Kaepernick protest divides Bay Area, nation
Some praise QB for his courage; others condemn him for lack of patriotism
Colin Kaepernick’s decision to sit down during the national anthem before Friday’s exhibition game against the Green Bay Packers has sparked a thunderous nationwide controversy, with many praising the 49ers quarterback for taking a courageous stand and others condemning him for his lack of patriotism.
The incendiary political statement against racial injustice was destined to become a part of the nation’s political debate in a presidential election year already brimming with bluster, fury and divisiveness. That polarization came alive all day on social media, where angry sports fans and patri-
ots fired often-ugly missives at Kaepernick and others praised him as a hero.
“I am not going to stand up to show pride in a flag for a country that oppresses black people and people of color,” the 28-year-old Kaepernick told 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.”
Kaepernick’s act of defiance in such a public setting has revived heated conversations about the Black Lives Matter movement and about racial injustice, highlighting what some say is institutionalized discrimination against AfricanAmericans. The movement, which was featured prominently at the Democratic National Convention, began two years ago following several shootings of unarmed black men by police.
Others have criticized Kaepernick for disrespecting a country that has presented him with limitless opportunities and success that most Americans will never see in a lifetime.
Chuck McDougald, a Vietnam War veteran and Donald Trump supporter who lives in South San Francisco, said he was outraged.
“I think football is almost as American as apple pie, and for him to not honor our flag is a far bigger thing than racial relations,” said McDougald, who chairs the veterans association of the California Republican Party.
“I’ve had it,” he said Saturday. “I was a die-hard fan of the 49ers until last night. Until he apologizes to the 49ers and to the world, I will not watch.”
On the other hand, Cat Brooks, an activist in Oakland’s Black Lives Matter movement, had nothing but praise for Kaepernick. She said she herself hasn’t stood during the national anthem in 15 years. She said she taught her daughter the same.
“Why would any rational human being ask black people in this country to be loyal to a flag that has never meant freedom for us?” she said. “It has never been the land of freedom and opportunity for us. It was built on our backs, and that flag means nothing to us.”
Randale Hartless, 31, an African-American from San Jose, disagreed. He called Kaepernick’s action a “bad move,” saying Kaepernick instead should have done something positive to better his community.
“I’m a person of color and I disagree with his statement. There’s a better way to do it — by helping people,” he said. “He could actually help people who are poor instead of sitting down.”
Other critics of Kaepernick — who is biracial and was adopted by white parents — noted that he will make an estimated $12 million to do in base salary this year, even if the struggling QB sits on the bench most of the season.
“I don’t see (sitting down during the anthem) as disrespectful, but this country has provided him a lot of opportunities. In that sense, there’s a little bit he owes to respecting the flag,” said Kevin Eaton, a white business-tax collector interviewed at 4th Street Pizza in downtown San Jose.
The controversy comes on the heels of another one that emerged at the Rio Olympics, where gold medal-winning USA gymnast Gabby Douglas faced harsh criticism for not putting her hand to her heart during the national anthem. Instead, the 20-year-old black athlete held her hands in front of her.
Douglas later said she always stands at attention “out of respect for our country,” and that she didn’t mean any disrespect. Still, many
“There’s certainly been this ongoing backlash against black athletes for not being patriotic enough,” said San Jose resident Shaunn Cartwright, who is white. “Nobody has a right to determine who’s patriotic enough.”
Cartwright, who said she doesn’t stand for the Pledge of Allegiance or the national anthem, said questioning authority, as Kaepernick did, is “one of the most patriotic things you can do.”
“We need more people doing this,” she said. “We need more people taking a stand.”
Kaepernick labeled her unpatriotic. said he did not alert anyone within the 49ers organization about his decision to sit during the anthem.
“This is not something that I am going to run by anybody,” he told NFL Media. “I am not looking for approval. I have to stand up for people that are oppressed. ... If they take football away, my endorsements from me, I know that I stood up for what is right.”
The 49ers issued a statement Saturday recognizing Kaepernick’s right to sit rather than stand.
“The national anthem is and always will be a special part of the pre-game ceremony,” the statement said. “It is an opportunity to honor our country and reflect on the great liberties we are afforded as its citizens.
“In respecting such American principles as freedom of religion and freedom of expression, we recognize the right of an individual to choose to participate, or not, in our celebration of the national anthem.”