Don’t Finger Social Commentary, It’s What You Don’t Like

Sometimes you can tell when people get hot and bothered. Case in point. San Francisco 49er quarterback Colin Kaepernick has either sat down or kneeled on a knee during the playing of the National Anthem for the past four weeks. He takes the heat, a cascade of boos, he's even jeopardizing his multi-million dollar NFL football contract.

Colin is protesting alleged racial inequality, police brutality and other social issues across the nation. I say alleged. Videos speak volumes. The not-so-amazing thing is, other players are staging similar protests. During NFL week 1: The Seattle Seahawks team locked arms in solidarity. At least two New England Patriots raised their fists relating to "Black Power."

Many fans and arm chair quarterbacks are appalled at what's happening. These "see no evils" sugar coat their bias by claiming athletes and entertainers shouldn't blend social or political commentary at their office. Ask these same good ole boys and girls how they feel about NFL players helping to unveil the American flag during the same National Anthem, and they'll chime these guys are displaying patriotism. Read: those players are doing the right thing. So, a political statement is okay when you agree with it.

Let's face it we are all creatures of humanism. I love what I love. We like what we like. We dislike what we dislike. When it comes to our dislikes, we vocalize in subtle ways, to disguise our dislikes to make ourselves look and/or sound better.

In the early weeks following the 9/11 attacks, mega stars gathered to raise funds for a victims relief support effort. Major League Baseball and NFL players did the same. I don't recall too many people then claiming athletes and entertainers should not bring social commentary to work. We lauded their efforts. The rich and famous were giving back!

Fast forward to the here and now. These highly prized athletes are using their status to highlight injustices they hear about and some actually witness. In their collective mind, they are part of the solution. It's time for the "see no evils" to realize they have two eyes and two ears, instead displaying their two face. There are now too many messengers to kill. You can either keep your head buried in the sand and remain part of the problem (ignorance), or finally acknowledge there's a real message and become a part of the solution.  

Your comments are welcome here and on the "On Your Mind, Monday segment of Brian's Beat. 

Brian Thomas hosts Brian's Beat, Monday-Friday 10:00 AM-Noon [EDT]