Taking a knee: An open Letter to the Editors

In  2016, former 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick sparked controversy by remaining seated during the playing of the “Star Spangled Banner,” unknowingly creating a national movement that would remain prevalent for over a year afterwards. “This is bigger than football,” Kaepernick explained during a post-game interview, “it would be selfish on my part to look the other way.  There are bodies in the street and people getting paid leave and getting away with murder,” he finished, referring to the Black Lives Matter movement.   In  2016, former 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick sparked controversy by remaining seated during the playing of the “Star Spangled Banner,” unknowingly creating a national movement that would remain prevalent for over a year afterwards. “This is bigger than football,” Kaepernick explained during a post-game interview, “it would be selfish on my part to look the other way.  There are bodies in the street and people getting paid leave and getting away with murder,” he finished, referring to the Black Lives Matter movement.

Quickly after, many heiled Kaepernick as a hero, while others saw him as a public menace.  In early 2016, Kaepernick was voted the “most disliked” player in the N.F.L., but still pictures circulated under the hashtag, “#VeteransForKaepernick,” displaying U.S. veterans who supported Kaepernick’s message.  In March of 2017, Kaepernick opted out of his contract with the 49ers, formally making him a free agent.

To many, the American flag and National Anthem represent not just the values of America, but the lives given to defend it.  Justin Pugh, a lineman for the Giants, declared the protest “disrespectful to all the men and women who put their lives on the line to protect this country.”  By refusing to stand up, some Americans interpreted Kaepernick to be taking his rights for granted, as he wasn’t “showing his respect” to veterans who fought and died.

On the other hand, many athletes supported and agreed with Kaepernick, and also kneelt or sat during the playing of the National Anthem.  Most notably, U.S. National Soccer player Megan Rapinoe joined Kaepernick, saying, “I think until I can feel like I’m being more effective in other ways… this seems appropriate to me.”  Members of the Miami Dolphins, Kansas City Chiefs, and Seattle Seahawks expressed their support of the movement– with Chiefs’ player Marcus Peters asserting that he was “supporting Colin as far as what he’s doing as far as raising awareness of with justice system.”

President Donald Trump gave his two cents on the matter, firmly tweeting that “If N.F.L. fans refuse to go to games until players stop disrespecting our Flag & Country, you will see change take place fast. Fire or suspend!”  During a speech in Alabama, Trump went as far as to say, “Wouldn’t you love to see one of these N.F.L. owners, when somebody disrespects our flag, to say, ‘Get that son of a b***h off the field right now, out, he’s fired.  He’s fired!”

Roger Goodell, N.F.L. commissioner, released a statement shortly afterwards proclaiming, “Divisive comments like these demonstrate an unfortunate lack of respect for the N.F.L., our great game, and all of our players, and a failure to understand the overwhelming force for good our clubs and players represent in our communities.”

It has become overwhelmingly obvious that each person’s interpretation of the American flag’s significance has an effect on their position of the movement.   Kaepernick originally sat down to draw attention to the oppression of African Americans in America, but many who condemn him do so out of their respect for U.S. veterans.  Unfortunately, this polarization of the two “sides” has defracted Kaepernick’s intent, sending a movement with good intentions down the drain, as flushed by none other than those who refuse to acknowledge how the American flag can symbolize multiple rights, freedoms, and people.