The first reason is that I do not understand the premise of his statement about why he chose to sit. He says it's because he "will not stand to show pride in a country that oppresses black people and people of color" and that "There are bodies in the street and people getting paid leave and getting away with murder." Alright, if that's true, I can understand that, but I'm not quite sure specifically what he is referring to here. While there are places in the country where some people do indeed oppress black people and people of color, the country itself does not. Our leader, the most powerful person in the world, is half African-American, like Colin. There are many others in power who are people of color as well. We've come a long way as a nation, and we still have work to do for sure, but saying that this country is oppressive is a pretty general statement that does not get to the root of any problem, real or perceived.
Based on the rest of his statement though, I'm thinking he was mostly referring to police killing black people, but again, he provided no specifics here. When I think bodies in the street, I think of places like Chicago, but that's not what he's talking about (although that certainly is a real problem). He's talking about police officers getting paid leave after murdering black people. Sure, there are some bad cops and a few pretty disturbing examples of them murdering people every year, but police officers generally do not murder people because they are racists, and the rate at which they kill people of color is actually not alarming when you look at the statistics (I've gone over that previously here, so no need to do so again). So I honestly don't know what reality Kaepernick's statement is based on, or if it's just based on his perception, perhaps influenced highly by mainstream media.
My second issue with Kaepernick is that I question his motivation. Why now? Why in the preseason, when no one is paying much attention to football yet, at the start of the sixth year of his NFL career? Maybe he's truly doing it for the reasons he says, but maybe there are other factors as well. Somehow, he got replaced as the starting QB last year by Blaine Gabbert, who's basically the second coming of Rex Grossman. He may very well be cut from the team. His statistics last year were lousy. Does he want attention? Does he want something to blame if he gets cut, apart from his own poor performance on the field? I don't know. It's speculation. But the timing on this is odd. Kaepernick makes $19 million per year to suck this badly at football. He's not exactly oppressed himself. His black father left him and his white mother before he was born, and his mother put him up for adoption, so he was actually adopted and raised by two white parents. If he was white, he would fit the definition of white privilege. But he isn't. Yet, because he is a famous athlete, he has a platform, and people listen to what he has to say.
That brings me to my third issue. If he wants to use his platform to make a statement and raise awareness, why not do it right? You know how every now and then, Donald Trump says something so absurd that you wonder if the article you're reading is satire (but it's not)? That same thing happened when I read an article saying that Colin wore a shirt with Fidel Castro on it during a press conference this week. The shirt had Malcolm X and Fidel Castro on it and a caption that said, "Like Minds Think Alike." Fidel Castro, of course, is the former leader of Cuba who personifies oppression. Is Kaepernick really that ignorant of recent history? I mean, really, are you joking? How can you have any credibility on the topic of oppression when you are touting Fidel Castro (which I'm assuming he was doing while wearing that shirt, because I can't imagine he was making a statement against Malcolm X)?
Here's what you can do, Colin, if you really want to make America a better place for blacks, people of color, and everyone in general. First, call out issues specifically, instead of making vague, general statements that anger the easily-angered and baffle the critical thinkers (although you became a cult hero to mindless liberals at least, so there's that). Then, present some solutions. Maybe one solution will be to start a charity. I imagine you must do some charity work, but being on the East Coast, I'm not familiar with it. Take a page out of Derek Jeter's book. Jeter started the Turn 2 Foundation, which is a wonderful charity that helps children and teenagers avoid drugs and adopt healthier lifestyles. Speaking of Derek Jeter, he's half African-American too. Like you, his dad is black and his mom is white. I can't imagine Derek Jeter ever choosing to sit down during the National Anthem though. But if he did, you can be damn sure that I would listen to every thoughtful word he would have to say about why he chose to do it. You see, Jeter has earned my respect and the respect of many others. He respects this country, its veterans, police officers, and the game he played at a high level for so long. He practices what he preaches and is very involved in helping the community. You haven't earned my respect, Colin. I don't know what or who you respect. Your admiration for Fidel Castro confuses me as much as your vague accusatory statements. I don't know what you're doing for the community. You played well at the start of your career, signed a big contract, and tanked. Every time I've seen you throw a Touchdown pass, I've seen you showboat and bring attention to yourself. You threw six touchdowns last year in nine games. Is this all about you wanting to be relevant again, or do you really want to see positive change? If it's the latter, then be a part of that positive change. You have our attention. Now what? You can keep sitting there, or you can get up and do something!
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