Colin Kaepernick’s protest started a necessary conversation when he refused to stand for the national anthem in light of the racism, inequality, oppression and police brutality against black people and other minorities. The San Francisco 49ers quarterback has received a lot of support but he’s also facing a lot of opposition. Detractors, including model/actress Kate Upton, objected to the protest and said it was “even more horrific” to sit during the anthem on 9/11 as many NFL players did in support of Kaepernick. In addition to several tweets, she posted a photo of four Miami Dolphins players who knelt during the anthem on 9/11, and posted a long caption about why it was wrong. In an exclusive for The Undefeated, Russell Simmons penned a response to Upton and others who have an issue with Kaepernick’s protest and the timing.
Simmons pointed out that it’s never the right time to protest, noting the bus boycott in Montgomery, and Muhammad Ali refusing to fight in the Vietnam War during the height of his career.
“Protesting when the nation honors its great heroes highlights the long bridge between injustices. For those who have been left uncomfortable, I would say that’s the whole point of these courageous acts. Being uncomfortable is what creates change in people, and change in people changes systems, and systems in our country that need change have deep roots in racial oppression, including policing and the criminal justice system.”
Simmons also explained that the digital revolution, media pressure, and pure exposure of the protests allows ‘the opportunity to foster better relationships between the police and the communities they serve.’ There’s also special prosecutors being brought in during the police shootings of unarmed citizens and the increased presence of body cameras.
In closing, he expressed the need for compassion, empathy, and understanding needed to unite the country.
“My friend, as we attempt to move forward in this country, compassion has to be the torch that shines light on our path. The human heart has the ability to open up to the suffering of all people, even when the timing of its expression makes others uncomfortable.”
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