San Fransisco 49ers quarter back Colin Kaepernick has been taking a knee during the national anthem to protest unequal rights in recent events taking place in the US. Looking at the fundamentals of this country, based around freedom and equality, Kaepernick suggest that the United States isn't keeping up with their end of the bargain. Recent violence with the way law enforcement engages with some members of the community is what the focus is on.
In the past there have been several speakers that highlighted this aspect of the country and suggest racial inequality is a relevant factor. Though this may be true, there is a more proper way to protest and get the point across. Kaepernick and young football players around the country are not doing it right.
The way they protest suggest they do not want to be a part of what everyone else is a part of. And instead of highlighting the issue, it offers a sense of anger for those who see it. A common thought that many NFL fans have is that Kaepernick should be fined or suspended from the NFL. Now, how can such a simple protest spark so much anger or hate....its because you need to protest in a more widely accepted fashion where people will want to relate to you. His protest drives most people away from that main ideal of racial inequality. Is it just coincidence that young ball players in the US are also doing it too? Probably not...they may not even understand the fundamentals of the protest but see Kaepernck as an idol and do as he does.
Maybe a better way of approaching inequality is getting involved with local government, pleading to officials to push for a change in Law enforcement strategies. Kaepernick has infinite resources to get involved, so why not?
He isn't helping the country, but instead, further dividing it. Get involved the right way.
I completely LOVE the first paragraph, which shows your complex understanding of the matter.
ReplyDeleteI wonder, though, about the idea of getting it "right" when it comes to protesting. You say, "The way they protest suggest they do not want to be a part of what everyone else is a part of." Maybe part of the problem is that many people of color feel (because of history, reality, experience) that they are NOT a part of the system in ways that are recognized and valued equally with others. Maybe?
Thanks for your thoughtful post, Joe. I do agree that we should ALL be more involved, and maybe if we can meet in the middle, toward some understanding, that will feel/be more possible.