The Voice of Southwest Louisiana

SWLA cultural perspective
by Crystal Leday
On August 26, 2016, 49ers'
quarterback, Colin Kaepernick
ignited a fiery protest when
he refused to stand for the
national anthem during a
preseason game. Kaepernick
stated, “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."
This statement not only
sparked controversy, but
Colin found himself at the
center of an ongoing racial
battle in the United States
that now welcomed athletes
and public figures. Many
begin to wonder if he would
lose endorsements, be on
the outskirts with fellow
athletes or be supported
by the NFL. Surprisingly the
49ers issued a statement
on Kaepernick's decision to
protest the national anthem.
“The national anthem is and
always will be a special part
of the pre-game ceremony.
It is an opportunity to honor
our country and reflect on the
great liberties we are afforded
as its citizens. In respecting
such American principles
as freedom of religion and
freedom of expression, we
recognize the right of an
individual to choose and
participate, or not, in our
celebration of the national
anthem."
While he did seem to have
the support of his coaches
and teammates, many felt
disrespected by his lack of
concern for the outcome of
his actions. Outrage and fury
began via social media after
Kaepernick made national
headlines. A majority of
the arguments against his
decision was surrounded by
veterans and their sacrifices
being tarnished. Disgusting
comments and remarks fled
the internet about his protest,
leaving many dumbfounded
and questioning: What did he
do that was so wrong?
Since 2008, the beginning
of the black lives matter
movement, our country has
been struggling with division.
Every incident has to have a
color check. Was the officer
white? Did they kill another
black kid? We don't seem to
comprehend the word unity
very well; that regardless of
skin color, someone lost a
brother, son, mother, sister,
father or loved one and
they deserve justice. Upon
injustices going unnoticed,
protests have become very
popular and admirable
when done peacefully.
So the outrage following
Kaepernick's protest of the
national anthem was very
surprising. I would argue that
there's nothing more polite
than the route he took.
Here is a break down of what
I've learned over the past
eight years. No matter what
you stand for, there will always
be someone against it. You
have to be firm and confident
in your beliefs because once
you display them, there is no
turning back. Being respectful
and polite does not guarantee
the same response, but
staying true to yourself is the
best option. Your word means
something to someone.
Don't ever feel like your
voice is not heard. I've seen
simple Facebook posts go a
long way. Regardless of the
circumstances, never fear the
outcome.
Every piece of me is with Colin
Kaepernick. My ignorance was
tested when I had to research
what the national anthem's
lyrics were. Not only has he
ignited a fire in America for the
better, but he has shown many
sides of the truth for the worse.
8 November 2016 WWW.THEVOICEOFSOUTHWESTLA.COM Volume 4 • Number 2