The San Francisco 49ers QB refused to stand for our National Anthem because he feels America oppresses “people of color”. How in the world is he oppressed? Could anyone tell us how blacks are oppressed? BTW-Kaepernick was adopted and raised by a white family. He is also biracial.
If anything, blacks and people of color are given every advantage. Do you think it’s fair for white children that they are overlooked when applying for college because applicants of color are favored in the name of diversity? There are many more examples of advantages given to minorities. We could go back and forth on this but the bottom line and big question is: Why should ANY American be given priority because of the color of their skin? It just so happens it’s the minorities that get that priority. Perhaps this 49ers quarterback should educate himself on the truth….
SANTA CLARA, Calif. — San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick has willingly immersed himself into controversy by refusing to stand for the playing of the national anthem in protest of what he deems are wrongdoings against African Americans and minorities in the United States.
His latest refusal to stand for the anthem — he has done this in at least one other preseason game — came before the 49ers’ preseason loss to Green Bay at Levi’s Stadium on Friday night.
“I am not going to stand up to show pride in a flag for a country that oppresses black people and people of color,” Kaepernick told NFL Media in an exclusive interview after the game. “To me, this is 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.”
“This is not something that I am going to run by anybody,” he said. “I am not looking for approval. I have to stand up for people that are oppressed. … If they take football away, my endorsements from me, I know that I stood up for what is right.”
Kaepernick said that he has thought about going public with his feelings for a while but that “I felt that I needed to understand the situation better.”
He said that he has discussed his feelings with his family and, after months of witnessing some of the civil unrest in the U.S., decided to be more active and involved in rights for black people. Kaepernick, who is biracial, was adopted and raised by white parents and siblings.
The 49ers issued a statement about Kaepernick’s decision: “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.”
Via: NFL.com
