Kaepernick’s Patriotism: A Lesson In Love

We experience pressure to be patriots in all elements of our lives. In school, students are expected to comply and to behave; at sports events fans are expected to wear the jersey and scream at the top of their lungs; in work settings employees are expected to be “team players;” in marriages partners are expected to show a “good face” in public even if things are falling apart at home; and as a citizen of our country we are expected to pledge our allegiance, not cause tension, and stand (with our hands over ourhearts) as soon as we hear the words “Oh, say can you see.” In America, this is what it means to be committed to something-no matter what. But what if you can’t see the “dawn’s early light” because the racial temper in our country is so dark? Does taking a knee mean that you hate our country or that you love it?  As Americans, we take pride in the words, “The land of the free andthe home of the brave.” But too often, we attack those citizens who actually exercise their freedom and who have the courage to be brave in their actions. Ultimately, the major question is can protestors be patriots?