Hashtag activism has its limits, and most social-media reaction stories are predictable and boring, but the discussion of Colin Kaepernick’s “Star-Spangled Banner” protest taking place in #VeteransForKaepernick threads on Twitter and Facebook right now is more varied and interesting than almost all of the commentary on the subject cramming the airwaves.
Dear America stop speaking for me you don't care about us either we're just your mask for racism and prejudice #VeteransForKaepernick
— ROB DID ? (@MrRedMartian) August 30, 2016
As a veteran, @Kaepernick7 's protest is a beautiful part of what we fought for: free speech and perfecting our union #VeteransForKaepernick
— Fed Up With Republicans (@lesscrazyplease) August 31, 2016
My colleague Jon Schwarz startled many Americans by pointing out that our national anthem “literally celebrates the murder of African-Americans” in a rarely sung or talked about third verse about slaughtering escaped slaves who chose to fight for their freedom, and against the United States, in the War of 1812.
The San Francisco 49ers quarterback, however, told reporters on Tuesday that he was aware of those lyrics before he began his protest by refusing to stand for the anthem before exhibition games.
In the heated environment of the election campaign, it is also notable that Kaepernick explained that his attempt to draw attention to racial injustice — which was criticized by Donald Trump — is not something he expects to be resolved by the victory of either candidate.
More Kaepernick on presidential candidates: "You have Hillary who's called black teens super predators. You have Trump who's openly racist"
— Cam Inman (@CamInman) August 28, 2016
As reporters swarmed around his locker last weekend, Kaepernick said he would continue to sit during the anthem. “I’m going to continue to stand with the people that are being oppressed, to me this is something that has to change,” he said.
#49ers Colin Kaepernick video Part 1 pic.twitter.com/WEPwqBucsh
— Cam Inman (@CamInman) August 28, 2016
He was then asked what he would say to Americans who “see the flag as kind of a symbol of the military.”
#49ers Colin Kaepernick video Part 2 pic.twitter.com/zQxexPLKba
— Cam Inman (@CamInman) August 28, 2016
He replied: “I have great respect for men and women that have fought for this country. I have family, I have friends that have gone and fought for this country and they fight for freedom, they fight for the people, they fight for liberty and justice for everyone. And that’s not happening. I mean people are dying in vain because this country isn’t holding their end of the bargain up.”
That set off a predictable backlash from commentators who describe themselves as pro-military but have not, apparently, spent much time speaking to the men and women who actually serve in the armed forces.
Kaepernick if you don't like ??, get out. Our military puts their lives on the line every day for U to throw a football, to the wrong team.
— Ricky Young (@RickyYoungMusic) August 28, 2016
Support for Kaepernick from active-duty and retired military personnel who recognize that the nation has a racial justice problem was evident earlier in the week.
Sitting with Colin during the National Anthem at the Cubs game tonight. #Blacklivesmatter #StoptheWars #Bleachers pic.twitter.com/Dxt4XSSF4u
— Rory Fanning (@RTFanning) August 30, 2016
The military blogger who writes as Johnny Silvercloud, for instance, made his feelings quite clear, partly by sharing a viral video clip of Muhammad Ali posted on Facebook by the boxer Ishé Oluwa Smith in support of the quarterback.
If standing up for flags is more important than standing up for people under that flag, we have a problem. https://t.co/b4IUqIjngg
— Johnny Silvercloud “The Downtown Defenestrator” (@JohnnySilverclo) August 29, 2016
But the depth and varied nature of that support only became clear once the topic began to trend under the new hashtag on the dominant social networks on Tuesday and Wednesday. Those comments are worth reading in part because they cut across race and gender lines and display a complexity lacking from much of what passes for debate on the subject on radio and television channels.
Don't use my service–or that of any veteran–to justify the silencing of black Americans. Not on my watch. #VeteransForKaepernick
— Charlotte Clymer ?? (@cmclymer) August 31, 2016
#VeteransForKaepernick Although my grandfather served two tours in Vietnam, he couldn't even rent a home near his base b/c he was black.
— B-lorenzo (@blorenzo) August 30, 2016
@Kaepernick7 I served 25yrs in the AF to protect everyone's 1st Amend rights. I support you #VeteransForKaepernick pic.twitter.com/Q7r7PfvryA
— Nicki Jai (@dcmbrdiva) August 31, 2016
2 tours in Iraq
1 year #GTMO
Military Family
I support his right to protest discrimination
#VeteransForKaepernick pic.twitter.com/ycZiWXSQae— Worst Dad On the Interwebs (@Mr_Alexius) August 31, 2016
Anthem protest may be rude, but weakening NATO, lax nuke policy & sowing hatred is dangerous.#VeteransForKaepernick pic.twitter.com/YSRUC8uTuj
— Moe Davis (U.S. Air Force, Retired) (@ColMorrisDavis) August 31, 2016
https://twitter.com/EnshiFreshh/status/770856269515075584
https://twitter.com/BasedMarcoM/status/770814355642331136
https://twitter.com/DEdwardBeck/status/770814223794446337
https://twitter.com/colemanachase/status/770810251234930693
https://twitter.com/robertcyoung/status/770807994174939136
https://twitter.com/I_Zac33/status/770806526202224640
https://twitter.com/GenuinelySpoken/status/770801519113404416
I serve for his right to protest.. I don't serve for Police Brutality.. #VeteransForKaepernick pic.twitter.com/Q6GUNTwHDO
— Big Jeaux (@JoeOnDemand) August 31, 2016
My father, a Marine, served his country in Vietnam. He says "we're far from justice for all" #VeteransForKaepernick pic.twitter.com/8jXspHSOE6
— Blake J. Stanfill (@ShimmiHendrix) August 31, 2016
#VeteransForKaepernick I served 5 years and I support you @Kaepernick7 ! Sitting or standing, exercise your rights! pic.twitter.com/uSoaS4H7fm
— Dionna Bratcher (@DionnaBratcher) August 31, 2016
https://twitter.com/brownlashon/status/770795856660279296
8 Years Active Duty. Twice in the sandbox. He can sit or stand as long as the ?? waves. #VeteransForKaepernick pic.twitter.com/95yx9lUPZN
— McAnthony Brisco (@Bcounty510) August 31, 2016
https://twitter.com/elijahXL/status/770792439137366016
Salute to you @Kaepernick7 you the real hero #VeteransForKaepernick pic.twitter.com/o6MqPtz4dz
— ?respect the SHOOTER? (@Marc_withdaC) August 31, 2016
https://twitter.com/roveing/status/770781452472582144
https://twitter.com/iamcolelawson/status/771043934583881728
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