Here’s Why You Hate Colin Kaepernick

I haven't really debated this topic. I don't really care too. What I do see here is a lot of misinformation and misdirected dialogue. Even worse, I see a lot of people not thinking.

Let's start at the beginning. Kaepernick sat during the National Anthem, when asked why he said:

 I am not going to stand up to show pride in a flag for a country that oppresses black people and people of color. 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.

Summing it up, he is protesting what he sees as police brutality. Simple enough.

Now let's look at the reasons he makes you mad.

*He's stirring up sh*t when all you wanted to do was watch football". To this, I'd say, you're pretty much correct. If this protest had happened last year or six months ago, it would make sense. It seems pretty ill-timed at this point. Simply put, it's a very vague protest right now and there's really no way out or resolution for him at this point (he's decided to "upgrade" to just taking a knee).

*He's a spoiled millionaire who should shut up and just play football".  I kind of think you're wrong here. We've all had fantasies of being rich and the things we would do. Many of those things are charitable or humanitarian.  This guy at least thinks he is using his celebrity to bring attention to something he thinks is a problem. If you'll take the time to look, he actually supports a Camp where kids heal from heart disease. He apparently also helps with other athletes charities. The fact is, enjoying the wealth America has to offer and NOT speaking up for other people or causes is pretty awful.

*If doesn't like this country, he should just leave". Let me be clear here. The "just leave" argument is the first response of completely ignorant. Maybe I should remind you that our founding fathers didn't like what their country was and they fought to make it better. That's what history calls patriots do.  The fact that he has the money to "leave" but choses to fight for (at least what he sees as) a better America should say a lot.

*He's not oppressed, his parents are white".  WHOA THERE. First, he never said he was oppressed. Next by claiming he is better off because he has white parents, is a bit racist. You know sometimes bi-racial kids have it the hardest because they can be picked on by both communities.

*"Not standing for the anthem is disrespectful to veterans". I personally don't get this one. Veterans fought for freedom, not flags and songs. Now let me really blow your mind. You know Jehovah's Witnesses don't salute the flag or sing the national anthem either, don't you? This has included some who are professional athletes. Do you think they "hate veterans"? At point in time, there's even a "#veteransforkaepernick" trend.

*"He plays for the 49ers".  Yeah, it seems silly, but if you don't think the fact he plays for a team other than the one like is a factor, you're crazy.

So at the end of the day, I still don't really want to debate this. I have black friends and I have police friends. There's no debating there's a problem, but Kaepernick's vague, unfocused protest has led to unfocused and off-point responses.

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