Seanelle Higgins; Colin Kaepernick: Further Addressing Our Constitutional Rights

On Friday, September 2nd, San Francisco's 49ers quaterback Colin Kaepernick stayed seated during the routine playing of the national anthem at his preseason game. This sparked a ton of controversy and buzz. People began to wonder: "Is this a thing he should be doing?", and immediately coined the act as disrespectful and unpatriotic. "I am not going to stand up to show pride in a flag for a country that oppresses black people and people of color," Kaepernick told the NFL media.  "To me, this is bigger than football and 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." Other influential sports leaders have jumped in on this, too. Jeremy Lane, also a football player, participated in the act of protest as well. He recalled his interaction with Kaepernick after sitting out as well to support him. "He reached out to me and just told me thank you, standing behind me," Lane said. "I don't know," the player said when asked if his teammates will also be joining in. "I don't want to put any pressure on anyone. I'm doing it for me." This is not the first instance of an event occuring like this one. WNBA players from various teams also did something similar where they wore t- shirts in support of the Black Lives Matter movement and were fined. Events like these continue to keep the buzz alive about the situations happening in our country. Time will only tell whether or not more or less celebrities and athletes will participate in this same act of protest.

Analysis:

I think events like these are extremly important and should keep happening. These types of protests have already been happening in the mainstream music industry. Presentations have popped up at awards shows in the entire year of 2016 in support of those who have lost their lives. I feel like now that major athletes are doing this, they are reaching a whole new target audience. Whether it be for publicity, or is truly genuine, events like these light a fire under the butts of millenials and encourage them to speak about what they see on television.  This way, people will become more and more educated about the wrong doings that continue to take place in America and be inclined to speak up about it. I do not see these acts as disrespectful or unpatriotic. I do not see the appeal in celebrating a country that continues to abuse you and others like you. People are no obligated to stand up for the anthem, and not doing so is exercising their right to make a statement. If one feels so inclined as to stand up and pledge to the country, they are allowed to without ridicule. If one person feels entirely different from the first and does not feel like they thoroughly protected and served under the law, they are allowed not to stand for the anthem. 

Synthesis:

Can be compared to the late 1700's when thr Americans began to vigorously oppose British rule. They did not feel safe and completely heard under Great Britain, so they opposed it, just like these athletes.http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000691077/article/colin-kaepernick-explains-why-he-sat-during-national-anthem https://www.google.com/amp/www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Hes-Exercising-His-Constitutional-Right-President-Obama-on-49ers-QB-Colin-Kaepernicks-Decision-to-Sit-During-National-Anthem-392336001.html%3famp=y?client=ms-android-att-us