To be honest, I’m not entirely sure what Colin Kaepernick‘s original intention was when he decided to stage this whole national anthem protest, but if it was to get people talking about it, it’s working. I know people always talk about good publicity vs. bad publicity, but I think that it’s pretty obvious that Kaepernick’s getting all the bad press and his stance is getting all the good press. For instance, the Madden 17 team just announced that in-game commentary will reference the protest when discussing Kaepernick.
Via The Big Lead:
“Madden 17 in-game commentary will be updated periodically during the season to give it a more realistic feel. EA Sports confirmed to Gamespot that Colin Kaepernick’s flag protest will be addressed during the games.
“Kaepernick’s decision will be briefly mentioned in-game, reflecting our commitment to authenticity in Madden NFL 17,” a senior publicist for EA Sports said. “Overall, our new commentary will mainly center around on-field performance, as well as major news like trades, free agency signings, and injuries.””
Look, I’m a white American man who was raised in an upper-middle class suburb in Northern New Jersey and attended private school my entire life. I am quite literally the last person who has any business discussing racism and oppression. However, I can recognize that there is a definite societal issue that needs to be discussed and remedied. At the same time, not standing for the National Anthem is a bit of a ballsy move that I don’t totally agree with. Again, I’ve never dealt with oppression, but showing disrespect to the country that allows to live your dreams of being an NFL quarterback is a little low. At the same time, I don’t disagree with his stance and claims either. It’s the manner with which he is enacting his protest. The American flag and the national anthem represent the country as a whole and all of the ideals that come with it. His issues are with the institutions erected within the country, not the country itself. If anything, sitting during a song that represents the ideals of a united society of free people, the gap between those who understand and those who don’t simply grows wider. But maybe I’m wrong. Again, I’m just a white guy.