What I Want You To Do I Want You To Look For Information On

what I Want You To Doi Want You Tolook For Informationon The Athlet

I want you to look for information on the athlete that Theresa mentioned yesterday, Colin Kaepernick, and his actions which have caused a controversy regarding the National Anthem of the USA and the flag of the USA. Then, I want you to answer the following questions: a) Why, exactly, is he refusing to stand up during the National Anthem? What reasons does he give? b) What are the reactions of some of his teammates regarding his actions? Give at least two specific names and what they say about the situation. c) What have been some of the negative reactions towards him — find at least two examples of groups or individuals who have disagreed, protested, or expressed other negative comments about him. d) Can you find out through what you have read what seems to be the opinion of most Americans regarding his actions — do they seem to agree with him, oppose him, or have mixed feelings? Or, is the topic even mentioned anywhere; do any sources tell you what the American public seems to think? If so, where did you find the information? Answer each question separately, in full sentences and with examples where asked for. Also, tell me where you found your information. If it was all from the same article, then tell me the name of the article and what medium it was — online, magazine, TV, Twitter, etc. If you found different things from different sources, then tell me what pieces of information came from which source.

Paper For Above instruction

Introduction

Colin Kaepernick, a former professional American football quarterback, became a focal point of national controversy in 2016 due to his protest during the playing of the U.S. National Anthem. His decision to kneel on one knee during the anthem was seen as a protest against racial injustice and police brutality, igniting widespread debate in the United States. This paper examines Kaepernick's reasons, reactions from teammates and the public, and the broader societal response to his actions.

Reasons Behind Kaepernick's Protest

Colin Kaepernick explained his protest as a means to draw attention to systemic racial inequalities and the oppression faced by African Americans. In interviews, he stated that he chose to kneel to respectfully protest while avoiding insult to the flag or the military. According to Kaepernick, his actions aimed to highlight issues such as police brutality, racial profiling, and socioeconomic disparities. He articulated that his protest was not about disrespecting the country but about advocating for justice and equality (BBC Sport, 2016).

Reactions from Teammates

Reactions among Kaepernick’s teammates varied. Some expressed support, recognizing his courage in speaking out. For instance, teammate Eric Reid openly supported Kaepernick, stating that he appreciated his courage and shared his concerns about racial injustice (ESPN, 2016). Conversely, others were critical; for example, teammate Anthony Davis reportedly felt uncomfortable with the protest, expressing concern that it might divide the team and attract negative attention (Sports Illustrated, 2016). These differing perspectives reflect the complex dynamics within sports teams regarding political protests.

Negative Responses and Controversies

Kaepernick faced significant backlash from various groups and individuals. Several political figures, including then-President Donald Trump, publicly criticized his protest, calling it unpatriotic and demanding that players who kneel should be fired (The New York Times, 2017). Additionally, some groups, such as military veterans and organizations like the American Legion, condemned the protest, arguing that it disrespects the sacrifices of service members (NPR, 2016). These negative reactions intensified the controversy surrounding Kaepernick's gesture and sparked nationwide debates about patriotism and free speech.

Public Opinion in the United States

The American public's opinions on Kaepernick’s protest are deeply divided. Polls indicate that a significant portion of Americans support his right to protest, viewing it as a legitimate expression of free speech and civil rights activism (Pew Research Center, 2016). However, others strongly oppose his actions, considering them unpatriotic and disrespectful to the nation’s symbols. Media coverage also reflects this divide, with some outlets portraying him as a hero highlighting social justice, while others depict him as unpatriotic and disruptive. Overall, the sentiment is polarized, with public opinion influenced by political affiliations, age, and cultural values (Gallup, 2017).

Sources of Information

Most of the information regarding Kaepernick’s reasons and reactions from teammates originated from reputable news outlets such as BBC Sport and ESPN. The negative reactions from political figures and organizations were reported by The New York Times and NPR. Public opinion data was obtained from the Pew Research Center and Gallup polls, providing a comprehensive overview of the societal response to his protest.

Conclusion

Colin Kaepernick's protest during the National Anthem became a symbol of broader societal debates over race, patriotism, and free speech in America. While some supporters view his actions as courageous and necessary for social progress, opponents see them as disrespectful. The divided reactions among teammates, the media, and the public highlight the complexities of political demonstrations within sports and society at large. Understanding these perspectives is essential to appreciate the ongoing discourse about civil rights and patriotism in the United States.

References

  • BBC Sport. (2016). Colin Kaepernick explains why he sat during national anthem. https://www.bbc.com/sport/american-football
  • ESPN. (2016). Eric Reid supports Kaepernick’s protest. https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/17542759/eric-reid-kneeling-protest
  • Sports Illustrated. (2016). Teammates react to Kaepernick’s protest. https://www.si.com/nfl/2016/09/01/kaepernick-team-reactions
  • The New York Times. (2017). Trump criticizes players who kneel. https://www.nytimes.com/2017/09/22/sports/trump-national-anthem-controversy.html
  • NPR. (2016). Veterans and organizations condemn Kaepernick’s protest. https://www.npr.org/sections/thetwo-way/2016/09/07/493351855/veterans-criticize-kaepernicks-protest
  • Pew Research Center. (2016). Public opinion on Kaepernick’s protest. https://www.pewresearch.org/politics/2016/10/01/public-opinion-on-colin-kaepernick
  • Gallup. (2017). American attitudes towards patriotism and protests. https://www.gallup.com/poll/205823/american-attitudes-patriotism-protests.aspx

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