NFL quarterback Colin Kaepernick received a lot of heat in the media for his refusal to stand for the US national anthem. Many called the act unpatriotic, and some conservatives even claimed he was breaking federal law. However, President Obama supports Kaepernick and said that "he was exercising his constitutional right to make a point". Kaepernick says he won't stand "to show pride in a flag for a country that oppresses black people and people of color." Megan Rapinoe, US women's soccer player, knelt during the national anthem before a soccer match to support Kaepernick's movement. Obama went on to say, "if nothing else, what he's done is he's generated more conversation around some topics that need to be talked about."
This article was published today, and I strongly believe there will be similar articles posted soon after, as more and more athletes are taking part in this movement. This was written in order to inform the reader of our president's view on the issue. It has a positive effect on the reader, getting them thinking about what's going on in our country. This can relate back to 1972, when baseball player Jackie Robinson wrote in his autobiography, "I cannot stand and sing the anthem. I cannot salute the flag. I know that I am a black man in a white world." America is still facing the same civil rights issues it was facing in the 70s.
http://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-37278246
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ReplyDeleteI strongly agree with you Gracie, Kaepernick is doing a great job in drawing yet more attention towards the Black Lives Matter movement in a more aggressive way. Families are seeing a person who they see as a role model speak out and say our country has a big problem and I think this will result in further progress in the movement. Ethan Lacey
ReplyDeleteI also completely agree with you. Kaepernick is really helping to bring attention to something that seriously needs to be acknowledged and fixed, which is helping to further the Black Lives Matter movement.
ReplyDeleteI think this is awesome that Obama is backing this. You'd think as something in such a high position would say what is politically correct, but Obama is agreeing with what is ethically correct.
ReplyDeleteI think this is awesome that Obama is backing this. You'd think as something in such a high position would say what is politically correct, but Obama is agreeing with what is ethically correct.
ReplyDeleteI really like your comparison to Jackie Robinson. It brings light to how these civil rights issue still rage on, even over half a century later. Kaepernick's actions really help the BlackLivesMatter movement, and bring more attention to it, especially with the backing of President Obama.
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