Colin Kaepernick's First Impression Analysis

September 1, 2016, a revolutionary and highly controversial event occurred which divided the country. On that day San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick kneeled along with safety Eric Reid during the national anthem. This was supposed to be a peaceful protest against police brutality and inequality towards African-Americans, but what it quickly turned into through the media’s spectacles was disrespect for America and the flag. Soon the country was separated into those who believed kneeling during the anthem was a harmless way to increase awareness and others who thought kneeling during the anthem was highly disrespectful to those who risk their lives to protect our country. Though Kaepernick had been protesting since August 14, 2016, by sitting during the anthem his protest didn’t gain attention until he and another player chose to kneel. This resulted in him being blacklisted from other teams in an effort to not only extinguish the cause but to tranquilize the politics and keep others from following suit. However, this simply irritated the issue more and soon players across the nation of different races and teams were kneeling during the anthem to protest police brutality and inequality. …show more content…
The first amendment of the United States Constitution declares that Congress shall not prohibit freedom of speech or the right to peacefully assemble. Since kneeling during the anthem is both a freedom of speech and a peaceful way to protest, those for it argue that it is a basic right that should be allowed. This side further disputes that the same police and soldiers that are risking their lives for this country are doing so in order to give us the freedom to sit or