Andrew Sexton Essays (1876 words) - Sports, Colin Kaepernick

Andrew Sexton Dr. Reid Argumentative Paper 11/6/2016 The Kneel That Changed the World On August 26th of 2016, during a National Football League game, one man was brave enough to make a stand by sitting down during the national anthem. Colin Kaepernick decided to sit down during the national anthem to emphasize and stress the oppression of people of color and the issues with police brutality in America. Colin Kaepernick's actions were very brave, but they were still disrespectful as well. His reason to protest was fair, the oppression of people of color in this country is in need of fixing. However, to protest during the national anthem is not the appropriate time to do it. Protesting against the national anthem is wrong, immoral, and disrespectful to the country that gives people the right to protest. Colin's movement has influenced many other athletes, and as this movement grew it brought a lot of negative attention to all types of media where it outraged many people on why it should not be done as well. Colin Kaepernick was the first of many to partake in this specific act of protesting; however, a vast number of other athletes quickly joined the movement. A week after the first act, Kaepernick's teammate Eric Reid joined him in kneeling for the national anthem. After the game, the media swarmed Kaepernick and plagued the man with questions, and quickly the topic of respect for military came up. Kaepernick stated that, "I have great respect for the men and women that have fought for this country. I have family, I have friends that have gone and fought for this country. And they fight for freedom, they fight for the people, they fight for liberty and justice, for everyone" (Sandritter). I find that quote quite ironic, as why would you state you have great respect for the men and women of military, when you are protesting the flag and country they fought for when they are right in front of him holding the flag up? It may just be a coincidence that he is doing that, but regardless, it is not the time or place to be protesting. Later in the year, many other athletes joined the cause. Jeremy Lane of the Seattle Seahawks sat down for the national anthem, and Megan Rapinoe, a soccer player, kneeled for the national anthem. Over 50 other professional athletes joined the cause, but the protesting was not just in professional leagues. There were many high school and college football teams that kneeled for the national anthem as well. Obviously the movement caused a very widespread trend throughout the United States, but few people of those who were protesting understood the disrespect behind their good cause. As many athletes participated in this protest, only some people understand the possible effects the movement can have on the country. The most notable case is Jerry Jones, the owner of the Dallas Cowboys. There were rumors around the NFL that the entirety of teams would take a knee before a preseason game on September 11, the anniversary of the terrorist attacks on New York City. Quickly Jerry Jones gathered his team together before the game and said, "Regardless of your personal opinions, this is a sacred day that we recognize the sacrifice and pain that so many have endured. When the National Anthem is played by a lone trumpet player in a few minutes you will stand and you will put your hand over your hearts You gentlemen are world class athletes, but you are also actors. You perform on a stage that is 100 yards long. Today, you play the role of a patriotic super hero. You will play this role well because you know that millions of children will be watching and looking at your examp le" (Evon). This action from Jerry Jones is a world class act. He doesn't handle the situation with violence or negativity, but he handles it with respect and dignity. He realizes that there are issues in the United States that need a lot of attention and help, but there was a bigger issue that day. Jerry Jones' actions really influenced my own personal opinion on this topic. Yes, I do