Colin Kaepernick National Anthem Controversy

Overview

Colin Kaepernick National Anthem Controversy refers to the discussion surrounding San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick’s decision to kneel during the national anthem at football games to protest racism and police brutality in America.^[1]

Background

On August 26th, 2016, San Fransisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick kneeled during the singing of the American national anthem before a preseason game against the Green Bay Packers. After the game, Kaepernick stated:

“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.”

Developments

Kaepernick’s actions sparked a national debate on whether a player needs to stand for the national anthem. Reactions to Kaepernick’s actions ranged from angry or supportive. Critics including Rush Limbaugh^[2] and NFL owners^[3] inferred that Kaepernick’s protest was anti-American and anti-military, while others, including members of the military who sparked a #VeteransforKaepernick Twitter trend,^[4]^[7] defended Kaepernick’s right to protest. Kaepernick himself stated that his actions were not anti-American or anti-military.^[5]

“I think it’s a misunderstanding. The media painted this as I’m anti-American, anti men and women of the military, and that’s not the case at all. I realize that men and women of the military put themselves in harm’s way for my freedoms of speech and my freedom in this country and my freedom to take a seat or take a knee. I have the utmost respect for them. I think what I did was taken out of context and spun a different way.

“It’s something to make sure that I wasn’t just talking about something, but being involved and actively trying to make a change in these communities. I’ve been very blessed to be in this position and make the kind of money I do. I have to help these people. 22 military vets a day commit suicide, but this country will let the vets go and fight the war for them but when they come back they won’t do anything to try to help him. That’s another issue. These issues need to be addressed.”

Kaepernick refused to stand again on September 1st, 2016, in a game against the San Diego Chargers, and he was joined by teammate Eric Reid.

Online Response

Twitter response has been mostly positive. In addition to the #VeteransforKaepernick hashtag, other Twitter users have remarked on the civility of Kaepernick’s protest and how criticism is unfair.^[8]