On November 13, 2017, Colin Kaepernick was chosen as GQ Magazine’s Citizen of the Year “for his powerful symbol of activism and resistance.” I believe that Kaepernick is more than worthy of this honor and recognition. His tremendous strength and bravery helped to open the minds of millions of Americans about the ever-present race issues existing in the country.
Kaepernick played for the San Francisco 49ers until late 2016. Beginning in August 2016, Colin began sitting during the playing of the “Star Spangled Banner.” During a post game interview, Kaepernick said, “I am not going to stand up to show pride in a flag for a country that oppresses black people and people of color. To me, this is bigger than football and it would be selfish on my part to look the other way. There are bodies in the street and people getting away with murder.” He added that he would continue to protest until he felt like “the American flag represents what it’s supposed to represent.” Later in the year, Kaepernick began kneeling instead of sitting during the national anthem that plays before NFL games in order to show more respect for military members and veterans. His simple, quiet gesture caused a huge divide in ideas and opinions all over the world. Many people who do not support Kaepernick’s actions criticize him because he is an NFL football player who makes millions of dollars a year. While he does make millions, I have a much greater level of respect for him than I would for another NFL player, because unlike most NFL players, Kaepernick uses his popularity and role in the US to better our society and make a difference. This requires an extreme amount of courage, bravery, and passion to make a difference.
While many of the other candidates for GQ Magazine’s Citizen of the Year Award have done amazing things like raising money for Hurricane Harvey victims, no one has even come close to the impact Colin Kaepernick has made on opinions on race in both the United States, and the world.