Change the Narrative to Deflect the Problem: Kaepernick’s Kneeling Was Never About Disrespecting the Flag
Facebook.com/IKneelWithKaepernick
I have come across article after article, statement after statement, only to draw the same conclusion that you may have – the narrative has been changed in order to avoid the real conversation that needs to be had.
NFL running back, Marshawn Lynch, avoids media questions like the plague and if his reasoning was not clear before, it certainly is today.
In August 2016, NFL star, Colin Kaepernick shared a concise explanation for the posture he had taken during the national anthem. He said, and I quote:
“I am not going to stand up to show pride in a flag for a country that oppresses black people and people of color. 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.” – C. Kaepernick
Now, here we have a professional who answered questions in what I thought to be a very comprehensive manner from the media about his personal protest. Yet here we are one year later and the conversation is exclusive of his publicly declared motive behind his posture in the first place.
What is the fear behind failing to address the real concern?
Why is it that Kaepernick’s admitted reasoning is never mentioned by those who object to him kneeling?
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— NESSA (@nessnitty) September 25, 2017
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Why does he have to be “ungrateful” and a “ni**er” because he decided to use his platform to speak on behalf of the unjust fallen, who can no longer tell their side of the story of their fateful encounters with law enforcement?
I will tell you why – it’s about control! It is about keeping the colored folk in their place and if you have trouble believing that, I hope you get the revelation soon.
People often say that they do not see color. Yes, you absolutely do see color, BUT, you are able to see past the color once you are able to decipher the person’s character.
On the other hand, some people do not see past the color for the character, and, in fact, they are tolerable of you until you go against the grain that has been established in this land for all but more favorably for select groups of people.
Am I blessed for the progress I have made in my life and the goals I have been able to accomplish? Sure I am. But, I accredit that to God who gave my ancestors the right amount of strength, courage and endurance to actually fight a seemingly losing battle so that their descendants would have some sense of freedom, respect, opportunity and equality.
The aching truth is that for those who are racist whether subtly or more openly, one’s true colors will always surface in the right circumstance or when pressure is applied.
Steelers coach, Mike Tomlin, was referred to as a “no good ni**er” because he protested this past weekend. Interestingly enough, the culprit who called this man such filth is the fire chief in Pennsylvania. I am sure it was all good when he led the Steelers to the Super Bowl, correct?
Pennsylvania fire chief calls Steelers coach Mike Tomlin a ‘no-good n*gger’ over NFL protests https://t.co/ORHYz2zB7J
— deray mckesson (@deray) September 26, 2017
But, once again, that man of color stepped outside of the parameters and expectations set by others and voila, there is a problem. It is perfectly okay to win games, entertain in the largest arenas and write some of the best movies, but at the end of the day, we are expected to “stay in our place” when it comes to calling out the things that need to be called out.
The constant backlash from all over this country and especially from the commander in chief simply validates what Kaepernick was protesting to begin with. This country is guilty of so many things and unequal justice for people of color is one of them.
One of many things that is very clear to me is that the classic tune by Sam Cook, A Change Is Gonna Come, really may never come. Granted, this is sad to say but again, one of many things my bible has taught me is that the ways of the world becomes wiser and wickeder with each generation. You are alive and well just like I am so you know that the days that we are in is filled with wickedness.
Now I know why people of color are despised as much as we are but honestly that would require an entirely separate blog and for your heart and mind to be open. Then, again, you may already know that we were chosen from the beginning therefore we are hated for no other reason than who and whose we are.
Do racists honestly think we invaded earth from one of the other planets and only they were created by God? Trust me, that is a can of worms one may not want to open with me.
I honestly spend time praying for the hearts of man to be conditioned to do the will of God and to draw nigh to Him. It is then that people’s perspective will genuinely begin to change in this horrid social climate.
When I encounter articles and or simply posts by activists I follow via social media, my heart is so grieved by the things people are caught saying about people of color. It literally makes my stomach do flips. And the all-time repeat, “if you don’t like it get out/go back to Africa”.
Pardon me, but let’s keep this thing in perspective for a moment –
You rob natives of a land that did not belong to you, invade another land to kidnap its natives and then brought them to said stolen land (in chains) to build the land that you hijacked? Now that it’s a country of fruitful civilization, thanks to free labor and countless innovations of the very people you captured, you want us to go back when we call you on your sorcery? Dully noted.
Despite the anguish that I feel and I’m sure you feel as well on an unfortunate regular basis due to the constant reports of racial infirmities; I hang on to my faith and I continue to treat people the way I prefer to be treated, with respect.
I tell my children that we are responsible for what we do and we have to be sure not to let other people’s behavior dictate how we behave. I realize that may be extremely hard for a seventeen year old and an eleven year old because I can only pray that I can abide by this same advice if I am directly offended like so many brothers and sisters have been on an ongoing basis at thirty-six.
A clear picture of the truth has been painted but the opposing side of Kaepernick will continue to make this about a flag to deflect from the lives taken because people of color are either feared or hated by those in authority.
My heart breaks at each mention of this topic, but I will not cease to pray. Additionally, I really need people to stop placing so much stock into things like flags and anthems. What’s really good with your soul? And when was the last time you repented and placed God first in your life?
That is where the real honor is supposed to be placed.
Bless you Xpressionists, until next time. Xoxo!
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