national anthem
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Wanna Be Starting Something? 5 Ways Kaepernick’s Protest Drum Beats On
Colin Kaepernick’s measured moral protest against police brutality continues to be a topic of national conversation, its fallout touching the culture in new and unexpected ways. The backup quarterback for the San Francisco 49ers says he will no longer stand for the national anthem until there is a “significant change” in racism in America, and…
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Same Violence, Different Uniform: On Kaepernick Taking a Knee to Support US Military
When I first saw San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick take a knee—joined by free safety Eric Reid—during the singing of “The Star-Bangled Banner” before their game against the San Diego Chargers Thursday night, I threw up a mental black power fist. I did so because I believed it to be a show of solemn respect for…
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Don’t Be Surprised if Colin Kaepernick Has More Schoolkids Sitting Out the Pledge
Editor’s note: Once a month, this column will tackle broader questions about what the country should do about gaps in achievement and opportunity. Colin Kaepernick is a role model whether you like it or not. Many view Kaepernick’s choice of protest as disrespectful to the flag, our armed forces and America itself, but the vitriol…
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Colin Kaepernick Shows That #BlackLivesMatter Even When His Career May Not
San Francisco 49ers backup quarterback Colin Kaepernick chose last Friday to remind America that black lives matter. It’s a laudable goal, and one for which he should be commended. The role of the black athlete in addressing pressing social issues has moved from the “risk it all” activism of the 1960s to the “Republicans buy…