For those of you who don't know, quarterback Colin Kaepernick sent waves through the media by refusing to stand during the national anthem. He has 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." It appears that an increasing amount of players now plan to join his protest.
To be clear, I am alright with his intentions. But sitting down during our national anthem is not the way to solve the problem. The American flag stands for American ideals. It stands for "liberty and justice for all." It stands for "the land of the free and the home of the brave." It represents the idea that "all men are created equal." Refusing to respect the flag blatantly contradicts the message of equality.
Kaepernick's right: there are problems in America. But disrespecting the country isn't helping anything.
To be clear, I am alright with his intentions. But sitting down during our national anthem is not the way to solve the problem. The American flag stands for American ideals. It stands for "liberty and justice for all." It stands for "the land of the free and the home of the brave." It represents the idea that "all men are created equal." Refusing to respect the flag blatantly contradicts the message of equality.
Kaepernick's right: there are problems in America. But disrespecting the country isn't helping anything.