On Colin Kaepernick
Remember when Charles Barkley proclaimed "I'm not paid to be a role-model; I'm paid to wreak havoc on the basketball court.?" Was he right to rebuff the role model label? I think so.
“I’m not paid to be a role-model; I’m paid to wreak havoc on the basketball court.”
Why would we look to famous people as a model husband or father? Why would we value their opinions on any cause? Whether it's athletes, movie stars, or other celebrities, why do we care what they think? Of course I can comprehend the value of a Charles Barkley endorsement on basketball shoes, but why would I care about his views on any topic not related to wreaking havoc? Now if he had specific experience or knowledge on a given subject, that's one thing. But simply because he's a celebrity, I'll don't think so.
That principle brings me to San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick's recent protest against the behavior of police officers towards blacks/African-Americans.
A few thoughts:
As is the case with assessing any advocate, I generally ask why I should listen to the spokesman on the subject? It's fine that Kaepernick has an opinion, but what makes his views any more credible than anyone else's. Has he distinguished himself with study or research? Does he have unique or any relevant experience, or does he possess this platform solely because of his celebrity status?
If Kaepernick's concern relates to oppression via police abuses against the black community, why does he protest the American flag and national anthem, symbols that represent the ideals and sacrifices of our nation and have such deep meaning outside of the police oppression issue? There seems to be a disconnect between his goal and his methods. Why alienate so many who hold these symbols so close to their hearts? Why not more directly address his concerns by taking steps to hold specific individuals, departments, communities, and governmental entities responsible?
Clearly this is a complicated topic. Has Kaepernick invested time to discuss his concerns directly with law enforcement personnel? If so, what has he learned from those conversations? If not, why not? I've seen some activists actually meet with, and train with, law enforcement personnel to better understand the issues involved, to include the challenging job of policing our cities. Has Kaepernick?
What are Kaepernick's proposed solutions? What new laws should be enacted? What existing laws should be modified or terminated? What is he personally doing to help the situation? Nothing against raising awareness, but has he even really done that? Do more people truly understand this issue because of Kaepernick's actions? Is anything more being done to address the issue because of Kaepernick's actions? I think back to the #BringBackOurGirls campaign in response to the hundreds of girls kidnapped by Boko Haram in Nigeria. Again, nothing wrong with it. But did it help anything?
Before his protest received national attention, is it true he wore "cops as pigs" socks as part of his football practice uniform? If so, his bias should be noted, and probably doesn't help his cause.
Although many refer to his efforts as a "free speech" issue, I'm not sure it is. I haven't heard anyone entertain the idea of a government entity pursuing a course of action that involved prohibiting or even limiting his right to discuss this topic. Have you? As far as I know, his employer hasn't even directed him to cease, desist, or limit any activity. It's important to note, however, that either the 49ers or the NFL, as his employer, could prohibit him from making any such political statement on company time or while wearing the company uniform. In fact, most sports teams and companies do just that. Remember, as a general rule, the "free speech" argument is only relevant when a government entity, not a private employer, is considering action to limit the speech.
Curious to hear your thoughts.
