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Reflecting on when Colin Kaepernick first took a knee

In August 2016 Colin Kaepernick sat in protest during the national anthem before National Football League (NFL) games, but soon started to kneel, taking the advice of a former NFL athlete and military veteran, who said kneeling would be less disrespectrul.

When Colin Kaepernick first began kneeling while the U.S. National Anthem played prior to

kickoff at NFL games, the world was so different. [...] That was August 2016.

More than four years later, we can clearly see that the sweeping social-justice movement

Kaepernick - then quarterback' of the San Francisco 49ers - so quietly began not only has

made him one of the most bold, visionary and (it must be said divisive socio-political sports

figures ever, but the whole point of his so-called 'protests' finally seems to be understood.

[...]

North America changed after the tragic, unjustified, police-caused deaths in the spring of

George Floyd and Brenna Taylor, both Black Americans. And again after Jacob Blake, who's

also Black, took seven bullets in the back while defying police instructions.

These incidents in particular have pushed the issues of racial inequality, racial justice reform

and police brutality front and centre, and deep into the consciousness of current North

American life. [...]

It's informative to know that people of colour who become famous see racial disparities

through an uncommon lens.

As former NFL and CFL wide receiver' Andrew Hawkins said to NFL Network two weeks

ago, a Black man quickly realizes upon becoming a pro athlete that "it doesn't matter the

status you've climbed to, you cannot outrun racism or the fear that you wake up with every

day."

The 34-year-old former Montreal Alouette said it's particularly devastating - but, sadly,

necessary - that millions of parents-of-colour, for generations, have felt the need to impart to

their sons and daughters the finger-wagging warnings of how to behave in public in such a

way as to never entice police interaction, or incite police anger. And how to act if they

should, especially if pulled over while driving - all in fear of unjustified, violent police

reactions, including death.

"Having to have that conversation with my eight-year-old son," said Hawkins, who then

started to cry, and needed a moment before continuing. "I mean, it's a day that l've dreaded

since he was born. And it hurts ... There's no bubble I can keep him in, as much as I

home-school him. So I keep him at home, prevent him from going places, don't let him play

with toy guns, don't let him play video games with shooting, just in case he enjoys it and

wants to play. with a toy gun in public."

Seriously, if you're a white parent, have you ever even considered having such a talk, or

taking such preventative measures, with your kids?

Exactly.

We all can wish such parent-to-kid talks among people of colour would

become unnecessary. Wishing alone doesn't change anything, however. Actions do.

But what actions?

It's gratifying to see so many people across the sports world, and across society in general,

contributing money, time, effort and ideas this summer to further earnest, peaceful initiatives

- distinct and far apart from those who 'protest' via pre-planned violence, vandalism or

looting, all of whom deserve the chance to rethink their unhelpful anarchy over many years

in a jail cell. [...]

Kaepernick followed the general advice Martin Luther King gave in the Sixties: "We will try to

persuade with our words, but if our words fail, we will try to persuade with our acts."

Any of us can disagree with how Kap chose to act - the mode, the kneeling - and millions in

2016 sure did, with vehemence, to the point that the NFL's coveted TV ratings took a

pronounced dip in the U.S. that year.

To deliberately offend and even outrage tens of millions of mostly white North Americans

was a bold calculation on Kap's part. But another U.S. Civil Rights icon who died only this

summer, John Lewis, saw non-violent but provocative action as the most effective action in

this regard: "Get in good trouble, necessary trouble, and help redeem the soul of America."

Kaepernick knew his kneel-down 'protest' as the pre-game rendition of The Star Spangled

Banner was sung or played would draw attention.

But he didn't plan on his primary message getting lost. Kaepernick kept trying to convince

everyone he wasn't protesting the U.S. flag, or the U.S. military, or the anthem itself - an

intention millions surely still believe, or infer.

Rather, Kap was merely expressing, he said, his displeasure that the revered words that

patriotic Americans worship - in the country's 1776 Declaration of Independence, in the

ensuing U.S. Constitution, and sung in a thousand country music songs - still too often,

in too many ways, don't apply to people of colour.

Especially in dealings with police, or the American justice system.

When Kaepernick, then, made his first start of the 2016 season for the

San Francisco 49ers at Buffalo, in mid-October, I happened to be on hand. During the Bills

45-16 steam-rolling of the 49ers, Kaepernick was booed, sworn at, yelled at and more by

mostly partisan Bills fans, some wearing home-painted T-shirts bearing words not fit for

a family readership.

More than once, chants of "USA! USA! USA!" reverberated around the Bills' 70,000-seat

stadium - an unmistakable reply to Kaepernick that his controversial pre-game action was

un-American.

For those who don't empathize with that side of the controversy, know that military members

in Canada as well as in the U.S. are taught always to stand at firm attention and salute the

flag whenever the anthem plays. And generations of American school children have begun

the day by standing and citing the Pledge of Allegiance: "I pledge allegiance to the Flag ... “

To many of them, the very idea of kneeling during the anthem is abhorrent - an offensive,

unpatriotic action, whatever Kaepernick's good- minded motivation.

After that thumping loss to the Bills in 2016, Kaepernick patiently explained to a handful of

reporters in the cramped visitor's post-game interview room why the widespread perception

of what he was trying to accomplish was wrong [...].

A couple months later the 49ers cut him loose and no NFL team to this day has been willing

to sign the divisive figure.

From: John Kryk, "KRYK: Reflecting on when Colin Kaepernick first took a knee",
in: https://torontosun.com/sports/football/nfl/reflecting-on-when-colin-kaepernick-first-took-a-knee, (abridged, last visited: December 9, 2020)

Text comprehension and analysis

Complete the following tasks using your own words as far as is appropriate. Quote correctly.

Outline Colin Kaepernick's motivation for his special form of protest, people's reactions to it and his own experiences.

(15 %)

Taking into account his line of argumentation and use of language, analyse the writer's attitude towards Kaepernick's actions.

(20 %)

35 %

Composition

Choose one of the following topics and write a coherent text laying out your ideas.

Everybody should have the courage of their convictions, even if it means sacrificing a great deal in the short term. Do you agree?

"Justice will not be served until those that are unaffected are as outraged as those who are." (Benjamin Franklin, 1706-1790)
Comment on this statement.

Describe briefly, analyse and comment on the cartoon.

From: https://www.cagle.com/tag/colin-kaepernick/ (last visited: December 15. 2020)

(20 %)

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Note:
Our solutions are listed in bullet points. In the examination, full marks can only be achieved by writing a continuous text.

Text comprehension and analysis

Kaepernick's protest, initiated in August 2016, aimed to raise awareness about racial injustice and police brutality in the United States.
He received advice from a former NFL athlete and military veteran, suggesting that kneeling during the national anthem would be a less disrespectful form of protest than sitting.
Kaepernick, as a person of color, saw racial disparities through a unique lens, realizing that racial discrimination persisted regardless of his professional status as an athlete.
He wanted to use his platform to shed light on these issues.

Kaepernick's motivation

Kaepernick's protest sparked significant controversy and division, especially among NFL fans and the broader American public.
Many people, particularly white Americans, viewed Kaepernick's actions as disrespectful to the flag, the military, and American values.
This led to widespread criticism, including booing and verbal attacks during games.
Despite Kaepernick's attempts to clarify that his protest was not aimed at the flag or the military but rather at systemic racial injustice, his message was often misunderstood or deliberately misrepresented by critics.

People's Reactions to the Protest

Kaepernick faced professional repercussions for his activism.
After his contract with the San Francisco 49ers ended, no NFL team has been willing to sign him, resulting in his exile from professional football.
Despite facing backlash and ostracism, Kaepernick remained committed to his cause, continuing to advocate for social justice and racial equality.
Continued Debate and Legacy: Kaepernick's actions, although divisive at the time, contributed to a broader conversation about race, activism, and the role of athletes in social change.
His legacy as a bold and visionary figure in socio-political sports remains significant.

Kaepernick's experience

John Kryk unequivocally backs Colin Kaepernick's decision to kneel during the national anthem as a form of protest against injustice and police brutality towards people of color. This stance is evident both in the author's reasoning and their choice of words.

Introduction

Kryk's article opens by noting the significant changes that have occurred since Colin Kaepernick initiated his kneeling protest in 2016 (cf. l. 1/2).
He asserts that Kaepernick's actions are now better understood (cf. l. 7/8), portraying him as a pioneering figure whose quiet beginnings have blossomed into a "bold, visionary" (l. 6) stance ahead of its time.
Moreover, recent tragedies involving the deaths of several Black Americans at the hands of police officers underscore the urgency and legitimacy of protesting against racism within law enforcement.
Kryk employs enumerations to highlight the magnitude of the "issues of racial inequality, racial justice reform, and police brutality" (l. 14/15).
By specifically mentioning victims such as George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, and Jacob Blake by name (cf. l. 11/12), Kryk injects a personal dimension into the discussion of structural racism.

Main Body
Analysis - justification of Kaepernick's Protest

Another personal narrative, this time from Andrew Hawkins, a Black American football player, is cited to lend credence to the pervasive existence of lethal racism in the United States.
Hawkins articulates the necessity of cautioning one's own children to behave defensively to avoid falling victim to police violence (cf. l. 29-34).
The emotional toll of experiencing racism is vividly depicted when Kryk describes how Hawkins "started to cry, and needed a moment before continuing" (l. 30) his personal testimony.
This highlights the profound impact of racial discrimination, even on a professional athlete of considerable social status, as evidenced by Hawkins's metaphorical assertion that "you cannot outrun racism" (l. 21).
Regardless of their societal standing, people of color continue to face the grim reality of racial discrimination.

Ancrew Hawkins's personal example

Kryk further underscores this point by posing a rhetorical question about whether white parents would even contemplate taking preemptive measures to prevent their children from encountering negative interactions with the police (cf. l. 35/36).
His succinct response, "Exactly" (l. 37), emphasizes the stark contrast in lived experiences between races in the United States, illustrating the undeniable discrepancies in life realities.

use of rhetorical question for emphasise

Having established the legitimacy of the cause, Kryk emphasizes the importance of taking action, encapsulated in the phrase "Actions do [change the situation]" (l. 39).
He proceeds to endorse Kaepernick's method of kneeling as a form of civil resistance, drawing parallels with Civil Rights leaders Martin Luther King (cf. l. 47/48) and John Lewis (cf. l. 55/56).
Kryk's support for Kaepernick's protest becomes evident as he contrasts it with other violent and destructive forms of rebellion (cf. l. 43-45), which he strongly condemns (cf. l. 44/45).
Both the Civil Rights Movement and Kaepernick's actions are encapsulated under the notion of "good trouble, necessary trouble" (l. 55), a phrase that might seem paradoxical at first glance but signifies the importance of garnering attention without resorting to violence or abusive behavior, a stance Kryk seems to endorse.

supporting Kaepernick's form of protest

Kryk concludes his article with a personal anecdote from a football match featuring Kaepernick, who had by then become a symbol of protest.
In this match, Kaepernick faced boos and verbal abuse from fans, highlighting the ugly behavior exhibited towards him (cf. l. 67-84).
The author expresses disgust at such conduct, opting not to directly quote the offensive slogans on some fans' T-shirts due to their unsuitability for a family readership (I. 69/70).

The symbolic act of Kaepernick's team "cutting him loose" in the end portrays him as a tragic figure in a sporting environment unwilling to embrace the progress he sought to promote (l. 85).
Kryk's critical view of the NFL is hinted at earlier when he discusses the league's focus on TV ratings, depicting it as driven by greed rather than moral integrity (l. 50/51).

criticism of the sporting world

Throughout the article, Kryk's support for Kaepernick's achievements is evident.
By acknowledging that many Americans took offense to his form of protest, Kryk highlights the athlete's deliberate provocation and bravery in conveying his message despite anticipated resistance.

Conclusion

Composition

The notion of standing firmly by one's convictions, even at the cost of significant sacrifices, is a topic that elicits varied opinions and reflections on personal values and moral principles.
While some argue that unwavering commitment to one's beliefs is essential for personal integrity and societal progress, others contend that such sacrifices may not always be feasible or justified in every circumstance.
In this discourse, we will delve into the complexities surrounding the concept of courage in convictions, exploring both its merits and potential challenges.
Through examining diverse perspectives and real-life examples, we aim to gain deeper insights into the significance of steadfastness in the face of adversity and the implications it holds for individuals and society as a whole.

Introduction

These uncomfortable consequences came true for NFL quarterback Kaepernick, who has not played a single professional match since 2016 due to being deemed too controversial.
To a lesser extent, they also apply to the English football players, who faced anger and incomprehension from some of their supporters.
However, the stakes seem relatively low for these sportsmen when compared to individuals who risked their lives to stand up for their principles.
Sophie Scholl, killed by the Nazis for her opposition against their murderous regime, and Nelson Mandela, who spent over 20 years in prison for his struggle against apartheid in South Africa, exemplify genuine courage under extreme pressure.

Main Body
different levels of courage and the risks connected with them

While Colin Kaepernick and English footballers may be considered inspirational for their efforts to improve the world and their willingness to face criticism, individuals like Sophie Scholl and Nelson Mandela demonstrate a level of conscience and heroism that surpasses even this.
They courageously fought for their beliefs, fully aware of the risks involved.
Despite facing immense pressure, they refused to compromise their convictions or take the easier, safer path.
It is this unwavering commitment that makes their achievements truly remarkable and why they are celebrated as exemplary role models.

Argument in favor of the quote

I believe it's appropriate to admire individuals like Sophie Scholl and Nelson Mandela, as they truly deserve the praise they receive.
However, the decision to act heroically is a deeply personal one.
It's easy to advocate for standing up for convictions while living in the comfort of a Western democracy, where human rights are safeguarded by constitutions and trusted institutions.
Therefore, we should refrain from hastily judging others for their lack of heroism or demanding sacrifices from them.
After all, we cannot fully understand the circumstances faced by those living in fascist Germany in the 1940s, apartheid South Africa in the 1960s, or present-day Belarus or China.

Argument against the quote

In summary, I concur that individual courage and sacrifice have played a crucial role in shaping the world for the better.
However, in matters concerning life, death, or personal freedom, it's unrealistic to expect everyone to emulate the examples set by figures like Scholl, Mandela, and their successors.
While it may be desirable for everyone to exhibit such heroism, perhaps it's more realistic to acknowledge that not everyone can be heroic.
Nevertheless, small acts of kindness and courage can collectively propel us forward significantly.

Conclusion

Benjamin Franklin, a pivotal figure in American history, once articulated a powerful sentiment that continues to resonate today: "Justice will not be served until those that are unaffected are as outraged as those who are."
In this commentary, we look at the profound implications of Franklin's statement and emphasize the importance of empathy and collective action in the pursuit of social justice and equality.

Introduction
Reference to the quote

Injustice is not a solitary issue; its effects are felt throughout society and affect people far beyond the immediate victims.
Whether it takes the form of racial discrimination, economic inequality or social inequality, injustice undermines the fabric of society, erodes trust, fuels resentment and perpetuates the cycle of violence and discontent.
Every instance of injustice undermines the principles of fairness and equality on which civilized societies are built.
When a group is marginalized or oppressed, it casts a shadow on the collective conscience of society and tarnishes the values of empathy, compassion and solidarity.

Main Body
Injustice effects everyone

Citizens' groups advocating for minority rights often face a common challenge: they are perceived as special interest groups by the majority of society.
When only Black Germans advocate for the rights of Black Germans or individuals with disabilities fight for accessibility, their political influence is limited.
It is only when a political issue is recognized as universally significant that there is potential for meaningful change.

the influence of large movements/groups

In conclusion, the struggle for minority rights underscores the importance of collective action and solidarity, like Benjamin Franklin states.
While citizens' groups dedicated to advocating for these rights may face challenges when perceived as special interest groups, it is imperative for society as a whole to recognize the universal significance of these issues.
Only through widespread acknowledgment and support can meaningful progress be achieved towards a more just and inclusive society for all.

Conclusion

In John Darkow's cartoon depicting the perpetual issue of racism in America, two African Americans—a man and a boy—are depicted kneeling on the ground.
The boy is adorned in a No. 7 football jersey, while the man wears a T-shirt bearing the inscription "I can't...". Engaged in conversation, the boy queries the duration of the White man's knee on the Black man's neck, implying a response of 8 minutes and 46 seconds, to which the man solemnly replies, "More like 400 years, son!"

Description of the cartoon

Taking a knee emerged as an anti-racist protest initiated by NFL quarterback Colin Kaepernick in 2016.
Kaepernick chose to kneel instead of standing during the national anthem before kickoff to symbolize his opposition to police violence against Black Americans.
Notably, Kaepernick wore a No. 7 jersey, mirroring the attire of the boy depicted in the cartoon.
Additionally, the phrase "I can't breathe," partially visible on the father's garment in the cartoon, serves as another allusion to the anti-racist movement in the US.
This phrase was spoken by George Floyd while a White policeman knelt on his neck, ultimately resulting in Floyd's tragic death.

Analysis
Colin Kaepernick and George Floyd

Additionally, the cartoonist skillfully exploits the ambiguity of the definite article in English.
When the boy inquires about how long "the White man" had his knee on "the neck of the Black man," he specifically alludes to the tragic incident involving George Floyd and the officer suffocating him.
However, "the White man" and "the Black man" could also be construed as broader generalizations representing any White or Black individual.
Consequently, the father's response suggests a metaphorical interpretation, implying that White people have figuratively oppressed their Black counterparts for centuries.
This underscores the enduring legacy of racial oppression and systemic inequality that has persisted since the 17th century.

Usage of the definite article as generalisatior

White supremacy has been a foundational aspect of US history since the country's inception, with the founding fathers failing to reconcile slave ownership with the principles of the Bill of Rights.
This historical legacy has perpetuated systemic oppression, particularly against African Americans.
Despite advancements such as the Civil Rights Movement and Barack Obama's presidency, racism remains pervasive in American society.
This is evidenced by the disproportionate violence inflicted by law enforcement upon Black individuals.
Therefore, the cartoonist's decision to contextualize George Floyd's murder within a historical framework is apt, highlighting it as one of many racist atrocities endured by Black Americans over the past forty years.

Comment on the cartoon

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