Monday, September 12, 2016

Pugilists, Pigskins, and Patriotism


The day was April 28, 1967. This is the day that the late Muhammad Ali, heavyweight boxing champion of the world, became more than an athlete. He became a leader because this is the day that Ali refused to join the US Army during the Vietnam War.

 The day was August 26, 2016. Colin Kapernick, quarterback of the San Francisco 49ers, refused to stand for the national anthem and shocked the nation. A star became an activist, and the country was stirred.
Almost 50 years apart, and yet, America reacted the same.
To catch those unaware up to speed, Kaepernick decided he would draw attention to the racial issues and the ongoing struggles the black community have been suffering by sitting out (and then taking a knee during) the national anthem. In his words:
"I'm going to continue to stand with the people that are being oppressed. To me, this is something that has to change. When there's significant change and I feel that flag represents what it's supposed to represent, and this country is representing people the way that it's supposed to, I'll stand."[1]
As a Black American, I fully support Kaepernick. I was in high school when Trayvon was murdered, sitting in my dorm lobby watching my city grieve on CNN following Freddie Gray's death, and marched in a #BlackLivesMatter protest after witnessing the disgusting and unjust executions of Philando and Alton. Each incident only hits harder because each time it could have been me. So, it's imperative that I get behind any stand (or lack thereof) for our lives, for my life.
But what I found especially interesting was the response to Kaepernick's protest. A new hashtag was even born: #boycottNFL


I couldn't help but to draw comparisons to the flak that Kaepernick has been getting to the way the public turned on Ali after he objected to participating in the war in Vietnam. I can only imagine that Ali's words and stand against the Vietnam Draft served as inspiration for Kaepernick:
“You want me to go somewhere and fight, but you won’t even stand up for me here at home!”[2]
They called Ali unpatriotic, stripped him of his title, fined him $10000, sentenced him to five years in prison. In some eyes, Ali went from a beloved boxing icon to a hated traitor to the country. Jackie Robinson commented that Ali’s disobedience was a setback for the race[3]. A popular television host at the time, David Susskind, said:
I find nothing amusing or interesting or tolerable about this man. He’s a disgrace to his country, his race, and what he laughingly describes as his profession. He is a convicted felon of the United States. He has been found guilty. He is out on bail. He will inevitably go to prison, as well he should. He’s a simplistic fool and a pawn.[4]
It’s amazing to me that 50 years apart, and yet the visceral reaction is almost identical. Two men, one from the original Civil Rights movement and the other from its resurgence, used their status in their respective sports to reach millions with a message against the injustices perpetrated against people of color … and they were met with animosity. Ali actions said “I can’t fight for a country that abuses those who look like me” and attempts were made to destroy his image and career. Kaepernick's protest said “This is the land of the free for some, but until it is for everyone I can’t stand for that flag”. And people would rather turn their TVs off than face the flaws embedded in this very country.
But in my eyes, those who stand against the injustices they see are more patriotic than those willing to turn a blind eye. These United States are not a utopia of white privilege, bliss, and absolute safety. Pockets may exist, but ingrained in the backbone of this country is oppression. Luckily, there are those are working to eradicate the illness we have been afflicted with for sometime. Kaepernick may not have faced the flag, but he faced the nation and said “This country can be better, and I will do my part in helping us reach that goal”. That is someone who cares enough for the present and the future state of this country and wants to see us progress. Ali was a hero to his people because instead of turning his back on the theft of our lives, the deprivation of our liberties, and the denial of our happiness so that he could fight for a country that wouldn’t have cared for him had he not been a star, he spoke out and refused to comply.
There will be those who disagree, spit venom in the face of peace, try to protest the protests. But if you’re one to throw around the word unpatriotic or quickly bash one for attempting to uplift a victimized group in this country, ask yourself:
What have you done lately for the betterment of your fellow countryman?

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