In his 1972 autobiography, Jackie Robinson wrote: “I cannot stand and sing the anthem. I cannot salute the flag; I know that I am a black man in a white world.”
Now almost 45 years later, and this issue is still prevalent as ever.
San Francisco 49ers second-string quarterback Colin Kaepernick remained seated for the national anthem before his team’s preseason matchup against the Green Bay Packers.
Kaepernick explained after the game that he couldn’t “show pride in a flag for a country that oppresses black people and people of color.”
Many people took offense to this as disrespect for America, and more specifically, our troops.
A group of veterans responded by stating that “as men and women who raised our right hands and pledged to defend, with our lives if necessary, a Constitution that proclaims intent to ‘establish justice, insure domestic tranquility,’ and ‘secure the Blessings of Liberty.’”
Those ideals are simply not being upheld for all Americans.
According to analysis by the Washington Post, black people in America are two and a half times more likely to be shot and killed by police than white Americans.
The beauty of America is supposed to be that you and Colin Kaepernick both have the right to decide when and how you protest; whether it be your right to action or right of speech, the American Constitution is supposed to support you no matter what.
Indeed, this is the highest form of patriotism, whether you agree with Kaepernick or not.
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