Updated 9/25/2017 This post was originally about Colin Kaepernick, but has since grown into a national phenomenon. Players and coaches are kneeling to send a message. I’ve updated the end of this post with more current commentary and news.

Kneeling, sitting, lying down, these are normal body positions unless the National Anthem is playing, then they are displays of protest and “unpatriotic offense”. This is how it would seem based on all of the commentary I’ve been hearing from those in sports media, morning radio, Facebook. Most people have heard by now that San Francisco 49er quarterback Colin Kaepernick has made sitting or kneeling during the playing of the National Anthem his sign of protest. Most people who know this know that Kaepernick is protesting because he feels the United States of America doesn’t treat all citizens equally. Stating,

I am not going to stand up to show pride in a flag for a country that oppresses black people and people of color…

I get why he feels that way, and people are allowed to disagree, it’s their right to do so. But it’s also Kaepernick’s right to sit, or kneel, or play hopscotch, or whatever during the playing of the Anthem. Continue reading →