Every morning, I find myself sipping coffee while diving deep into the world of current events. Honestly, it feels like a full-time job these days. Today, I stumbled upon a moment that left me incredulous: a sitting president referred to Colin Kaepernick, a peaceful protester, as a “Son of a Bitch.” I had to blink twice—could it be true? Ah, yes, Trump being Trump. #MAGA.
For those who might have missed it, Kaepernick sparked the Take a Knee movement back in 2016 when he knelt during the national anthem. His message was clear: “I will not stand to show pride in a flag for a country that oppresses black people and people of color.” He wanted to ignite discussions about police violence and racial injustice, and he did just that. Throughout the 2016 season, other players joined him in protest, while the media buzzed, since nothing stirs controversy like successful Black athletes advocating for social justice.
Fast forward a year, and Kaepernick was let go from his team. In another head-scratching twist, Trump publicly criticized him, demanding NFL team owners fire players who kneel and disinviting the Golden State Warriors from a White House visit.
I took another sip of coffee and scrolled through comments filled with outrage. It seems that this peaceful call for justice has been twisted into an attack on patriotism. Wait, what?
It’s astonishing that something as American as protest is being labeled unpatriotic. Does anyone recall the Boston Tea Party? The Civil Rights Movement? Those moments were peak patriotism! As I read more, one viewpoint emerged repeatedly: Take a Knee is deemed unacceptable because it “disrespects those who have fought for our freedom.”
Let’s pause for a moment. Our military is not a monolith. People from various backgrounds, beliefs, and identities serve to protect our freedoms. Some may support Kaepernick, while others may disagree. It’s unfair to use military service as a pawn in political arguments. It’s gross.
Another argument I encountered was about respect and patriotism. To the commenter with the eagle profile picture, patriotism is not yours to claim. Loving your country can look different for everyone. Whether it’s you, me, or Kaepernick, we all share a love for this nation, and wanting to improve it is part of that love.
And then there’s the claim that the NFL should prohibit players from “disrespecting the flag.” Let’s clarify: NFL players aren’t required to participate in the anthem. This is a choice, and in a democracy, choice is paramount. Our founding fathers prioritized civil liberties over symbols. If a group feels unsafe in their own country, forcing them to conform doesn’t seem very, well, American.
The flag is a beautiful symbol of our ideals, but it’s just that—a symbol. If some Americans feel marginalized, their peaceful protests should make us reflect and strive for change.
I get it—this topic can be uncomfortable. But that discomfort is precisely what makes protests effective. It’s valid to feel uneasy about Americans kneeling during the anthem, yet that very discomfort highlights the need for change. Until everyone in the U.S. feels equally free and safe, we should not dismiss those who choose to protest.
Having lived in places where expressing dissent could lead to severe consequences, I can’t help but cherish our freedom to protest. Let the Take a Knee movement remind us that true freedom is beautiful, especially when it provokes thought and action. As Jason, a leader in civic engagement, aptly puts it, “Patriotism isn’t about making everyone salute the flag; it’s about creating a country that everyone can be proud of.”
In conclusion, remember that peaceful protest is a fundamental aspect of our democracy. Whether you’re interested in exploring home insemination options or learning more about the process, check out this guide on home insemination kits. For further information on conception methods, Intracervical Insemination can offer valuable insights, while Johns Hopkins Fertility Center provides excellent resources on pregnancy and home insemination.