#CauseAndEffect
Colin Kaepernick’s protest really is a noble and amazing footnote in history. The media commentary (social and terrestrial) told a tale of a country staunchly committed to its modern, diet-soda version of systemic bigotry and racism. How? Because there is little to no empathy (or at least an attempt at empathy) for those who must mentally, emotionally, and spiritually dwell inside of being Black in America. So, there can be very limited compassion (if any at all), and ultimately, the effects far outweigh the cause for these people; People who look like me. Fathers, mothers, grandfathers, grandmothers, brothers, sisters, aunts, uncles, cousins, friends, strangers are dying in the streets at disproportionate numbers, at the hands of institutions which are said to protect and serve. But who or what are they protecting and serving? The African American community shares its pain, but it falls on deaf ears. When we entertain society; when we adhere to being “good assimilated black folks”, allowed to live middle class, we are non-threatening, and our culture (and art) can easily be consumed for its entertainment value, then we are at our very best to White America.
But I digress. Kaepernick was to be one of those “good black boys”, but it didn’t work out that way. Somewhere, in his soul, the warrior spirit took hold. Somewhere, his thirst for justice and righteousness may have come to the forefront of his consciousness. So, an NFL player consults a former serviceman on how to best approach protesting in an environment meant to celebrate servicemen and women. Said soldier prays with Kaep and goes on to advise him of the best way to serve his cause and share his patriotism (civil disobedience, protest, etc – all examples of activities which purchase INTO the conceptual foundations of “America”). Kaep takes a knee on a world stage to show his support to victims of police brutality and systemic racism at the hands of law enforcement. Rather than have that dialog, White America (by and large) tells Kaepernick and the others joining him that this is wrong, disrespectful, and an affront to their patriotic sensibilities. Nevermind what you are protesting (the cause). We, the gentry of America…the people this great nation was formed for, and those that subscribe to our way of thinking, are going to dictate to you what WE find offensive, and it isn’t Black men and women dying at the hands of police. We are going to ignore that and make this about the flag, the troops, the president, right versus left, “Black on Black crime”, any and everything EXCEPT the cause of your protest and your intended effect. “Shut up and enjoy your millions, Kaepernick!” “Stop disrespecting OUR flag!” “You should be honored to live here.” “Aren’t you a millionaire?” “Why are you complaining?” “Those men and women should have complied with police instructions.” Never for one moment do these people stop and think about Kaepernick’s cause or the people for which he champions. Just whining Black folks who should be thankful to reside in this “Land of the ‘FREE’” and “Home of the Brave”.
So, here we are, Spring of 2020. NYC is under curfew with rumors of pending martial law (though there have been reassurances that it WON’T happen), 77 years after the last time NYC was under curfew in 1943, which was also due to a white police officer murdering an unarmed African American man.
The cause is plain to see. It isn’t important enough until it makes them uncomfortable, as it may indict their morals. The effect: white America is far more comfortable focusing on the effects and assigning their own narrative to said effects.