Why Do We Kneel
Recently, San Francisco 49ers quarterback, Colin Kaepernick, aroused much attention in the news and social media. On August 14th and 20th, Kaepernick was seen kneeling during the national anthem, and by August 26th, a picture of Kaepernick's protest circulated throughout the internet, beginning a timeline of controversy and indecision.
Although Kaepernick has explained his refusal to stand during the National Anthem (in support of African-Americans battling continual police brutality), he continues to receive criticism from Americans who believe kneeling during the National Anthem is an act of disrespect. Kaepernick argues that the singing of the National Anthem is a moment to reflect on American principles, particularly freedom, something he exercises in choosing to kneel.
The NFL released a statement saying, “players are encouraged but not required to stand.” Kaepernick is criticized by those who believe he is disrespecting the armed forces by not showing appreciation for the flag. Some argue that he is making things too political and that there was no oppression of African-American people in the first place.
The most prominent argument, however, is an unlikely one — how can you play football without a team? Many people argue that Kaepernick's kneeling obliterates the team dynamic; when one player separates himself from the team, especially when the player is in a leadership position, the team is divided. People believe that the NFL is no place for controversy (minus Deflate Gate) and that attention should be drawn to the field, not the stands.
Kaepernick, however, refuses to submit to negative criticism. He states he is not looking for approval or even attention. Despite what happens to his football career or reputation, he will not stand for oppression by showing pride to a flag that grants it.
Kaepernick has been joined by fellow 49ers player, Eric Reid, and Seattle Seahawks player, Jeremy Lane. “The Kneel” has been taken by sports teams and even marching bands across the country that believe in Kaepernick's message, including Worcester’s. Doherty High football player Mike Oppong kneeled during the National Anthem and received a temporary suspension from a game for the act, which was later lifted by superintendent Maureen Binienda. Binienda released a statement that his silent and peaceful protest is both his right as a student and player. Oppong was later joined by senior Devaughn Mitchell, senior Joseph Bolay and junior Devon Taylor in kneeling. Many schools in Worcester have reported cases of kneeling during the National Anthem with a mixture of reactions. Some Burncoat athletes interviewed stated that they do not have anything against kneeling personally, and that those who choose to kneel should be granted the right. However, they would not kneel themselves.
One student says that, “I feel like he should be able to do that because, why can't he?”
Another says, “Honestly I feel like it is kind of wrong that he did something like that...personally I don't support it, but that's on him.”
On the topic of Kaepernick’s protest, Burncoat students, for the most part, responded that they would not speak negatively on it, but that Kaepernick should be aware of the attention and repercussions of his actions. And he is.
Despite the criticism, Kaepernick's protest managed to gain more support for Black Lives Matter, and by taking one knee during the National Anthem, he has taken one major step towards abolishing racial injustice.
Picture Source: ABC News Radio / Michael Zagaris