Earlier this month, the well renowned media platform, GQ Magazine, elected Colin Kaepernick as the “Citizen of The Year.” However such a decision was a tremendous mistake as Kaepernick does not reflect the characteristics of such immense honor and recognition.
Throughout the 2016-2017 NFL season, Kaepernick refused to stand during the playing of the American National Anthem. To no surprise, such actions sparked significant controversy and attracted notable attention. Under questioning, Kaepernick furthered the controversy as he stated, “I am not going to stand up to show pride in a flag for a country that oppresses black people and people of color.” Upon releasing such statements, Kaepernick faced significant criticism as his claims of oppression were quite clearly contradicted by the fact that he was receiving millions of dollars for an occupation as simple as throwing a football for several months each year. Furthermore, such claims of oppression are countered by the fact that the highest position in the United States was held by Barack Obama, a black man, for eight consecutive years. Several weeks later, Kaepernick further inflicted social divisions as he publically wore socks portraying white police officers as pigs. Coincidentally, his apparel-based statement occurred in a facility that was under police protection. No matter his intentions, Colin Kaepernick has undoubtedly furthered social divisions throughout America, making it a nation of black and white rather than a nation of Americans.
With that being said, there were countless members of society who were far better deserving of the “GQ Magazine: Citizen of The Year” award. For instance, JJ Watt, of the Houston Texans does far more than play in the NFL. In August of this year, Hurricane Harvey struck the city of Houston as an estimated 27 trillion gallons of rain washed throughout Texas for six consecutive days. The immeasurable destruction of the city required not only significant funding, but more importantly, social unity. With that being said, JJ Watt immediately launched his Houston Flood Relief Fund. Within just several weeks he managed to raise nearly $38,000,000, which will be used to rebuild homes, restore child-care centers, provide food and address the health needs of those affected by Hurricane Harvey. Beyond the finances, Watt also exemplified the unparalleled power of unity, “I have said it many times over the course of the past few months, but it bears repeating again: The most difficult times seem to bring out the best in humanity, I cannot thank everyone enough for their support and donations from across the country and around the world. You have truly shown what is possible when everyone bands together for one common cause.” The immense leadership and initiative exemplified by JJ Watt have strengthened the nation as a whole.
The title of, “Citizen of The Year,” should not be granted to a man who further divides the nation, but rather one who better unites it. With that being said, JJ Watt is quite clearly far more deserving of such an honor.