If you haven't been paying attention San Francisco Quarterback Colin Kaepernick has been taking flack for his protest against police brutality in this country. His protest has sparked controversy because since the start of the pre-season games, Kaepernick has been seen sitting and then kneeling during the national anthem that plays before the game starts.
Colin has been quoted for the reasons why he is choosing to do what he is doing and I honestly commend him for taking action.
There have been times when I myself, even through these blogs and on my tweets have told some athletes they need to stay in their lane. I think sometimes, there are some minds who are not ready to have a conversation about what is political because they are not aware of the points that are being made. My annoyance with some athletes speaking on behalf of issues I don't feel they are justified in talking about is more because I don't want them to look like idiots, or moreso distract from the message.
Here's what I have appreciated about Colin's stance. He took an informed decision before making his protest. And even after continued to inform himself when he made the decision that instead of sitting during the anthem he would kneel.
Here's what I find fundamentally wrong:
Why is Colin Kaepernick a clown? And how does silently protesting the national anthem mean he is "not feeling American"?
Dr. Shaquille O'Neal commented on this statement as well (see quote above). When he asks "What happened last year?" you dismiss the fact that change happens due to awareness of an issue. You make an argument that this hasn't been in the forefront of Kaeprnicks' mind or that he wasn't weighing what was at risk like so many other athletes who have lost endorsements for taking this stand.
You forget that historically an entire nation fell silent to what was happening in the Civil Rights Movement until it was blasted across their TV screens in what is known as "Bloody Sunday"
Part of Social Justice is being observant, seeing what is happening and then entering when you are a) knowledgeable and b) can utilize your privilege most effectively.
What is disappointing is the continued dismissal of these actions and the continued silencing over the actual message that Kaepernick is trying to make.
Washington National Football Team's Head Coach Jay Gruden was quoted with the above sound bites. Which are extremely telling of how much off base we might actually be when it comes to this whole issue. Coach Gruden, might actually be out of tough with his player's feelings and stance on racial issues in this country. And to dictate how they will respond, almost continues to dismiss their ability to even speak at all. "Fall in line cuz massa says so."
There are many who call Kaepernick's act disrespectful to the flag
Was this disrespectful?
Or this?
Because let me remind you Kaepernick is not doing this
And what about this, is this disrespectful?
You can't kneel or show a display of a silent protest, but you can boo the President when he is speaking and acknowledging a memorial of one of the most significant attacks on our soil?
The act that Kaeprnick is taking is the MOST American thing he is doing. He is showing his pride for this country by highlighting an area in which this country can improve. And furthermore it has sparked this amazing convergence of democracy at it's best. On Sunday, September 11, 2016 was the peak start of the NFL 2016 Season. It also was the 15 year memorial of the September 11th terrorist attacks. Amidst "the kneel or don't kneel" controversy there were concerns about what this day would look like.
I think it was so beautiful, with the backdrop of 9/11 you have players kneeling, locking arms, or raising fists NOT out of a sign of disrespect but as a true display of patriotism to say that the current experience of our community members isn't one that is celebrating "Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness."
I leave it to these two thoughts for people who continue to dismiss the message and add the layer of "right and wrong" to Colin's protest. This thought is from Martin Luther King Jr. on riots:
Don't fail to hear the plight of what Colin is trying to raise light to by bringing something else into the conversation. Yes the backdrop might be uncomfortable, but it's sparking the larger conversation and at the edge of your discomfort you will be compelled to do something for change.
Finally, I came across this link of Comedian Bill Burr and during his set he actually talks about Colin Kaepernick's protest. There is one line in this commentary that became the title of my blog post and fundamentally I think this is the line that we all need to take away "Are you going to argue with someone on their own experience?" Here we are going back and forth about how Kaepernick and now others are protesting. But why are you not outraged for the "Why" they are protesting? Why is it easier for us to argue over the methods but not the motives?
Here's where I am at, to minimize an athlete or any individual to just their profession, takes away their humanity and voice. We are people, they are people, made up of our own experiences, testimonies and trials. Our experiences create our narrative and that story that we get to tell about who we are and what makes us who we are is ours to tell and ours to be respected.
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Shortly after the intent of this post was generated the United States added two (in Tulsa and in Charlotte) more recorded shootings of Black men to the list of our nation's plight. The conversation has now shifted where Kaepernick supporters are calling out those who had frustrations with Kaepernick's display to say where is your frustration and the loss of these lives. I hate that these deaths are talking points and news stories in the way they have become.
We need better..
