By: Caroline Whiting

Caroline Whiting — Sun, 11 Mar 2018 18:55:48 +0000

Morgan, I think this is such an awesome entry. It is so interesting to hear that this class has had such an impact on you and your viewpoint on some aspects and issues of race, as it has for me as well. I remember when the protest first began I was able to see both sides of the argument. On one hand, I understand why it can be seen as disrespectful to those who have served our country. But, after learning more through this class about what the protesters are really looking to demonstrate, I find myself understanding and supporting those who are demonstrating this act more and more. Whenever I discuss this topic with people, the same question always comes up from my end: “Why should people of color feel that they need to stand up in support of a country that oppresses them?” People typically fire back with the argument that it is not patriotic, as you’ve mentioned in your post that you have heard as well. But, I actually think the act itself is being patriotic. I think it’s very patriotic to want equality for all people, and to protest a broken system that does not attempt to fix the issue. As for the questions you’ve posed at the end of your post, I have all of the same ones. I am not entirely sure there is a right time or place; all I know is that it has created enough talk to get people recognizing the issue, and I think that is a great place to start. Kaepernick using his highly public platform might have been the only way to get recognition for the issue on the national level, and therefore I think in this sense it could be seen as the right time and place. I really enjoyed reading this post, it got me thinking about the topic again and the future of this movement. Thank you for offering your insight!

Comments on: Take a Knee

By: Caroline Whiting