When NFL Quarterback Colin Kaepernick of the San Francisco 49ers refused to stand for the pledge of allegiance during the team’s preseason game against the Green Bay Packers, his action (or rather inaction) gained national attention and backlash. The question, however; is not how he should be punished, but rather why this is such a controversy.
The man in question 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.” It can’t be denied, minorities in this country are often discriminated against. So if this is how Kaepernick wants to protest then by all means protest. No citizen should face the backlash that he has because he refused to something not mandatory by law to do. Should we make it mandatory by law similar to how Hitler made the Nazi salute mandatory?
Maybe it is a little extreme to make that comparison, but do you know what else is extreme? The reactions to protest. Posting videos of burning jerseys is not only extreme, but very immature.
No, Kaepernick is not anti-American. He is merely a man exercising his constitutional rights as an American citizen?
No, He does not hate the brave souls who serve our country. He is merely a man who made a statement in honor of what his beliefs stood for. It just so happens that as a professional athlete he is scrutinized and condemned for doing as such.
America, we all know, is rather corrupted when it comes to racial equality. It always has been even before it was established as a nation. While I don’t agree with action in question, maybe he had a point. Isn’t it an American citizen’s duty to stand up for the constitution when it’s being ignored by those with the responsibility to uphold it?
Has anyone stopped to consider this all a media stunt?  Why are we giving all this attention to a man who was simply exercising his constitutional rights?
It’s disappointing to see that America appears to want to drama and to have a scapegoat to take all the racial tension and the problems on. It’s saddening to see that you all feel for the trap Kaepernick set up in order to draw attention to these issues.
Maybe instead of giving the man the attention he desires, move on with your lives?