Colin Kaepernick: Patriotism, Protest, and Controversy

Colin Kaepernick. Almost everyone knows the name. A Quarterback; a legend; a 49er; and a disgrace.

On August 26th,2016, at a preseason game between the San Francisco 49ers and the Green Bay Packers, Colin Kaepernick made his opening debut that left fans in an uproar in more ways than one. Throughout the playing of the National Anthem, Kaepernick was found sitting on the bench, refusing to rise. Many spectators found this sight unbelievably disrespectful and were quite shocked by his actions. In an interview with Steve Wyche of NFL Media [1] Colin Kaepernick stated, "I am not going to stand up to show pride in a flag for a country that oppresses Black people and people of color. 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." Although many were still left flabbergasted, this explanation seemed to shed light on Kaepernick’s motives, as he is a strong supporter of Black Lives Matter [4]. However, at their final preseason game against the San Diego Chargers, Kaepernick took another stab at American social standards by kneeling during the National Anthem; this time accompanied by safety Eric Reid. This act was made even more disrespectful by the fact that it was Military Appreciation night in which the anthem was sung by U.S

Petty Officer Steven Powel [5]. This action caused much backlash from many fans and non-fans alike.

Now comes the real question, can he do this?

The truth is, yes, he can. This fact was decided in the Supreme Court case Texas v. Johnson in which the Supreme Court decided that an action such as not standing for the National Anthem, or in the Court’s case burning the American flag, was protected under the First Amendment as “symbolic speech” [6]. However, just because he is allowed to does not mean he should. By refusing to stand for the National Anthem, Kaepernick displayed more than just “symbolic speech”. He actively and willingly disrespected the American nation and those who died to protect

it.

Many other NFL players have felt this injustice as well. New York Giants guard Justin Pugh tweeted that, “I will be STANDING during the National Anthem tonight.” [1] Even a former teammate of his, Alex Boone, said, “That flag obviously gives [Kaepernick] the right to do whatever he wants. I understand it. At the same time, you should have some respect for people who served, especially people that lost their life to protect our freedom.” [8] Even Rep. Duncan Hunter made a comment about Kaepernick’s actions by stating, “I don’t think you would have a person like him on a team in a city like San Diego. A city like San Diego is too patriotic and we have too much military.” [5]

Although Kaepernick has the right to interpret the National Anthem as he pleases, and do what he wants during its performance, does not mean that he should sit throughout its playing. Doing so is a great disrespect to the people who died protecting the flag and the song that goes with it.