Colin Kaepernick's Kneeling; Disrespectful or Necessary?
The above image shows widely recognized NFL star Colin Kaepernick demonstrating his personal protest to the racial injustices in America and kneeling during the national anthem. One might ask, "how does kneeling cause such controversy and backlash?" With this act, Kaepernick is drawing attention to one of, if not the biggest issue in modern day America; the killings and mistreatment of innocent black people and other people of color. The question is, is Kaepernick doing the "right thing" by taking a knee while his country's anthem plays? Or does this act actually increase his patriotism?
Those who are unsupportive of Kaepernick claim that he is disrespecting America and should keep his "politics" out of football. On one hand, yes, it is his job to show up and play football. However, wouldn't it be even more disrespectful to America for someone so famous to not use their fame to call attention to one of the country's major flaws? For years athletes have been encouraged to keep personal views separate from game time. Sports are for the entertainment of their viewers, right? When people turn on the game on Sunday, they expect to see the game, not "politics." This may be true, but the issue Kaepernick is addressing is far more important than the comfort of viewers. It seems as if Kaepernick's call on America to make a change proves his love for the country more than those who are indifferent to the issue.
Another NFL player, Michael Bennett is personally connected to the issue of racial profiling and police brutality. Bennett was abused and handcuffed by police officers after running away from the sound of gunshots, as any sane person would do. After his disturbing experience Bennett began kneeling during the national anthem as well, to protest the mistreatment of his race. The backlash that Kaepernick received as a result of his kneeling is also quite disturbing. Imagine receiving death threats for standing up for what you believe to be right. This can parallel to Radio Raheem in Do The Right Thing. He stands up for his own freedoms and ends up being killed for it. When Radio and Buggin' Out return to Sal's, a place they have given a lot of money to over the years, an altercation leads to Radio's death. The question yet remains, is it the "right thing" to do? Is Kaepernick's protest right? Or is it right for him to keep his views outside of football? Would it be wrong for him to keep quiet on the subject despite his influence on society? The latter question, I believe, is answered by the younger communities following Kaepernick's lead in protesting during sports games. He's inspiring young people to realize the mistreatment of minorities and to demand a change, which doesn't sound like the "wrong thing" to do.
I think it would be difficult to watch the above video of Michael Bennett speaking about his experience and believe that he is not doing the right thing by remaining seated for the national anthem. Bennett and Kaepernick are striving to change America and the ways it harms it's own citizens. From their perspective, if you do not feel protected or loved by your country, wouldn't it be hypocritical to not take a stand? Wouldn't it be wrong to not use your public influence to try and save the lives of future police brutality victims, or to get justice for those who didn't survive? The questions are controversial and up to each person's individual opinions, but they continue to cause people to call the morality of America into question.
Another NFL player, Michael Bennett is personally connected to the issue of racial profiling and police brutality. Bennett was abused and handcuffed by police officers after running away from the sound of gunshots, as any sane person would do. After his disturbing experience Bennett began kneeling during the national anthem as well, to protest the mistreatment of his race. The backlash that Kaepernick received as a result of his kneeling is also quite disturbing. Imagine receiving death threats for standing up for what you believe to be right. This can parallel to Radio Raheem in Do The Right Thing. He stands up for his own freedoms and ends up being killed for it. When Radio and Buggin' Out return to Sal's, a place they have given a lot of money to over the years, an altercation leads to Radio's death. The question yet remains, is it the "right thing" to do? Is Kaepernick's protest right? Or is it right for him to keep his views outside of football? Would it be wrong for him to keep quiet on the subject despite his influence on society? The latter question, I believe, is answered by the younger communities following Kaepernick's lead in protesting during sports games. He's inspiring young people to realize the mistreatment of minorities and to demand a change, which doesn't sound like the "wrong thing" to do.I think it would be difficult to watch the above video of Michael Bennett speaking about his experience and believe that he is not doing the right thing by remaining seated for the national anthem. Bennett and Kaepernick are striving to change America and the ways it harms it's own citizens. From their perspective, if you do not feel protected or loved by your country, wouldn't it be hypocritical to not take a stand? Wouldn't it be wrong to not use your public influence to try and save the lives of future police brutality victims, or to get justice for those who didn't survive? The questions are controversial and up to each person's individual opinions, but they continue to cause people to call the morality of America into question.
Janie, your writing convinces me that both Kaepernick and Bennett are expressing their right to peacefully protest. Your connection to Radio Raheem was wonderfully executed. Your images and video connect to your point of view as well and make your writing more engaging. Good job!
ReplyDeleteAt the same same time, can you elaborate on why some people interpret Kaepernick's and Bennett's actions as disrespectful?
Some people see Kaepernick's and Bennett's protests as an act of disrespect toward America and the American military. Rising for the national anthem is expected of all Americans. People assume that because Kaepernick kneels for the national anthem, he does not have any respect or appreciation for the men and women who have fought or died fighting for the country. However, Kaepernick has previously stated that he does have respect for the military and it was not his intention to dishonor them, but instead to call attention to something he sees as a serious problem. The people who see his actions as disrespectful have probably just interpreted his protest incorrectly and would benefit from reading more into his reasons for doing it.
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