I really wanted to stay away from it. There have been so many oversaturated sports stories that I've tried my best to avoid writing about in 2016 already: Kevin Durant signing with the Warriors, the Chicago Cubs never losing, and now, Colin Kaepernick's refusal to stand during the national anthem are just a short list of them. But it seems like this is the one topic that's absolutely impossible to avoid. Any time I turn my head a different direction there's another "hot take" of the situation. Well, I finally caved. The main idea of this article isn't for me to share my own personal views on the subject since I'd prefer to remain diplomatic, but really just to ask you to listen to all sides. We're all so eager to discount and overlook facts as we rush to come to conclusions to fulfill our personal agenda.
Like all coins, this story has two sides to it. First off, people find offense to Kaepernick's actions as they perceive it as disrespectful to our country, the military, and law enforcement in general. This side of the conversation is extremely sensitive (as it should be) because we're talking about people who risk their lives everyday for the betterment of this country. Their sacrifices can't be understated as they're not even guaranteed to come home when they set out for work in the morning. United States citizens are eternally grateful for the fact that these brave men and women fight to protect our rights and for our safety. And these same U.S. citizens find the American flag and National Anthem to be synonymous with war veterans who look to protect every right that our country rests its backbone on.
But this doesn't mean that everyone who is discrediting Colin Kaepernick has valid reasons to do so. It seems like people are quick to overlook the very idea Colin is trying to present simply because of who he is. Kaepernick has never been popular amongst fans, even when he was winning games and looked unstoppable on the field, which definitely adds fuel to the fire. Don't let the source be the reason you narrow your perspective and disregard what he has to say. People also like to add that he's making $11.9 million this year and that because he grew up in a white family, he's unsuitable to have a certain sentiment on this topic, let alone speak up for minorities. This very idea is what feeds into further divide and would hinder any social growth. Owning a large sum of money, being a professional athlete, or having a different upbringing doesn't make you immune to noticing any social injustices, prejudices, or issues that may exist. It sure as hell shouldn't put you above them. Doubters also like to add that he's only doing this for publicity because he isn't the 49ers' starting quarterback anymore. But a quick look at his personal Instagram account should quickly discount that notion; he's been actively fighting police brutality for months now. Regardless of what side you decide to put yourself on, I think we can all admit that it's admirable that someone is willing to commit career suicide, permanently taint his public image, and sacrifice millions of dollars in order to stand up for an issue that's obviously very dear to his heart. No sane man would do such things as a simple cry for attention.
There's so much to consider that I'm not even sure how to wrap my head around everything and come to a conclusion. I guess if you're pro-Kaepernick, recognize that his actions can be deemed as hurtful because of everything that the flag and national anthem represent. If you're against what he's doing, then disagree with his actions without having to overlook his stance. As far as I know, Kaepernick is taking a stand against oppression and racist behavior, not trying to put down veterans. I'm sure this controversy won't be something that'll die down any time soon, so let's actually take some time to gather thoughts from both sides of the argument.
 |
But this doesn't mean that everyone who is discrediting Colin Kaepernick has valid reasons to do so. It seems like people are quick to overlook the very idea Colin is trying to present simply because of who he is. Kaepernick has never been popular amongst fans, even when he was winning games and looked unstoppable on the field, which definitely adds fuel to the fire. Don't let the source be the reason you narrow your perspective and disregard what he has to say. People also like to add that he's making $11.9 million this year and that because he grew up in a white family, he's unsuitable to have a certain sentiment on this topic, let alone speak up for minorities. This very idea is what feeds into further divide and would hinder any social growth. Owning a large sum of money, being a professional athlete, or having a different upbringing doesn't make you immune to noticing any social injustices, prejudices, or issues that may exist. It sure as hell shouldn't put you above them. Doubters also like to add that he's only doing this for publicity because he isn't the 49ers' starting quarterback anymore. But a quick look at his personal Instagram account should quickly discount that notion; he's been actively fighting police brutality for months now. Regardless of what side you decide to put yourself on, I think we can all admit that it's admirable that someone is willing to commit career suicide, permanently taint his public image, and sacrifice millions of dollars in order to stand up for an issue that's obviously very dear to his heart. No sane man would do such things as a simple cry for attention.
There's so much to consider that I'm not even sure how to wrap my head around everything and come to a conclusion. I guess if you're pro-Kaepernick, recognize that his actions can be deemed as hurtful because of everything that the flag and national anthem represent. If you're against what he's doing, then disagree with his actions without having to overlook his stance. As far as I know, Kaepernick is taking a stand against oppression and racist behavior, not trying to put down veterans. I'm sure this controversy won't be something that'll die down any time soon, so let's actually take some time to gather thoughts from both sides of the argument.
0 comments:
Post a Comment