Colin Kaepernick faces backlash for refusal to stand for national anthem. He says that our country allows law enforcement to legally murder unarmed citizens. |
Crank up the conservative outrage meter. We have a professional athlete of color not supporting our country. The junk food media is covering the refusal to stand for the national anthem by San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick.
Colin who is passionate about Black Lives Matters said to the junk food media that he's not going to respect a country that continues to disrespect people of color.
"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 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.
The 49ers said that while they take pride in the national anthem, they respect Colin's right to dissent.
"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."
The NFL issued a statement.
"Players are encouraged but not required to stand during the playing of the National Anthem."
The backlash is going to be expected. Of course, social media lit into him. They were saying some of the most trivial things. Telling Colin, to "go back to Africa". Saying he should quit the NFL or donate his earnings to black oppressed youth. Saying he's a "racist because he blames White people for his own faults".
And of course, they blame President Barack Obama for this.
White conservatives are often downplaying and denouncing the right to dissent.
They rather see Black athletes shut up and play the games. They are supposed to be brainless jocks.
During the Summer Olympics, they were going after Gabby Douglas for not placing her hand over heart for the national anthem. They were calling her a monkey and saying that she should be grateful for winning the Gold medal.