The United States of America is in complete disarray. The issues that built this country are back to devour its harvest. The soil is rich with pain and blood. Poverty and destruction are fruits of those seeds. Those directly affected have grown increasingly fatigued. That fatigue has evolved into anger. That anger has led to actions and each action is making headlines.
During the 2016 NFL pre-season, Colin Kaepernick made the decision to take a stand by remaining seated. He refused to stand for the playing of the National Anthem due to the injustice in this country. The controversial lyrics have recently gained notoriety due to Kaepernick’s protest. Kaepernick sits to promote change in this country. Colin’s protest was not the first. Although unintentional, Gabby Douglas started the conversation.
During the 2016 Olympics in Rio, Gabby stood at attention while the National Anthem played. Douglas was swiftly ridiculed for not placing her hand over her heart. Although Gabby made a statement with her actions, it was not meant to cause a stir. Douglas later tweeted an explanation for her stance. Gabby stands at attention out of respect, according to her tweet. Yet and still she was deemed “unpatriotic”.
Colin decided to sit out of respect for the oppressed. Kaepernick originally received threats for his actions. When asked, Colin explained that he is standing. Kaepernick is standing for justice rather than the racism. Kaepernick is standing for those that do not have a platform. More are more athletes are joining in on the protest. Although Colin was also called “unpatriotic”, Veterans support him.
Kaepernick refuses to stand for the anthem until change happens. His goal is to help and heal. Colin actively works towards change. He put his money where his mouth is. Kaepernick recently donated one million dollars to support local community organizations. His gestures have inspired Jed York, the owner of the 49ers. York matched Kaepernick’s donation million dollar donation.
The time has come for this country to address the facts. Oppressed people are refusing to smile and take the abuse any longer. A movement has begun. The wave is getting bigger. Conversations are getting deeper. Change is occurring. The cameras are ruling. America is in the midst of a revolution.
