being used to shine light on racial inequalities. Everyone must realize black people aren’t puppets — their sole purpose isn’t to run up and down fields and get praised if they win and scolded if they lose. According to the Institute for Diversity and Ethics in Sport at the University of Central Florida, in 2016, nearly 70 percent of active players in the NFL were black. The league and its players are foolish not to use their platform to address the problems minorities face in society.
Colin Kaepernick began his protest at the beginning of the 2016 season, and he’s been without a job in the NFL since March. However, it wasn’t until a couple of weeks ago when President Trump referred to any player who protests as a “son of a bitch” did we notice several players from multiple teams kneeling in solidarity with Kaepernick. Also, what irritated me most was last week I noticed the entire San Francisco 49ers team took a knee or linked arms. They should’ve kneeled in solidarity when he first became blackballed. Moreover, players are neglecting Kaepernick’s initial intentions and are simply protesting Trump. The blackballed quarterback’s message is much larger than some name-calling, it’s about injustices.
For many players, standing up for what’s right may interfere with their livelihood. Still, they must decide if they want to secure their checks or take a stand against the country’s injustices and possibly end up blackballed. Kaepernick made his decision and that’s why he has my utmost respect. The power of money and greed often stand in our way of making true change, but we must remember we’re not pawns; what’s right is right and what’s wrong is wrong.
Clarke Perkins is a 21-year-old political science senior from New Orleans, Louisiana.