I can't deny it. When Colin Kaepernick sat through the National Anthem in protest of what he says is against the oppression of people of color in America, I was pissed off. No matter what issues we have had with the government in the United States, the flag still stands above all of that to me.
However, now I realize the angry response was an unintentional byproduct of what he was truly trying to do. It was only meant to start a discussion, which it definitely has done. The discussion it started also caused a lot of people to become very angry at his perceived disrespect to servicemen and the country, but it also accomplished getting the entire nation discussing this controversial issue.
Despite the visceral response, Colin Kaepernick did exactly what he wanted to do. He got a lot more than he bargained for actually because the entire country has been discussing this for days now. I still don't agree with sitting during the National Anthem, but now Kaepernick has gone in depth in explaining his actions that make it far more understandable for the point he is making.
"It's something that I've seen, I've felt, wasn't quite sure how to deal with originally. And it is something that's evolved. It's something that as I've gained more knowledge about, what's gone in this country in the past, what's going on currently. These aren't new situations. This isn't new ground. There are things that have gone on in this country for years and years and have never been addressed, and they need to be."
What makes so many people so angry about this is that they think it is disrespectful to the people of the military who have sacrificed so much for that flag. People have sacrificed their lives, their health, their families, their everything and that is what many think of when they hear the National Anthem. It's interesting to note that our own Levi Damien is a NAVY veteran though, and he tweeted that he doesn't see it that way at all.
Speaking as a veteran, Colin Kaepernick did not disrespect me or those who died for this country. Our service was so he may have that right.
— Levi Damien (@LeviDamien) August 28, 2016
That is a striking point from a veteran who did serve our country. Whether we agree with Kaepernick's choice of protest, it is exactly the type of thing that our country allows when so many others do not. It is the very expression of freedom that so many servicemen signed up to defend and so many have died for. Ironically, the outrage so many people feel is at someone practicing the very freedom that our country was founded upon.
Kaepernick understands that frustration though and wants people to know that it was never an intention to disrespect the military. He respects the people that serve the country, however his protest is because he believes the reasonings behind many servicemen defending our country are not being honored by the government they serve.
"I have great respect for the men and women that have fought for this country." Kaepernick clarified in his interview about the protest. "I have family, I have friends that have gone and fought for this country. And they fight for freedom, they fight for the people, they fight for liberty and justice, for everyone. That's not happening. People are dying in vain because this country isn't holding their end of the bargain up, as far as giving freedom and justice, liberty to everybody. That's something that's not happening. I've seen videos, I've seen circumstances where men and women that have been in the military have come back and been treated unjustly by the country they have fought for, and have been murdered by the country they fought for, on our land. That's not right."
A full transcript of his interview with NFL.com's Steve Wyche is linked down below and it's very much worth a read. Many people are going to agree with what he is saying and many people are going to hate it, but it's still very much worth reading for a better understanding of the protest.
One of the truly eye opening statements that he made was about his own experience being racially profiled in college. His roommate was moving out of their house in a predominantly white neighborhood, and someone in that neighborhood called the police when they saw a black man moving stuff out of a house. I can certainly understand an experience like that having a life long impact on you.
"Yes, multiple times. I've had times where one of my roommates was moving out of the house in college and because we were the only black people in that neighborhood the cops got called and we had guns drawn on us." Kaepernick recalled when asked if he's had any bad experiences personally. "Came in the house, without knocking, guns drawn on my teammates and roommates. So I have experienced this. People close to me have experienced this. This isn't something that's a one-off case here or a one-off case there. This has become habitual. This has become a habit. So this is something that needs to be addressed."
I understand what Kaepernick is ultimately trying to protest, even though I don't like the way that he has voiced his protest. However, even if he angered many people it did exactly what he intended to do by starting such a massive national discussion. I don't like that he sat during the anthem, but I do respect his right to do so. Whether I personally like it or not, it doesn't change that protests like this are actually the very essence of America ironically.
Transcript: Colin Kaepernick addresses sitting during national anthem | Niners Wire
A transcript from Sunday when Colin Kaepernick addresses sitting during national anthem for the first time since Friday.
Colin Kaepernick speaks passionately about his silent, peaceful National Anthem protest - Niners Nation
The 49ers QB spoke for over 18 minutes to the media about his choice to sit during the national anthem.
NFL players: There are better ways for Kaepernick to affect change - CBSSports.com
Public backlash has been swift, but not everyone says the 49ers QB is being unpatriotic
NFL insider thinks 49ers will release Colin Kaepernick | NJ.com
The 49ers quarterback has been the talk of the NFL in recent days, but could soon be out of a job.
Other articles from around the AFC West
Denver Broncos
Broncos Rams recap: Game balls given for the pass rush - Mile High Report
When the Denver Broncos win (even in preseason) we give out game balls to the standouts. With a 17-9 victory over the Los Angeles Rams, we mostly give out game balls to the pass rush.
Broncos' defense relentless in pursuit of quarterback, guarding end zone - Mile High Report
Whether it was the ones, twos or threes, the Broncos defenders didn't stop pursuing or attacking.
San Diego Chargers
BREAKING NEWS - San Diego Chargers sign Joey Bosa to four-year deal - Bolts From The Blue
Rookie defensive lineman Joey Bosa today ended his historic holdout when he signed a four-year contract with the San Diego Chargers
The only thing that really mattered in this game was a likely season-ending injury to Branden Oliver.
Chargers-Vikings: Winners and Losers - Bolts From The Blue
The Chargers lost 23-10 to the Vikings. Believe it or not, some players did well. A lot more didn't.
Kansas City Chiefs
NFL roster cuts: Chiefs first 8 cuts are in - Arrowhead Pride
The Kansas City Chiefs announced their initial roster cuts of eight players: CB Bryce Cheek, DL Niko Davis, OL Curtis Feigt, CB Malcolm Jackson, WR Seantavious Jones, LB Jonathan Massaquoi, WR...
Alex Smith impressive in Kansas City Chiefs' 23-7 win over Chicago Bears | FOX Sports
Alex Smith was sharp in leading three scoring drives in the first half and the Kansas City Chiefs got a 23-7 preseason victory over the Chicago Bears on Saturday.
Other stories from around the NFL
The NFL is putting tracking sensors inside its footballs for the first time - Recode
The move is just a test — for now. (MAK: How about making these sensors track the yardage markings for always accurate football placements?!)
NFL roster cuts tracker: Teams trimming to 75 players - NFL.com
It's that time of the preseason. With the 2016 regular season nearly upon us, NFL teams have started trimming their rosters to 75 players. Keep track of all the latest cuts here. (Check back here after 1 pm PT deadline to see all roster cuts)
Loading comments...