Please hold while I scream loudly at him through my computer.
“I am not going to stand up to show pride in a flag for a country that oppresses black people and people of color.” – Colin Kaepernick
I am merely a blogger. I do not have the ability to change the world. I do not have all the answers for the problems in society. I can’t even begin to understand the depth of this statement and how he came to this decision.
But I am the fiancée of a serviceman. When my husband-to-be wakes up every morning and puts on his boots, it isn’t only for white people. It isn’t to oppress anyone. It is because he made a decision to make a career out of protecting that same flag and that same anthem that Colin will not stand for, regardless of who is behind it.
The differences between Colin Kaepernick and my fiancé are many. For one, the Army does not pay like the NFL. For another, to be completely honest, my fiancé doesn’t come from the racial background that Colin Kaepernick does. But in one way they are similar; both of these men want change. One throws a football for it. The other wears boots and leads soldiers for it.
I guess my real problem with Colin Kaepernick isn’t that he won’t stand up for the national anthem. No, my problem with him is that according to the media, HE is the role model fighting for change. He is the one making headlines for being revolutionary. On September 13, 2016 I will watch 114 young men and women commission as officers into the United States Army. They have dedicated years of their lives to BEING the change in the world and leading other soldiers to do the same. But alas, none of their names will make headlines unless they step out of line or are struck down in combat. Meanwhile, Colin Kaepernick will be at home, getting massaged, and still merely talking about change.
Congrats on standing up for what you believe in Colin. You’re a freaking inspiration.