I believe in the right to protest, and I believe in why the athletes are protesting.  While I support those two, I do not support the method of protest.

On September 1, 2016, Colin Kaepernick made a move that has sparked much controversy. Rather than sitting during the national anthem, like he usually did, he knelt. Since then, many players have joined him, sending the nation into a deep disagreement.

Although, the first protest was years ago and many have happened since, it once again sparked interest when Kaepernick decided to take an offer by Nike.

In the opinion of protesters, kneeling is a way to protest oppression and social injustice due to instances of unarmed people, particularly black males, being shot or abused by local authorities.

The irony of the situation is that Kaepernick is making deals with a company whose products are made in a openly oppressed country. Some would say, “That’s another country,” but as Dr. Martin Luther King stated, “A threat to justice anywhere, is a threat to justice everywhere.”

Needless to say that if he supports the protest, and specifically started it, why would he do business with a brand that manufactures in countries that openly support oppression?

If those in sports and entertainment truly cared to protest oppression and social injustice, then where are they during the off seasons of football; during the marches and rallies? They want to protest, but how many of these protesting athletes have caught charges and then stand for the judge when he walks in. They protest a flag that stands for equality, freedom, and justice for all; but then stand for a man/woman who is a key piece in the system of social injustices they protest against.

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

While that is a reasonable statement, it must be said that the flag stands for more than most know. Kneelers may not realize it, but they are protesting the very symbol of anti-oppression.

The flag represents a belief that all men are created equal, that we all initially deserve freedom(s), and the sacrifices made by many. Other countries are not truly free and their oppression levels far exceed ours currently.

The flag represents the sacrifices of brave men and women who fought and died so that we are not forced to stand, or forced to do anything the way so many other countries are. Sacrifices made by police officers, firefighters, and EMT to keep this country safe. Sacrifices made by those who respectfully protested for civil rights.

The flag represents this nation, both the good and bad, but the good far outweighs the bad. If that were not the case, we would not be the country that so many wish to get into; we would not be the country so many within it ‘hate,’ yet stay.

How humans stand for the flag’s meanings does not represent our country or our flag.

While protesting by kneeling is a powerful and non-violent move, it is disrespectful. Indeed, some officers and people have had a wrong opinion about a certain race, but that does not mean everyone in this nation share that same belief. Protesting during the anthem disrespects the police officers that go out every shift prepared to serve all people with equality. It disrespects the men and women, past and present, that risk their lives so that we actually have the freedom to protest.

While no one should be forced to stand, as it would be the opposite of what freedom is about, one should see the bigger picture and feel ashamed to protest at the time of the anthem. At the time where we honor the fact we are all created equal, have freedoms, and realize the sacrifices that were made for us to be where we are as a country.  There is a time and a place for everything, the anthem is not it.  So while you kneel, remember; many lay dead, both good and bad.  While it may appear that I am on the fence, I assure you I will always be on my feet for the flag, for this country, and for freedom.