Taking a stand. Or rather taking a stand to sit is what Colin Kaepernick did in exercising his rights as an American Citizen. People were outraged when Kaepernick remained seated during the national anthem in San Francisco’s exhibition game against the Green Bay Packers last week. But its not the first time. Its just the first time it was noticed.
Kaepernick, known for his support for #blacklivesmatter and his disappointment in todays judicial system in respect to the shootings of unarmed black men and the lack of prosecution thereof has made another stance. He decided to sit, again, during the customary National Anthem Ode that all sports teams participate in from middle school all the way up to the professional level.
Amongst a river of red jerseys, oceans of fans, opposing teammates coaches and media- standing……He sat. Content in his decision and comfortable with his belief and his, well, rights as an American Citizen according to the constitution of the united states.
What I admire most is the support from his team to curve the politics of no politics in professional sports and issue a statement:
“The national anthem is and always will be a special part of the pre-game ceremony. It is an opportunity to honor our country and reflect on the great liberties we are afforded as its citizens. In respecting such American principles as freedom of religion and freedom of expression, we recognize the right of an individual to choose to participate, or not, in our celebration of the national anthem.”
I admire the NFLPA for choosing to protect him in support of his decision to exercise his rights. What I admire most is the fact that he is not faltering or succumbing to the threats, the reaction of disdain from society and the pressures that taking a stand to sit during one of the most patriotic odes to this country.
But Kaepernick is doing more than just protesting, he is also set to donate his first million dollars of his salary this year to different charitable organizations. “I have to help these people, I have to help these communities. Its not right that they are not put in the position to succeed, or given the opportunities to succeed.”
I am pleased that this man has decided to be courages no matter the cost, no matter the consequences for what he believes in. Something I’d like to see a lot more of from people with a platform. Whether you agree with him or not, you have to admit that this is one daring act of courage to basically put it all on the line….his character, his career, his endorsements and anything else that could take a hit because he took a stand to sit.
Respect for Kaepernick #takingastandtosit