The Beacon Wants to Hear From You!

Last year Colin Kaepernick, a National Football League quarterback then playing for the San Francisco 49ers, started to protest “what he deems are the wrongdoings against African Americans and minorities in the United States” by taking a knee during the playing of the national anthem at NFL games.

What started as one man’s protest has spread; entire teams decided to stay in the locker room during the playing of the national anthem a few weekends ago. Other teams interlocked arms in unison, aligning themselves with Kaepernick’s protest. Owners joined players on the sidelines in solidarity. Musicians kneeled while they sang the national anthem; fans in the stands booed. Social media has been abuzz with opinions, declarations and, of course, hyperbole.

In a postgame interview with NFL Media from August, 2016, Kaepernick explained his reasoning: “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 paid leave and getting away with murder.”

It seems everyone has an opinion on “taking a knee,” and The Beacon wants to hear from the SMCC student body. We will dedicate Page 11 of our Oct. 26 issue to students who address this controversy respectfully and thoughtfully — all viewpoints welcome.

SMCC, this is your chance to have your voice heard. Please send your thoughts to mbeacon@smccme.edu. We looks forward to reading and sharing them. Of course, we hope that your teams are having a successful season. Ours are.

— The Beacon Staff