Life, liberty and the pursuit of justice?
Georgia Gay, assistant editor
Photo courtesy of Georgia Gay.
San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick recently took a stand by not standing for the National Anthem during an exhibition game against the Green Bay Packers. Kaepernick is protesting for what he believes is an injustice towards African Americans and minorities in the United States. With this bold move came plenty of backlash.
Fans and other football players have conflicted feelings about the issue, but the NFL was eager to put the drama to rest. “Players are encouraged but not required to stand during the playing of the National Anthem,” said the NFL to deadline.com. Below are five students’ opinions on whether or not they deemed this as an appropriate action and if they believe it will solve anything.
Photo courtesy of Julia Babayan.
1. Julia Babayan, sophomore
“Well, my opinion is that his actions can’t really change anything. The National Anthem is about our freedom and how our military suffered for our freedom. To me, as a minority myself, we can’t make people change. There will be oppression but we need to show people that love and respect trumps all unfairness,” Babayan said.
Photo courtesy of Georgia Gay.
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“In trying to create a place in America with opinions, people will be entrenched on either side.”
2. Tyler Horrocks, junior
“I have two opinions on this issue,” said junior Tyler Horrocks, as he crossed his legs and relaxed in his desk. “One is that he is correct. There is a problem, that much is obvious. With his actions, he has a constitutional right for acting the way he did. However, he needs to realize that his actions belittle those who are ex-military or died for this country. I get that he wants to make a statement. But to some, it may come across as hurtful.” When asked if anything would be solved by this, Horrocks said, “No. It is doing him more harm than anything. His actions are coming across as very negative. It has become more of a media frenzy than statement. In trying to create a place in America with opinions, people will be entrenched on either side.”
Photo courtesy of Brittany Wright.
3. Brittany Wright, freshman
“I think that he has a right to protest. But, he still should have respect for his country,” said freshman Brittany Wright. After being asked whether or not this would solve anything, she stated, “No, I do not think it will solve anything. Yes, he is correct about the constant oppression of African-Americans. Turning against his country will make matters worse, and may cause certain stereotypes to be fulfilled.”
Photo courtesy of Georgia Gay.
4. Ashia Davenport, sophomore
“I understand where he is coming from, and I completely understand what he is saying” said Ashia Davenport, sophomore. I feel that since we are America, land of the free, who am I to tell someone that their opinion or what they stand for is wrong?”
She said she feels that his stance has brought awareness to what he stands for both positively and negatively. She said she believes that his opinion will probably not change the opinion of many.
