Kneeling during the National Anthem?

The most controversial conflict prevailing in our country today is what is considered the right thing to do. Colin Kaepernick is a perfect example. Those of you, who don’t know about Kaepernick, he is a famous football player for the NFL team, the San Francisco 49ers. Around the globe, he has been known as the football player who knelt down during the national anthem. The reason for kneeling down was because of the inequality and the injustice oppressing the colored people. At that explicit moment, the right thing to do in his mind was having the strength to kneel down during the national anthem to stand up for what he believes in which is equality for all. He wanted to make a political statement and the only way he could think of was at a stadium where thousands of people can watch and witness his power to make a change in this world. The right in this situation was standing up and protecting what you love.

So what’s considered the right thing to do in our country? No one thinks alike and if we did then we would not be considered one of the greatest countries in the world. Everyone has different opinions on what is considered the right thing. It all depends on the person’s morals and values. We are all unique which is what makes us all special in our own way. But these differences have also caused many conflicts between us.

So what is the true story behind the kneeling down of Kaepernick? As you may know racial injustice has been spreading around the country like a virus. The battle between blacks and the police has been an uproaring conflict. The trust and respect for the colored people has always been questioned no matter who they might be. A victim who has suffered of this injustice and police brutality was Terence Crutcher. He was an unarmed man when he was shot by the police while his hands were up in the air. A thirteen year old boy named, Tyre King, was also shot several times because of a $10 robbery. These two victims are perfect representations of what our world is becoming into. Black people have suffered and are continuing to suffer because of the lack of value and trust that is being placed on them. The brutal violence and hatred that is being repelled onto them has caused tension between us and rising objectives on how to deal with this situation.

With every conquest there comes challenges. Kaepernick’s protest to the inequality in this world did not turn the way he expected it to go. There were many controversies to him kneeling down during the national anthem during an American favorite sport. Many thought it was a disrespect to America and to those who are sacrificing their lives to protect this country. But the only thing he was trying to do was make a political statement for those that he loves. As a leader he wanted to make a stand to his beliefs and because of this decision many other leaders around the country are also following in his footsteps. For example, Michael Bennett knelt during the anthem as well since he assaulted by the police for just looking suspicious. Many believed he was not doing the right thing. I myself, believe that Kaepernick did do the right thing as a well known person. The power and fame that he has will help him better to make a difference in the world. If he didn’t take advantage of the power he has then what would it make him as a person. If he was a stranger in the streets making the same political statements then nobody would ever notice him. So as the someone who actually has the courage and voice to convert the injustice to the just, he was doing the right thing for the people.

Everyone has different perspectives of what is considered to be the right thing. You should respect the actions and words of those who are just trying to make a change on those who are oppressed. We must respect others' decisions of "doing the right thing."At the end of the day doing something is better than just sitting in silence.

Even Former President Barack Obama respected Kaepernick's decision of doing the right thing!