A monster, created by the evil hand of the privileged man’s greed, has hidden in the shadows of the political and public eye since the Civil Rights Movement. This monster has since cast dark shadows across modern America, proving it’s still alive and breathing.

The monster is the discrimination African-Americans.

While some sort of influential and powerful stand against the political, economical and social oppression of the African-American is necessary, I believe Colin Kaepernick’s methods are inappropriate.

Kaepernick began his stand in the preseason by sitting for the national anthem. I admire his courage to use his platform to fight for those who are not in the same position as him, but his actions demote patriotism.

The national anthem is a time for the country to stand unified; not denied by any differences, but joined by a common appreciation. When Kaepernick and his supporters sit during this time, they isolate themselves from the country, and the issue becomes more divided. A country should stand as one when working to resolve social injustices.

As Kaepernick’s actions became nationally recognized, more players became inspired to take initiative. Players from the Seattle Seahawks, Denver Broncos and Kansas City Chiefs all joined the protest by sitting, linking arms and kneeling, or Marcus Peters’ strategy of raising a fist in the air.

Whether the symbolism was intentional or not, Peter’s raised fist is the ghost of the 1960’s extreme activist party, the Black Panthers. The Black Panthers, formed in 1966, believed the only way to achieve equality was through violence.

Violence against African-Americans has taken more than its fair share of media attention over the past few years. Kaepernick made sure the public knew his intentions were good.

“I have great respect for the men and women that have fought for this country. I have family, I have friends that have gone and fought for this country. And they fight for freedom, they fight for people, they fight for liberty and justice, for everyone,” Kaepernick said.

However, some Americans view his act as the first shot of a long awaited violent battle. Kaepernick’s supporters subliminally or consciously promote violence in some Americans when raising their fist. The last thing America needs is a person of prominence seemingly giving the public permission to lash out with aggression.

I support Kaepernick taking a stand and using his voice, but I don’t think he realizes the full effects of his actions. America would stand more united when resolving issues of social injustice if we look towards the future instead of focusing on the past.

During these past few weeks, there has been major controversy surrounding NFL player Colin Kaepernick taking a knee during the national anthem in many games. His recent courageous events have led other players to begin to do the same.

Many believe that this is wrong considering the national anthem is played for those who have lost their lives in combat for the protection of our country and the countries we ally ourselves with, but Kaepernick and many others that support Black Lives Matter disagree.

“I am not going to stand up to show pride in a flag for a country that oppresses black people and people of color,” Kaepernick told NFL Media in an interview after a game. “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.”

After Kaepernick’s interview, the 49ers released a statement stating that they “recognize the right of an individual to choose and participate, or not, in our celebration of the national anthem.”

Kaepernick’s choice to sit during the anthem has sparked many other African-American football players and even white players outside of the sport to take a knee during the national anthem.

The Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Marcus Peters has raised a fist during the anthem.

“I was just stating how I’m black, and I love being black [and] I’m supporting [Kaepernick] in what he’s doing as far as raising awareness with the justice system,” Peters said.

Kaepernick’s decision to sit during the National Anthem shows his support for a movement that helps people understand the struggles minorities go through. We may have had a Civil Rights Act passed, but we still go through many people getting shot by the people who are supposed to protect us. He sat, not out of disdain for the flag, but for the disdain of his country still killing innocent black people just because they are black.