During the national anthem, most people are focused on the amazing singing performance. That all changed when Colin Kaepernick decided to kneel down during the most valued song in the nation. Kaepernick believes that he should not show pride for a country that prey on people of color. Some think that he is disrespecting his country, while others think that he is standing up for what he believes is right. High school, college, and other NFL players have joined alongside Kaepernick. Now people all over the world are talking about Kaepernick’s protest, but not all of this attention is positive and this is something Colin now has to deal with on a daily basis.

There are many people who agree with how Colin decided to take a stand. Some athletes and students have decided that they wanted to join in on the protest. When asked what he thought about Colin not standing during the national anthem, 20 year old college student Abbas Farhat said that he respects Colin’s decision. “As an African American who happens to play in the NFL he has a national platform to get his message across in regards to the serious problems that face our nation.” says Abbas. Many people also feel this way, while many others still disagree.

One of the problems that comes with Kaepernick’s decision is people believe that he is disrespecting the country that he lives in. Mr. Smedley and Saba Mused are some of those people. Saba believes that even though he is doing it to prove a point, him not standing is very disrespectful. When Saba was asked if she thought this was the right way Kaepernick could have made a stand she said, “I don’t think it is the right way to make a stand because it is the 21st century, he could have said something on social media and he would have gotten a lot of responses. He also would have made a stand without disrespecting his country.” Mr. Smedley thinks that Colin isn’t helping the situation, “I believe that his actions can actually worsen racial tensions.”

What Colin has decided to do will impact him and his career in negative and positive ways. Mr.Smedley said, “Prior to this I had no opinion on him. Now, my opinion has become somewhat soured.” Abbas views the situation in a different way, “Some people see his actions as disrespectful and believe one should always stand for the national anthem regardless of what message you are trying to send.” says Abbas, “Others see Colin as a hero. As a voice for the voiceless.”

Whether you agree with how Colin Kaepernick decided to share his message you can’t disagree that what he is trying to spread is true. This country needs to focus on helping people of color and not just forgetting about them and waiting for the next time it happens. This is not the only thing that Kaepernick as done to spread his message. Colin said that he will be donating 100% of the proceeds he earns from selling his jerseys. He also said that the first $1 million he makes this season will be donated to organizations helping communities affected by racial injustice as well as police brutality. Colin Kaepernick wants to make a difference and this is how he believes he can make a big impact. Until things start to change I don’t think that we will see Colin standing for this nation’s song any time soon.

Leila Farhat

Middle School Journalist