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The Kaepernick Effect

The Anthem Protests are Spreading


One year and one month ago, Colin Kaepernick was first spotted sitting down as the Star Spangled Banner was sung at a preseason NFL game because he refused to "show pride in a flag for a country that oppresses black people and people of color." He continued to kneel in future games as the National Anthem was played. In a relatively short period of time, his protest of police brutality and racial injustice in the United States has captivated the country and sparked a debate not only about the state of race relations in America, but about what exactly it means to be a patriot. As police brutality has become more evident and widespread in the country, Kaepernick's initial protest has mutated and spread. There is much controversy as to what is right and what is wrong, and the peaceful protests have inspired conversations among people of all ages, races, and backgrounds, and also action to improve situations in troubled communities. Players on many football teams continue to kneel while the anthem is played, but they are not confined to the NFL. Players from other leagues and sports have also taken action, and so have students in colleges and high schools.

During Week 2 of the 2017-2018 NFL Season, players from the Seattle Seahawks, Los Angeles Rams, San Francisco 49ers, Oakland Raiders, Philadelphia Eagles, and Kansas City Chiefs protested the National Anthem.

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