Sitting or standing is not a tough decision for most to make, we usually think that nothing much will come from this simple action. However, for the quarterback of the San Francisco 49ers, Colin Kaepernick, his courageous decision of sitting during the National Anthem has sparked controversy on the field and across the nation. Among the standing football players with their hands over their heart, Kaepernick took a seat on the bench at the first preseason game against the Green Bay Packers on August 26. Following this controversial event, Kaepernick went from sitting to kneeling.

“I’m not going to stand up to show pride in a flag for a country that oppresses black people and people of color,” Kaepernick said, according to NFL Media. “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.”

Over sixty years ago, African Americans couldn’t sit down at a diner, receive the same educational opportunities, or even use the same bathrooms without the color of their skin being a contributing factor. This malicious period of time has influenced the actions of many to stand up and erase the existing hatred. A series of sit-ins, marches, boycotts, and church gatherings were implemented  to end racial segregation in America,and to send the message that African Americans shall overcome any obstacle put in their way. These brave, historic actions are mirrored today by Kaepernick’s actions during the national anthem.

Race relations is still a major issue in the United States. According to CBS News, negative views on race relations have reached an all-time high. Sixty-nine percent of Americans believe that race relations are mostly bad. The unjust pattern of the police involved shootings of black men in the United States can be credited to this growing problem. Black men are stopped by police and shot without further consideration for committing the unrighteous “crime” of being black. In most cases, people are presented with video evidence of these shooting, hoping that justice will be served for fellow citizens and their families. However, we have been met with disappointment and let down by our justice system. Police have been given a slap on the wrist, while the families are left with empty arms. Kaepernick feels that it is his duty as an African American, and as a citizen of the United States, to stand up for these ill- willed acts by exercising his first amendment rights and raising awareness to this  problem in the United States.

Some critics of Kaepernick believe that his actions are disrespecting the American flag and those who have fought for the country. The flag serves as a symbol of freedom, equality, and liberty. For years, this country has worked towards making this a reality for most Americans, but there is a long way to go. According to the Business Insider, veterans have been showing support for Kaepernick, and even started a hashtag on twitter called #VeteransForKaepernick. Veterans didn’t sacrifice their lives to defend the flag, they sacrificed their lives for defending the ideals behind the flag. If those ideals give the right to voice opinions, then why should we silence them because those opinions aren’t considered “patriotic.”

Others argue that Kaepernick shouldn’t protest the oppression of African Americans in the United States because he is biracial and was raised in the suburbs. This argument creates a feeling of despair within me because although I live in a middle class family, that should not discourage me from standing up for the harsh treatment of my fellow African Americans. Standing up for what is right should not have restrictions based on race, gender, or background. We can never reach the goal of equality if we don’t work together.

Instead of worrying about if his actions are patriotic or disrespectful to our country, critics need to grasp the message he is trying to get across. While this discussion is still going on, black men are still getting murdered without cause by police. Ignorance is still circulating America and the steps to remove this negative way of thinking from our country has not been made. In order to resolve this devastating issue in America, the problem needs to be evaluated together.