The big bad wolf that is Colin Kaepernick
- Sep 2, 2016
- 7 min read
Actually, he's not that bad.
I'm certainly no 49ers fan but even I find myself siding with Kaepernick on this one. Confused? Here's what's going on.
The act.
He didn't flip off the crowd. He didn't burn the flag. He didn't express hate toward America or Americans. He sat down on the bench during the national anthem. That's it. Peacefully and quietly, he just sat down.
Why.
When asked why, Kaep said, "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."
He took a seat because the system is broken - and you know what? He's right. The system is flawed and people of all different minority categories are continually slipping through the cracks. Stereotypes and prejudices are still part of our current reality, despite what some folks may say, and the far too numerous instances like Trayvon Martin and Alton Sterling sadly demonstrate this. Coupled with the experiences of thousands of people, our racialized society is simply undeniable; and while people aren't typically as explicit with racism anymore, the U.S. still has a long way to go until we've reached equality.
We won't get there by pretending everything's fine.
As a Black man, Colin Kaepernick naturally has strong feelings about our current social state. As a man with a platform, the 49ers QB felt obligated to use it. And he took a seat because of the well-known fact that minorities of all types have been at the bottom of the American totem pole throughout history, with darker skin tones receiving the most prejudice. He used his fame and attention to show how unfair and unacceptable this is.
So perhaps another outlet or method would have been better received, however his act was noticed and he sparked the discussion. Mission accomplished.
Let us not forget that Rosa Parks was treated unfairly, prompting her to make a similar choice and refuse to stand when expected. Muhammad Ali refused to fight for a United States war after he didn't feel respected by his country either. Martin Luther King Jr. led a massive march through public streets for equality. Jackie Robinson also refused to honor the national anthem when expected (yeah he did it too, remember?).
These acts of protest aren't anything new. They've been happening throughout history and when done by people like Muhammad Ali, Jackie Robinson and Colin Kaepernick, they illuminate issues under a brighter spotlight.
"This stand wasn't for me. This stand wasn't because I feel like I'm being put down in any way. This is because I'm seeing things happen to people that don't have a voice," said Kaep.
Reactions.
The media, strong American patriots and many others around the U.S. have now vilified Kaepernick, damn near demanding deportation and his head on a stake. I can see how taking a break from the national anthem can be taken as blatant disrespect but I also believe in the message he sent.
"People that look like me are unjustly dying here and something needs to change. Until it does, I will not praise and celebrate this country that rarely punishes the folks responsible." His point in a nutshell, quick and dirty. Simple enough, right?
Soooo... why Americans are this upset about Kaepernick's choice to sit... but less upset about the racial prejudices and police brutality taking place? Idk, I'm just confused. I guess getting to feel that way is part of the white privilege package, isn't it.
More criticism.
In the wake of more destructive and emotional protests in cities such as Baltimore and Dallas, many Americans criticized Black Lives Matter and other organized groups for being violent and hateful. They demonized these participants and called for more peaceful demonstrations.
Which is exactly what Kaepernick gave them.
But now this peaceful demonstration isn't okay either? C'mon. The man just sat down. He didn't say anything about veterans, white people or hating the country - he sat down and when asked about his reasoning, he supported his argument with facts, anecdotes and examples. He said he cannot honor the national anthem of a country that doesn't view him as an equal being to all other citizens.
Why are we still debating this?
Prejudice is real. Racism is real. They are both alive and kicking and present at today's table. Not all Black folks are given the means to share their emotions or fight for their rights but Colin Kaepernick has a platform and an audience and an entire nation that will at least see his demonstration of protest. So he did it. You go Glen Coco.
Veterans.
When veterans were brought into the mix, I'm not quite sure. He never said anything about veterans and service members until the media brought them up - which is when he called a spade, a spade. Kaepernick claims his protest had nothing to do with veterans and then thanked them for serving.
The QB can make protests and statements such as this because of the brave people protecting our country and our liberties. But Kaep also said our country is coming to the defense of service members in a situation that doesn't necessarily involve them, while simultaneously leaving many veterans hungry, homeless and unemployed. He mentioned situations in which veterans have even been racially profiled - only furthering his point that people deserve basic rights and respect, regardless of color, religion, age, gender, class or military status.
In defense of Mr. Kaep, many veterans took to social media to express their thoughts - with an overwhelming number supporting his protest. Many claimed to have fought for a country that ensures equality for all citizens and if that's not happening, then the brave people at home need to fight for it as well.
Check it out: #VeteransforKaeperick
Now, his privilege.
Kaepernick makes a hefty salary as the (former) starting quarterback for a major professional franchise. This is no secret. His actions weren't meant to disrespect any teammates, owners, coaches or administration members. Yes, he makes a great salary - but that pays for his football performance, not for his silence.
He didn't bash those that sign his checks, he didn't refuse to play, he didn't tamper with his career or violate his job description. He isn't even claiming to be oppressed or downtrodden - the man in simply sticking up for those who don't have a voice. He sat down for two minutes, got up and performed his duties for the rest of the evening.
So the fact that most coaches around the league have anonymously suggested he be released from the team, blacklisted and forced into retirement... well, that's just not right.
And what does money or playing football have to do with anything, anyway? Does that make him disqualified from caring about the lives of others? No. Does that make him less black? No. Does that make him less of a citizen in this racialized society? Still, no. He is still subject to the same stereotypes, assumptions and prejudices as all other people - he just has abs and a nicer house.
*sigh.*
Blackness.
If I hear one more reporter dispute Kaepernick's "blackness," I might just lose my marbles. "He was adopted by white parents... so he really ain't that black." What kind of funky logic is this?! Last time I checked, your socio-economic status, parents, gender, height, age, friends, geographic location, accent, siblings, occupation, alumi status, name, shoe size or any other factor have absolutely nothing to do with your skin color.
Sure, there are patterns, trends and stereotypes. But one factor does not automatically predict or ensure another.
Being black includes a range of melanin levels, personalities, family structures, social classes, nationalities and experiences. So let's just chill on adjusting Kaep's skin tone and racial identity to fit our media narrative, okay? Okay. Glad we cleared that up, Tomi.
A PR perspective.
As someone who is educated and experienced in the world of public relations, branding and reputation management, I feel a bit like a black sheep in that I don't exactly hate it when clients share their opinions on important topics. As long as it's respectful, honest and fair, I will hold the mic while you talk that talk to 'em.
Most would smack Kaepernick for his actions but I'd probably just give him a good ol' fashioned high five. As a celebrity, not every single thought or opinion needs to be shared with the public - in fact, most don't; however in situations of social justice and equality, I'm all for the loose lips. Especially when spoken calmly, peacefully and eloquently like my man Colin did.
I'm just not sure why such strong feelings were evoked by his actions. I fully understand racial dynamics in this society and even though I'm White, that doesn't make me defensive. It makes me motivated and angry. It makes me sad and heart broken and empathetic to those who feel unjustly placed in situations based on factors like their skin color. It makes me want to help. It makes me want to use this unearned privilege to break privileges down.
People don't feel equal and acknowledging this makes me human. I see what is happening here and instead of blindly defending myself or my skin color or those that look like me, I'm taking this knowledge and I'm striving to make America equal and safe for everyone so hopefully someday people like Mr. Kaepernick don't feel compelled to sit down during their national anthem.
Okay, okay. Let me simmer down. Can you tell racial prejudices and inequalities get me heated?
And I'm not even sorry for it. This blog was meant to be opinionated, bold and maybe even spark up a few discussions. If you'd like to chat, feel free to leave comments below.
In the meantime, I'll go take a seat on the bench next to Colin and chill out for a few minutes.
:)
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