Criticism of San Francisco 49ers Quarterback Colin raises a few interesting questions for those of interested in free speech. The backlash against his protest during the national anthem show a clear disdain by some for activism by anyone able to monetarily capitalize within an oppressive system. Kaepernick, some critics, have asserted should show even greater reverence to the flag due to the enormous advantages they argue America has bestowed on him. Others argue that his action disrespects the military. Both are red herrings carefully crafted diversions to avoid addressing the real issue- an issue that has been plaguing this nation since its inception. In fact, the American consensus echoed the same thing when Boxer Muhammad Ali gained notoriety as an outspoken critic and champion of the Black Power Movement. Even to this day, it is more palatable for Americans to see Ali merely as a sports figure, even while he pushed the racial lines, than it is to see him as an intellectual in the fight for equality. If you are one of the few that manage to escape the confines of intentional marginalization, you quickly become a victim of ad hominem attacks when you chose to speak or in the case of Kaepernick kneel, for those that fall outside the margins of our system. Inclusivity, historically has never been a part of American construction, even though most would prefer argue otherwise. It is blind patriotism dressed up as American pride that allows for historical amnesia to blur the lines of history when talking about race and inequality in this country. Until we can come to terms with our history, amnesia and the overwhelmingly unwillingness to have honest discussions about an oppressive system that allows for sections of the population to be rendered disposable, of which are disproportionately people of color, we will continue to see attacks on anyone who stands in protest with those that are marginalized and deflect the conversation to avoid tackling to real root of the issue – equality.
Challenge The Narrative 