The San Francisco 49ers quarter back has refused to stand for the national anthem to express his protest of police violence against African American. On Monday president Obama said that Kaepernick is exercising his constitutional right to make a statement, What he did generated more conversation around some topics that needs our attention and he never doubted his sincerity but he just cares about more legal legitimate issues. Kaepernick's fans were shocked of his action , although some of them were supportive and understanding his point and why he refused to stand for the national anthem
Discussion Questions:
1. Do you think Kaepernick did the right thing?
2. Are we all engaged in the democratic process?
3. What would you rather do to draw everyone's attention to the injustice in the world?
Source:
http://www.cnn.com/2016/09/05/politics/barack-obama-colin-kaepernick/index.html
I think that Kaepernick is entitled to his opinions, and he definitely has the right to express them. He's complaining a fundamental issue where people of color, especially blacks, do not have an equal voice, and are constantly oppressed by the police. It's not treason to refuse to sing the anthem, it's simply exercising your freedom of speech. He garnered a lot of attention, which is exactly what he was aiming for. It's too easy for us as a society to brush away the negative things, and pretend that racism doesn't exist. But it does, and we need to stop it. Anyway, I can't blame him for feeling a little unpatriotic when the country is so ridiculously prejudiced sometimes, and no one is doing anything to change it.
ReplyDeleteKaepernick has his own beliefs, like we all do. We all may differ or share the same ideals, so I don't find it surprising that some people may consider his actions to be wrong while others agree with him. There is no such thing as the "right thing" in any case, especially since we all differ from each other. I think it's only considered the "right thing" to do as long as you follow through and stay consistent with your beliefs. Concerning the democratic process, yes, we are all engaged and involved in it. Some may be more than others, such as people choosing whether to vote or not, but in the end, our government represents us and what we need and want as the governed. And people, such as Kaepernick and many others, just represent this in different ways.
ReplyDeleteHe has his own religious beliefs. I think he did the right thing, this is his way of standing up for what he believes in.
ReplyDeleteHe has his own religious beliefs. I think he did the right thing, this is his way of standing up for what he believes in.
ReplyDeleteHe has his own religious beliefs. I think he did the right thing, this is his way of standing up for what he believes in.
ReplyDeleteColin Kaepernick chose to voice what he thought was right on a huge stage; football games, even if they were pre season. He has a voice, and the fact that how he used his voice to bring up differing opinions highlights the beauty of democracy. He brought light to a subject which many feel doesn't get enough help, and he is bringing those who feel there should be no change back into a discussion which frankly should never and won't ever stop until a majority are satisfied with changes to the minority situation. The disagreements are everywhere, and the benefit is that what people want ultimately, after time, should come out.
ReplyDeleteI don't think Kaepernick was right to sit during the national anthem while his teammates and thousands of spectators stood to show respect for their country and armed forces. Although he was trying to make a statement about the police brutality going on, he managed to disrespect other men and women who serve our nation and ensure our safety.
ReplyDeleteI think that Kaepernick has the right to express his own opinion in the way that he did. He wanted attention brought to equality and police brutality on African Americans. He has every right under freedom of speech to not stand up for the National Anthem as it is not a crime to sit during it. I think that ultimately his goal was to bring attention to this and he definitely did so.
ReplyDeleteI believe that Kapernick does have the right to express himself like that, but it may be seen as disrespectful to those who don't understand his reasoning. It is not a crime for him to not stand, it is just seen to be something outrageous and disrespectful to those who don't care about the Black Lives movement.
ReplyDeleteI believe that Kapernick does have the right to express himself like that, but it may be seen as disrespectful to those who don't understand his reasoning. It is not a crime for him to not stand, it is just seen to be something outrageous and disrespectful to those who don't care about the Black Lives movement.
ReplyDeleteKaepernick was 100% right to sit down during the anthem. Personally I somewhat do believe it was disrespectful, but he has all the right to do so. See the question here is: How many of you stand up for the anthem in your own home? How many of you actually get up off of your couch and stand for that anthem? If you do not, then you are just as disrespectful as Kaepernick was. Keep that in mind. You have to be able to look at it from both sides. Overall, what he did may have been disrespectful in a way. However, the people who fought for this country also fought for the right for him to sit down.
ReplyDeleteI do not have the right to say whether or not what he did is "the right thing", but I do believe that he has the right to do what he feels is right. He is not disrespecting the men and women that have fought for this country, but he is rather standing up for his beliefs. I probably would not do the same thing as him, but I support his decision to do what he is doing.
ReplyDeletei believe it is indeed within colin kaepernicks rights to "take a stand by not taking a stand". it is not illegal to not stand up at the pledge of allegiance. it is a social norm to stand, not a legal one. i am in disagreement with his action, because it did nothing to help the cause he gave, while simultaneously turning a symbol of peace and freedom into an item of controversy. this essentially spread antipatriotism and validated criticism of the country. if he is so against where the country is, he should use his massive wealth and influence to work towards making it better, not on chaos causing criticism
ReplyDeleteKaepernick, like any US citizen, has certain unalienable rights, and I believe sitting down during the national anthem is a form of freedom of expression that's mentioned in the UDHR. I think it's honorable that such a famous football player is willing to use his fame to speak out against a problem we have in this nation.
ReplyDeleteKaepernick, like any US citizen, has certain unalienable rights, and I believe sitting down during the national anthem is a form of freedom of expression that's mentioned in the UDHR. I think it's honorable that such a famous football player is willing to use his fame to speak out against a problem we have in this nation.
ReplyDeleteI think he is allowed to have his own opinion and do what he wants. He could have done something else to draw attention to the injustice in America. His decision might not have been the best decision because it drew negative attention to him and the organization that he is a part of.
ReplyDeleteHe has the right to confront everyone about this situation. He brought attention to this situation in a respectful manner that didn't bring harm to anyone. Everyone is entitled to their own opinions and if he felt it was wrong to stand up to support our nation because of all the things going on in the world right now including police brutality I think it is admirable that he is using his name to spread the word.
ReplyDeleteI think that Kaepernick did the right thing because he has the right to do whatever he wants. People have their own right to say whats on their minds.
ReplyDeleteKaepernick is absolutely entitled to refuse to stand for the national anthem. He is simply exercising his right to freedom of speech and protest. In this case, his action is powerful, for police brutality is a heated topic in our nation. I believe it is something that needs to be brought to attention; therefore, I believe Kaepernick did an honorable act.
ReplyDeleteI believe that Kaepernick did the right thing. He is entitled to his own form of expression. He also picked a form of protest to raise people's attention for an issue that he feels people need to focus their attention on.
ReplyDeleteHis motivation and actions are in the right place. But he lost many sponsors/brand relationships. I think he could of done a better job making a statement w/out loosing any of his sponsors.
ReplyDeleteI believe in the cause that Kaepernick is protesting but not necessarily his actions. Yes there are many problems in the country, however I still believe that he should still pay respect to a country that has done so much for him. If not for this country and the people in it would he be at where he is now. I think with his fame he could protest or hold rallies and it would have gained a lot of attention because he was apart of it.
ReplyDeleteKaepernick does have the right to protest and I do agree that we need to focus on injustice in America. I do not agree with his way of protesting though. Football is a team sport and if one of their players protest a fragile topic like this it could cause some controversy i with in the team.
ReplyDeleteKaepernick does have the right to protest and I do agree that we need to focus on injustice in America. I do not agree with his way of protesting though. Football is a team sport and if one of their players protest a fragile topic like this it could cause some controversy i with in the team.
ReplyDeleteI support Kaepernick and I believe he did the right thing. I would do the same thing that he did.
ReplyDeleteI support Kaepernick and I believe he did the right thing. I would do the same thing that he did.
ReplyDeleteI believe that he did do the right because he is take a "stand" for what he believes in and this was probably the most effective thing to do because it generated a lot of attention for what he is trying to fight for. Yes we are. I would do that because it is what gets peoples attention and it has not been done before.
ReplyDeleteI think that Kaepernick definitely made the right choice, since this is a peaceful form of expression. Police brutality is a problem that concerns the whole nation, and in his actions, Kaepernick caught the attention of many people because of his status as a big football player. I think that each individual has the right and the ability to become more engaged in the happenings of society, and if someone so well known takes a stand (or in this case, literally refuses to) it can spark bigger change within the country.
ReplyDeleteKaepernick is making a good point on standing up for what he believes in and does have the freedom to protest. The country does have a lot of discrimination still and he does have the right to make his point. But I believe that what he did was disrespectful and unnecessary. Football is a team sport and people should be playing together but Kaepernick is not honoring his country and making an idiot of himself. If he wants to protest he should do it another way and not sit while the national anthem is playing.
ReplyDeleteKaepernick is making a good point on standing up for what he believes in and does have the freedom to protest. The country does have a lot of discrimination still and he does have the right to make his point. But I believe that what he did was disrespectful and unnecessary. Football is a team sport and people should be playing together but Kaepernick is not honoring his country and making an idiot of himself. If he wants to protest he should do it another way and not sit while the national anthem is playing.
ReplyDeleteI personally stand what Kaepernick is trying to impose. The police brutality within African Americans is very inhuman. As this country faces police brutality it is good that Kaepernick did what he did during the national anthem. He has a strong belief on what he is entitled to and I personally agree to why he did it.
ReplyDeleteKaepernick is simply expressing his freedom of speech, he is not doing anything wrong. A great example of bringing attention to the injustice is how the Seahawks will also protest against the police brutality
ReplyDelete1.No; however, in the grand scheme of the universe him not standing changes nothing at all, except social media outrage.
ReplyDelete2.I would say more of liberating process as opposed to democratic process. I think, the flag represents freedom; the freedom to choose to stand or not. He has the right to choose not to stand_ just as I have the right to choose to stand and disagree with his stance. That's what makes this country beautiful.
3.I would take action (as opposed to inaction) and let my voice be heard using my words (as opposed to remain silence) and be respectful of others and not offend anyone.
I believe that Kaepernick did the right thing by sitting during the national anthem. He believes that the police brutality on African Americans is getting to the point where it is not okay. By sitting during the national anthem he's trying to say to everybody that we have not forgotten about those African Americans who have been on the wrong side of police brutality and we need to make change. This movement may or may not work but at least it has inspired other NFL players to try and make a difference just like Kaepernick.
ReplyDeleteI believe he did the right thing because these issues he is standing up for are prevalent and need attention right now. While it may be disrespectful to sit out the national anthem, he has the power and fame to draw a good amount of attention (and he did) to issues that he believes need to be tended to. If I had the fame and power like Kaepernick, I would honestly probably do the same thing or make a statement about it. The more known your actions are brings in more recognition of what you're fighting for.
ReplyDeleteI personally stand what Kaepernick is trying to impose. The police brutality within African Americans is very inhuman. As this country faces police brutality it is good that Kaepernick did what he did during the national anthem.
ReplyDeleteKaepernick is entitled to his own opionon, and if he does not want to stand up during the anthem then he should not have to. What he is doing is not wrong, he is just trying to do what he thinks is right, and to bring attention to what he believes in. Yes, we are all engaged in the democratic process because that is the right we have as Americans. Although some may find the way Kaepernick is engaging in it is controversial, it is still his right to express his opinions in the way he chooses.
ReplyDeleteThis controversy regarding Kapernick's decision not to stand for the flag is completely his right to fight for what he believes in. For those who seem to judge him have no right to bash him down in the case that our country has established a constitution which states people have the right to the freedom of expression. Of course we have men and women risking their lives in order for our freedom, but Kapernick bases his protest on the crimes against blacks where there are innocent blacks being killed with the police having no punishment. If I were in his shoes I would have done the same thing so that Americans can have questions where I provide the answers to the reason of why I choose to sit during the national anthem.
ReplyDeleteI think that it's true that Kaepernick is expressing his constitutional right. He has his own opinions and it is okay and right for him to voice those views. As to whether or not I necessarily think it was the right instance for him to take a stand, I don't know. I think there are a variety of ways that a person can show his or her perspective. However, I think that it is extremely controversial as to how and when he chose to take a stand against the problem he is trying to draw attention to.
ReplyDeleteI believe that Kaepernick is expressing his constitutional right. I also believe that he is right in doing so. Although it is important to be respectful of the national anthem, I see where he is coming from. The national anthem was originally a terrible song, and they just tried to take parts out of it to make it okay. I believe that he is doing the right thing because it is important to stand up for what you believe in. I also believe that he should not have to have complete respect for a country that has not shown him and its citizens complete respect.
ReplyDeleteKaepernick has his own religious beliefs which we should respect. If he thinks this is the way to stand up for what he believes in then it's the best choice. I believe he's doing the right choice by letting others know what is going on in the world.
ReplyDeleteI believe that kaepernick did the right thing on showing what believes in. Since he is an icon to some seeing that he stood up to his beliefs of the things currently going on right now it shows people that it is okay to stand up for what you believe in no matter what and to take realization with whats going on.
ReplyDeleteI believe that kaepernick did the right thing on showing what believes in. Since he is an icon to some seeing that he stood up to his beliefs of the things currently going on right now it shows people that it is okay to stand up for what you believe in no matter what and to take realization with whats going on.
ReplyDeleteI understand that Kaepernick is sending a message, and is showing what he believes in, but i do not understand what he gets out of it by not standing for the National Anthem.
ReplyDelete