Over the last few weeks the conversation over sports and politics has evolved into one topic. Although conspiracy theories between entertainment and politics have always existed, fans are now seeing the reality of just how little power their favorite athletes have. Recently, President Donald Trump, while speaking at a political rally, said NFL fans should boycott games and team owners should fire players who fail to stand for the national anthem. Many acted as if they were appalled by Trump's comments, immediately citing the first amendment and freedom of speech.
Although most of the NFL's owners and commissioners agreed that the players should honor the national anthem, they followed with statements like "we are proud of players for using their platforms to make a positive difference," but is the statement of oppression truly supported?
NFL protest begins
During the 2016 NFL preseason, San Francisco quarterback Colin Kaepernick initiated a protest by sitting in solidarity during the national anthem. At the end of the game reporters circled Kaepernick, immediately questioning his stance, and Kaepernick proudly stated that he would no longer honor a country where People Of Color are continuously being oppressed. Shortly after the 2016 NFL season ended, Kaepernick was released from his contract and refused by every NFL organization.
The NFL owners may say that they support their players, but shortly after Trump's statements at the rally, all of the NFL players were once again standing for the national anthem, and Colin Kaepernick remains unemployed. Who cares if a knee was taken prior to the "Star-Spangled Banner" being sung? The protest was about not following suit while everyone else was, not acknowledging injustice, but silently rebelling against it.
Ultimately it's obvious that the players chose their careers over making a political difference in our society. Which is what most of us do on a day to day basis.
Entertainers responds to Donald Trump
Sports figures are often put on a pedestal because they accomplish what the average person does not, which is why entertainers have the biggest influence on our society.
People like LeBron James, Jay-Z, and even Donald Trump impact audiences' decisions simply because of who they are. Their platform allows the "normal" everyday message to become fact in our world, which is why it's important to monitor who uses that power, and for what purpose. As a person of color I commend any person in a powerful position who stands for what's right. Simple statements like Jay-Z declining to perform at the 2018 Super Bowl, LeBron James openly calling the president a "bum" without apologizing, or Colin Kaepernick refusing to stand during the national anthem, are what transform our society. By avoiding opportunities to have an open discussion regarding the inequality that people of color face on a daily basis, Trump and his supporters will always win.
