This year, Colin Kaepernick will probably once again sit on Sundays during the national anthem, however he will more than likely be sitting just like everyone else, on his couch watching the action rather than participating in it. A once-shining star in the NFL, his career has flamed out, partially due to a decline in performance, but in more part due to a controversial decision to kneel during the national anthem. Many people who sit on their butts and munch potato chips during the national anthem on Sundays publicly shamed Kaepernick for his action. Kaepernick may not be in the NFL this year, but many other NFL players such as Michael Bennett, Marshawn Lynch have opted to continue Kaepernick's stance. Just this week, ten Browns players partook in a "protest" of the national anthem that included a white player for the first time. It is pretty obvious that players are going to take a knee, so we should too. Not with the national anthem, but for the visceral attacks towards them and their character.
Before I go any further, let me say that even I do not completely agree with anthem protests, however I believe in freedom. I have several friends and loved ones who have served this country, so I stand for the anthem, but I do not nor will I judge someone for thinking of it differently.
Anywho, lets delve into the issues that surround the anthem "protests"
What does the anthem mean?
The meaning of the anthem is different to everybody, to some people it's a sign of respect to the many who have fought hard to protect this country, to others it's just a song that is played at just about every event. I will make the argument, albeit unpopular that the anthem is probably a little too overplayed, but there's a time and a place for that. Many people have said that the actions of players such as Kaepernick, Bennett and Lynch are disrespectful to the military. However, many military members have applauded and supported them for their courage. Michael Bennett, actually came from a military family.
Patriotism
Whether we like to admit it or not, America has a misconstrued sense of Patriotism. Many people believe that if you stand for the anthem, you are a patriot and if you don't, you are a communist. That is silly. Patriotism is more than just standing for the anthem, it is constantly wanting to move America forward, it's wanting to make it a better place for our kids or their kids. It's accepting that the right thing is not always the popular thing. Kaepernick felt like this was the right thing. For those of you that are familiar with the United States Constitution, the First Amendment reads: 'Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.'
Many of use the First Amendment to defend ourselves in arguments. Now, I understand that essentially all the First Amendment protects you from is legal action, but what Kaepernick has done is a harmless and hasn't hurt anyone, except maybe their feelings. He legally has every right to do what he is doing, whether we like it or not and that's the beauty of America. We don't have to like it, but we should accept it. I would even make the argument that Kaepernick's stance is perhaps almost just as patriotic as someone who chooses to stand.
American Reaction
Many people have been upset by the recent stances of athletes, and they have just as much right to be upset as Kaepernick does to kneel, I won't take that away from them. However, many people have said ridiculous things, some have even threatened to boycott the NFL, some might, but many won't. Two Sundays from now many people will sit down and watch their favorite NFL team. Ask them if they want Kaepernick on their team and they will say no, however a Steelers fan will have no problem with Ben Roethlisberger (who has twice been accused of sexual assault) playing and I'm sure Saints fans were pleased when the Saints signed Adrian Peterson (who was suspended for most of the 2014 season for a child abuse claim against his three year old son, just less than a year after his two year old son was beaten to death by his mothers boyfriend.). As a Chiefs fan, I'm also guilty of this by rooting for Tyreek Hill (just google it), however I would open Kaepernick with open arms if the situation would need be. Until we can quit rooting for athletes who have been involved in high profile incidents that might have actually harmed someone, we should probably stop short of saying Kaepernick should never be allowed to play in the NFL.
Why isn't Kaepernick on a team?
The anthem isn't the sole reason Kaepernick remains unsigned. Kaepernick's unemployment can likely be contributed to the fact that his recent performance might not completely justify the circus that signing him would bring. However, it is awfully hard to defend that belief when I see guys like Thad Lewis who hasn't played in four years get signed over Kaepernick, the only reason I can possibly think of is that Kaepernick likely would not have accepted the same deal that Lewis would have.
Where do we go from here?
As Americans, we should look at the message and not how it is delivered. Whether you like it, or not this probably isn't going to stop anytime soon. The best thing we can do as an American society is not shame these athletes for kneeling, but instead ask ourselves why they are kneeling, and then ask what can we do to fix this? America is the greatest country world, but that doesn't mean it can't be made it even greater. Maybe, that is a message that athletes such as Colin Kaepernick, Michael Bennett and Marshawn Lynch are trying to get across, but as Americans we will be stuck in this until we decide that is time for us to take a knee on our vitriol towards the anthem protests.
