Editorial: Kaepernick's Nike Deal

I can no longer tell if people are becoming dumber or angrier. Nike has recently chosen Colin Kaepernick of the NFL as its spokesperson; the athletic wear giant has since shown Kaepernick is many commercials and advertisements. This has caused outrage from Nike fans with Republican ideals, as Kaepernick is known for his silent protest of America, demonstrated by kneeling during the National Anthem at Football games. Many have criticized this protest, calling it “Anti-American” and “unpatriotic.” As a sign of objection, enraged Nike fans have resorted to destroying, disposing of, and even burning Nike products that they own.

Now, here’s a brief argument: the decision to demolish your personal belongings is beyond foolish. In what possible way will Nike be threatened by someone burning a Nike product that they already paid for? Burning your Nike attire doesn’t upset or annoy Nike at all; you already gave them your money, they could care less what you do with their products after you pay for them. Besides that, the motivation for the anger is ridiculous.

Colin Kaepernick is protesting peacefully; he’s just kneeling. He’s not disrespecting; he’s disagreeing. He’s objecting to police brutality and the treatment of African Americans in this country, which, doesn’t that matter? Do people want this kind of treatment to continue? Eric Garner, Trayvon Martin, Oscar Grant, countless others victims are to be named, and God forbid that some guy kneels for the anthem, right?

I have presented rhetorical questions ad nauseam, but even knowing this, I’ll keep them as is. Only a contrarian, or a racist, would respond oppositely to the obvious answer to these questions. Only someone who disrespects the Constitution would have a problem with the kneeling.