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In Response to Colin Kaepernick

Colin Kaepernick has chosen not to honor the American flag because he thinks that Black people and other minorities have been systemically degraded by institutions that promote structural racism and increase the reach of a class known as 'white privilege'. He is a Black man who has experienced deep hurt over the course of his life and he has watched as many other Black people have been killed, raped, tortured and systematically prejudiced against while the justice system has offered no restitution. He has elected not to honor the flag that represents (in full or in part) hundreds of years of injustice and persecution against Blacks in America. While we may disagree with his methods (it is clearly obvious that many do) can we at least acknowledge the racist comments that have erupted in light of his decision? This First Amendment right, the same one that many cling to for justification of their racial tirades, guarantees that Kaepernick is allowed to express his deep hurt in a manner that is respectful and of good conscience. Instead of condemning and criticizing him-and millions of other Black people who feel the EXACT same way-for being blatantly honest about the hypocrisy that exists in our country, would it not be better to LISTEN to him? I am especially talking to white Christians who jump at the defense of the flag yet they are unwilling, and seemingly unable, to empathize with the plight of this man whose cry for justice represents the suppressed voice of millions of Black people who have had the words, "Land of the Free and Home of the Brave" vicariously shoved down their throats as we gasp for air in the fog of hypocrisy and destitution. As I write these words, I know that there will be many (a majority of them will be white male Christians) who will vehemently disagree with the words I have written. Yet I say to you, "If you cannot, at the very least, allow yourself to attempt to understand why Colin Kaepernick would so readily risk his career to make this point about racial justice...you are a part of the problem and it is because of you that the cry of Black Americans has continued to fall on deaf ears." I write this with the hope that one person, just one person, would stop, quell their anger, and listen. Listen without an objective or a condescending attitude. Allow yourself to experience the suffering that millions of people have experienced in this country. That is all I ask.

“so that, “ ‘they may be ever seeing but never perceiving, and ever hearing but never understanding; otherwise they might turn and be forgiven!’ ””
‭‭Mark‬ ‭4:12‬ ‭

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