In Kaepernick we trust is certainly (and annoyingly) taking hold of the nation. From football games to volleyball matches, Americans are taking a knee to protest the national anthem in the interest of starting a conversation about injustice in America. Apparently, injustice never existed before 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick decided to protest the national anthem at the end of August.
“I am not going to stand up to show pride in a flag for a country that oppresses black people and people of color,” he said.
Well, it looks like the pledge of allegiance is now on the menu for protest, as Missouri State Senator Jamilah Nasheed decided to remain seated yesterday, according to Jessica Chasmar of The Washington Times:
“I decided to not stand for the pledge of allegiance today to stand in solidarity with the cause of injustice that Colin Kaepernick has shined a bright light upon,” she said in a statement. “I am not anti-America, and in fact, it is because I love this country that I take this stand.“I am doing so not because of past transgressions by America, but to call attention to current injustices here in this state and country,” she continued, citing issues like police brutality, voter suppression, mass incarceration and economic disparity.
“The pledge of allegiance and the national anthem stand not just for what America is, but for what it should be,” she said. “‘Liberty and justice for all’ are not just words — they are our country’s ideals. We must commit ourselves to honoring those principles not just by speech, but also through our actions. This is why I, as a matter of conscience, chose not to stand today.”
Again, I’m not against the act of protest; people have the right to exercise this constitutional right—even for causes that are deplorable. Yes, injustices exist. They’ve existed since the founding of this country. In some areas we’ve progressed. In others, we need to work on—that’s all part of being a society. Here’s the thing: did all of these people finally figure out that such injustices existed before a NFL player, who doesn’t play and will most likely be cut, decided to sit during the national anthem? It seems like, and probably is, nothing more than social justice warriors, especially those at the collegiate level, just trying to get some airtime. It’s similar to when Don Imus was fired for saying some politically incorrect things about the Rutgers women’s basketball team; do you really think these players knew who Don Imus was prior to his off-color remarks? Probably not, but there was a firestorm over remarks that were relatively light compared to what the radio host has said in the past.
It just ridiculous that these people think that taking a knee during the national anthem will start a conversation about injustice in America. It won’t. It will be solely centered on that person taking the knee and whether they’re anti-American or not. But it’s okay for these folks since they’re smiling at the camera for mom and dad I guess.
Yet, it is beautiful that people can express themselves in a country that won’t black bag them afterwards—even if they’re being disgraceful. This protest over this problem of injustice isn’t anything new, the media should keep in mind that this isn't some new invention, and all it’s doing is making people angry.
There are other ways to protest injustice in America, but if this is what you think will get it done, I won’t label you a traitor; I will call you despicable. That's my right too. And please, do not whine or complain when the backlash gets intense. There are no safe spaces.
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