Culture

About Colin Kaepernick’s Stance and the Chafed Compatriots

Colin Kaepernick is the starting quarterback for the San Francisco 49ers, and he is in the middle of a public hailstorm right now. He decided to sit down as the national anthem played before a game, and he has been caught up in the rapture of hate ever since. When asked why he did it, Colin 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 paid leave and getting away with murder.”

Colin Kaepernick

Colin’s biological parents were white (mother) and Black (father) but he was adopted and raised by upper class white parents. He can’t pass for white, though. He looks ethnically ambiguous based on how he’s rocking his hair. However, he recognizes that he is a brown/Black man, like Eric Garner, Alton Sterling, Philando Castile, and countless more.

This stance that he took has brought so much vitriol his way. Even his own biological mother is fixing her fingers to type over Twitter to her son that he shouldn’t have done what he did. I want her to sit her nickel ass down because ain’t nobody asked her shit. If you are sending this man tweets, then it tells me that you probably don’t have his phone number. Which, surely your 15-minutes of fame looking ass gotta shut the ENTIRE WHOLE COMPLETE hell up. The gahtdamb nerve of some people. She might have born him but her attempting to scold him is laughable. Keep it cute.

Anywho, Colin has gotten called all names but a child of God, by people who don’t realize that they’re proving his exact point. White people are really attached to the narrative that America is “Land of the free, home of the brave.” Except when people of color try to be free and stand up bravely. At the Olympics, 2 white men in swimming refused to put their hands over their hearts at their medal ceremonies as the anthem played. I heard zero backlash from them, but when Gabby Douglas did the same a week prior, butthurt white folks took to social media to lambast the gymnast! These are such obvious dichotomies that to bring them up feels like a waste of time. Why? Because racists don’t operate from places of logic and they wake up and piss hypocrisy.

Lies Throne gif

Colin Kaepernick can choose not to stand when the anthem is played. That is the same song that was created when people who look like me were still considered property and not whole humans. The third verse of the Star-Spangled Banner is a musical high five celebrating the deaths of enslaved Black people. They lyrics are:

“No refuge could save the hireling and slave
From the terror of flight or the gloom of the grave,
And the star-spangled banner in triumph doth wave
O’er the land of the free and the home of the brave.”

WELL SHIT. Francis Scott Key was basically a dudebro who was feeling jolly about Black folks dying so he threw that to a terrible tune and went TA-DA! And the powers that be were like “Yes. This must be our country’s theme song.” DAFUQ.

Bitch WTF gif

This is the song that folks are all irate about someone not showing deference to? It’s easy to want to protect the soundtrack you created to set oppression to.

Can Diane Warren and Babyface get together and create a new song for us? I’m just asking. For a friend. And for the love of the earcrack they would come up with.

Besides the fact that the Star-Spangled Banner ain’t here for Black people, it is important to note that Colin Kaepernick is well within his right to protest as he did. The same people who are losing their shit are the ones who will swear up and down that their guns will be pried from their cold, dead, hands because the 2nd amendment protects them. Well, doesn’t the 1st amendment protect Colin’s right to protest peacefully? These fucknuts excel at not making any sense, so of course they WOULD piece-meal the Bill of Rights. That’s what happens when you’re daft.

Then they decided to be offended on behalf of veterans who fought for freedom in this country, saying Colin was disrespecting them. That got put to bed when the #VeteransforKaepernick hashtag trended on Twitter, as those who served in the Navy, Army, Marines and more spoke up in solidarity. It was an amazing show of what this country is supposed to be about, from the people who sacrificed a lot to serve it. Not from “ain’t did shit ass hole in the boxer ass sit behind a computer ass” cowards who consider sacrifice to be using slow wifi.

VeteransforKaepernick

That hashtag was a flashlight in the darkness. It was so necessary. But again, remember that there is no logic in hate. It hasn’t shut folks up. People are burning Kaepernick jerseys because he dared to silently protest anti-Blackness. Meanwhile, they’re proudly rocking the shirts of rapists and murderers. Because it is more acceptable to be a criminal than it is for you to speak up about racism. Everything is stupid and nothing makes sense.

For these folks, who are mostly white and straight, America should not be criticized. It works perfectly for them, and it has always been something for them to be proud of. I was also proud of those pairs of shoes I stole from my sister. They looked damb good on me. WHY IS SHE MAD? THE SHOES HAVE BEEN MINE FOR A LONG TIME. Get over it. Thieves never wanna return what they stole. Otherwise, they’d feel like they wasted their time.

The responses of white folks aren’t surprising, as that is the function of racism. I expected them to lash out and call Colin out. What has been interesting has been the Black people who have chastised him. But then again, every system must be sustained by convincing some of the folks it has oppressed that they are somehow better off in the state they are in. It is how webs of injustice stay woven. You need buy-in from some of the pawns.

At least three NFL veterans have spoken out against Colin Kaepernick’s protest. Jerry Rice took to Twitter to say “all lives matter.” Tiki Barber got on TV talmbout he doesn’t commend Colin. Rodney Harrison was talmbout Colin ain’t Black cuz he’s mixed.

Tiki Barber STFU Kaepernick

It is WHAT? CLAPBACK SEASON! Please re-stock on Jamaican Black Castor Oil, for your edges are in danger.

Meanwhile, I’m over here wondering why none of these knuckleheads realize that shutting the fuck up is free. You don’t even need a coupon code or nothing.

Why don’t they know that their pandering to white people and white dollars ain’t gon save their Black asses in these streets. Ol’ stand for nothing ass wobbly knee ass ninjas. Ol’ “yes massa” ass faces. STFU.

They’d be the mofos Harriet Tubman woulda had to shoot because they’d put everyone else’s freedom in jeopardy by going to snitch. Ol’ “slavery ain’t so bad. At least we have this tin roof over our head” ass fucknuggets. You don’t have to fight for freedom with me but you sure in the hell better not stand in my way. SHUTTING THE FUCK UP IS FREE.

Uncle Sam Shut UP

This entire thing is just so absurd. People are more upset at the man who is saying that Black people shouldn’t be killed in these streets, than we are at the country that allows it to happen so freely. Folks are outraged at him sitting down during a song, because he is breaking tradition. America is really attached to tradition, even though most of its most prominent ones are enmeshed in the celebration of racism and ethnic genocide. See also: Thanksgiving.

And we use a document that was created by nothing but straight white men as the law of the land, even though when it was created, electricity wasn’t a thing yet. We swear by principles from a time when people would die from polio like it was ebola. We yell “TRADITION” as if it hasn’t been proven time and time again that it’s just another word to justify the continued oppression of people, no matter how ridiculous. As you know, slavery was a tradition too.

Maybe it’s time for us to take a real look at more of our social mores. Maybe less people need to pledge allegiance to the flag whose red stripes might as well be the blood of Black people and Native Americans. Maybe we shouldn’t be giving props to the stars that shine elsewhere, refusing to protect our lives and allow us to be gunned down in these streets without consequence.

Stages of Black Injustice Featured

Click the pic to read the post I wrote on this topic

Maybe more athletes need to look beyond their jerseys and stand for something beyond their sneaker contracts. Classless wonders. One thing I do know, though, is that the very reason why Colin refuses to stand during that song is the same one that compels people to call him a “nigger” in response and in disagreement with his act.

Keep sitting, Colin.


If you loved this post, you’ll love my new book (I’m Judging You: The Do-Better Manual). I have a section on “Culture” where I tackle racism, privilege and more.

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59 Comments

  1. August 31, 2016 at 11:25 am

    Yikes on that third stanza! See this makes me appreciate my country’s anthem even more. “Where every creed and race find an equal place.” A line like that might kill modern dudebros.

    Full disclosure: some of my countrymen forget that line, too.

    • Simms
      August 31, 2016 at 12:16 pm

      Trini to da bone! Happy Independence Sis.

      • Liesl
        August 31, 2016 at 3:10 pm

        Happy Independence to both ah allyuh!

        T&T not perfect, but at least we not celebrating the blood of others as we celebrate our nation.

    • tma
      September 24, 2016 at 7:48 am

      The Star Spangled Banner lyrics “…and slave” is a direct reference to the British practice of Impressment (kidnapping American seamen and forcing them into service on British man-of war ships). This was a Important cause of the War of 1812

      http://www.american-historama.org/1801-1828-evolution/star-spangled-banner-lyrics.htm

      • con smith
        December 16, 2016 at 11:33 am

        Key was from a wealthy family that kept Black people as slaves. References to the “foul footstep’s” of the “hireling and slave” who “no refuge could save” from “the gloom of the grave” in the third verse, he’s referring to the killing of Colonial Marines. As noted by The Root political editor Jason Johnson, “The Star-Spangled Banner is as much a patriotic song as it is a diss track to black people who had the audacity to fight for their freedom.”

        Key was fervently anti-Black and pro-slavery and used his position as District Attorney for D.C. to defend slavery. He even tried cases of anti-abolitionist, arguing before the Court that they shd be hanged.

  2. Jenny
    August 31, 2016 at 11:40 am

    I lit iiiiiin on my husband this morning for trying to appropriate the feelings of veterans to justify his outrage over “disrespecting the flag.” He is a white male and he is not a veteran. He tried to say “sorry, but the US fighting against ISIS is a lot more important than social issues.” To which I made sure he saw that was exactly what I meant when I said white male privilege.

    To his credit, he did then shut the whole fuck up.

    • Tenisha
      August 31, 2016 at 1:02 pm

      ROFL!!!!

    • TheItGyrl
      August 31, 2016 at 1:24 pm

      Well done Jenny! True love tells you when you’re being a complete and total idiot, corrects you sternly, and loves you anyway.

    • August 31, 2016 at 2:09 pm

      YES – that’s amazing. Kudos to you.

      This needs to happen more when other people are stupid and try to speak on behalf of and over the veterans who are absolutely in support of Kaepernick’s right to protest.

    • Shan
      September 1, 2016 at 6:04 am

      I want to know what you said Jenny. I think others may be able to use it. Correction with love is scarce these days.

    • Mary Burrell
      September 5, 2016 at 4:08 pm

      I will put some “Respeck” on your name.

  3. Darr
    August 31, 2016 at 11:50 am

    ” People are more upset at the man who is saying that Black people shouldn’t be killed in these streets, than we are at the country that allows it to happen so freely.” WOW. Truth.

  4. August 31, 2016 at 11:59 am

    You was BIG MAD writing this and I enjoyed every single keystroke!

  5. Nix
    August 31, 2016 at 12:07 pm

    Happy Indenpedence, Marsha!! Fellow Trini here!!!!

  6. hoosiermom
    August 31, 2016 at 12:31 pm

    The following exchange appeared on a Facebook friend’s feed this morning, right before I unfriended her:

    Article posted: White House weighs in on Colin Kaepernick’s right to sit during the national anthem, but calls it “objectionable”.

    Racist person #1: He looks like a brown chicken, right down to the beak…hahaha Bet he lays brown eggs, too. *sunglasses face emoji* (numerous “likes”)
    Racist person #2: *three laughing face emojis* (more likes)
    RP #2 (again): Gonzo

    RP #1: Actually, put a cloth wrap on his head and he’s Isis incarnate.(still more likes)
    RP#2: *three “oh no you didn’t” face emojis* (another like)
    RP#1: He looks Muslim (more likes)
    RP#3 (a new one!): That’s exactly what I have been thinking this whole time

    As a white person I have no idea what it is like to be black in America. It seems like it can definitely be scary at times and uncomfortable at other times and downright infuriating most of the time. I choose to stand and sing when the National Anthem is being played but I respect Colin Kaepernick’s decision to sit and his reasons for doing so. I also love this blog for allowing me to understand what it’s like to be an African American. (as much as someone can who doesn’t live through it) I have learned more through your blogs and the comment section than I ever did in high school, college or from the news. Thank you for this.

    • LadyLarke
      September 1, 2016 at 12:09 pm

      This is everything. If there were just more people like you instead of thinking they know how it is to be Black in America then we would be in a better place than this.

    • Stacie
      September 23, 2016 at 12:22 pm

      Girl. Yes.

  7. Andrea
    August 31, 2016 at 12:47 pm

    “It is WHAT? CLAPBACK SEASON! Please re-stock on Jamaican Black Castor Oil, for your edges are in danger.”
    THIS had me crying. SIT DOWN SIR. Your commendations come with a STADIUM FULL OF SOME SEATS \__x1928284718245

  8. DocBeezy
    August 31, 2016 at 12:56 pm

    So after the storm hit Kaepernick, I had to look up the origins of the “Star Spangled Banner” aka the National Anthem today. Apparently, it was written by Francis Scott Key in 1814. Key was a slave holder who was also an anti-abolitionist. He wrote this slavery promoting song during the War of 1812 when the American colonies tried to take Canada from the British. That did not happen because the British recruited slaves to fight against the colonists thereby granting their freedom. These brave black men were trained & became the Colonial Marines. Key then being butthurt about the spanking they took at the Battle of Fort McHenry decided to write this song taking a lot of pleasure & satisfaction at the death of the slaves who dared to free themselves.
    Simply put, fam. This song is not for us. I don’t even understand the black folks that are mad at him for not standing. Like Luvvie said, “People are more upset at the man who is saying that Black people shouldn’t be killed in these streets than we are at the country that allows it to happen so freely.” Why didn’t Jerry Irrelevant Rice, Tiki no-Good Barber, and Rodney “I’m Blacker Than You” Harrison have anything to say when Alton Sterling, Philando Castille, Tamir Rice, and the rest of our mourned hashtags were gunned down ON CAMERA? Where was their press release then? Harriet would have shot them twice…

    • notconvincedgranny
      August 31, 2016 at 2:36 pm

      Not only is it not for us but wasn’t made the national anthem until 1931 after Woodrow Wilson’s daughter warbled from the White House. And Tiki Barber ain’t allowed to even say his own name without first apologizing.

      Best example of white privilege: Ryan Lochte, while ostensibly REPRESENTING HIS COUNTRY, goes to another country, gets shit faced drunk, vandalizes property, lies about it all and upon his return not only picks up new endorsement deals based on his bad behavior, but gets invited to Dancing with the Stars. Black guy refuses to stand and salute a symbol that doesn’t reflect reality gets death threats.

      Symbolism easy; reality is hard. Make ’em match and we got no beef.

    • Adreena
      August 31, 2016 at 4:20 pm

      drops mic. Like Luvvie said, shutting the fuck up is free.

    • Monimba99
      September 6, 2016 at 10:28 pm

      Please let it be known that Rodney Hatrison ain’t BLACK. I went to high school with his sell out ass. He didn’t associate, talk to, walk the halls, etc. with NO black people. Effe his white woman marrying then beating ass. FOH

      • Monimba99
        September 6, 2016 at 10:29 pm

        *Harrison typing too fast

  9. MsDrema
    August 31, 2016 at 1:49 pm

    “Rodney Harrison was talmbout Colin ain’t Black cuz he’s mixed.” Hilarious!>> RH did not know Kaep was mixed. He said he wasn’t black because he thought he was white. The Google was mad busy that day.

  10. August 31, 2016 at 1:50 pm

    When I tell you I’m so sick of folks coming for Colin! Who is he hurting? I, for one, am proud he is taking a stand, using his fame to highlight injustices and standing there taking all of the negative things being hurled at him. I agree…more athletes need to sit down with him. I loved the Veterans for Kapernick hashtag on twitter…it was something to smile about in the middle of this shit storm.

  11. Shanan
    August 31, 2016 at 1:55 pm

    Meanwhile, I’m over here wondering why none of these knuckleheads realize that shutting the fuck up is free. You don’t even need a coupon code or nothing. Luvvie is speaking pure truth!

  12. Emily
    August 31, 2016 at 1:56 pm

    I have only recently found your blog/twitter/book & I don’t know what rock I lived under before but I am so glad to be out from under it! I am a (non-crappy) white person who nodded along to everything you said. (In perfect rhythm too, in case there’s any room for rogue white folk during Blaxit.)

    • Nicole
      September 1, 2016 at 8:51 am

      LOL!! Emily
      Rouge white folks during Blaxit!!

  13. KDAV
    August 31, 2016 at 2:39 pm

    “Meanwhile, I’m over here wondering why none of these knuckleheads realize that shutting the fuck up is free. You don’t even need a coupon code or nothing. ” BOL (busted out laughing)!!! #DEADT

    (Thx DocBeezy – this gave me some life to finish my rant) But seriously Jerry Irrelevant Rice, Tiki no-Good Barber, and Rodney “I’m Blacker Than You” Harrison??? You took the time to voice your opinions because why??? You couldn’t just support a brother’s decision??? It was gonna hurt to say “it’s fine with me. Or better yet, nothing at all…no comment….SILENCE) The same way Kap is sitting down is the same way you ought to SHADDUP!!
    As Luvvie pointed out – it’s FREE to engage your HUSHER!! Let that man represent, protest, or whatever he wants to do b/c it ain’t hurting noneaya’ll!! Maybe while you’re SADDOWN, you can also TAKE A NOTE on what it means to believe in something other than a “deal for you!!”

    @Andrea THIS had me crying. SIT DOWN SIR. Your commendations come with a STADIUM FULL OF SOME SEATS \__x1928284718245
    #DIEDAGAIN #deadERthandead

  14. Tina
    August 31, 2016 at 2:47 pm

    YES TO ALLLLLL OF THIS!!! YES YES YES! Well said, very well said!

  15. Jea
    August 31, 2016 at 3:25 pm

    Please don’t ever stop talking/writing/feeling this compelled. This post was so amazing; I loved every word you said. It made me think about my workplace and how they decided to place American flags at every desk. I removed mine and didn’t know why but I really felt why. So much inside me felt what you said and I realize that now. My goodness…this!

    I stand (or shall I say ‘sit’) with Colin Kaepernick…as a Black woman and also as a veteran.

  16. phillygirl
    August 31, 2016 at 4:26 pm

    One of the many things that pissed me off since Colin decided to sit down was how his brethren (above-named former NFL players and current ones like Drew Brees) didn’t feel compelled to keep their opposing opinions to themselves for the sake of the fraternity that is the NFL. You can’t disagree while shutting the fack up in the media??? As soon as you saw the shit storm headed Colin’s way, you couldn’t answer “I disagree” (were you even asked) and then pulled the youngin to the side to say why? Instead you piled on top of Mr Chollie and nem as they tried to drag him for filth. Why couldn’t you be quiet like your probably were when Ray Rice was slugging his wife and then dragging her lifeless body from an elevator or when Aaron Hernandez was committing murder? SMH. Oh and I agree with everything you said, Luvvie as if usually the case and everyone else who posted before me.

    • Nicole
      September 1, 2016 at 8:54 am

      Huh Man!!
      They were silent when all that beating and murdering was going on and now they want to speak up. WTF!!

  17. EvvieTruth
    August 31, 2016 at 5:34 pm

    I am a Veteran, I FEMALE Veteran. I’m have been held at FUCKING gun point on foreign soil all the while the white dudes I served with acted like I wasn’t willing to die for this fucking country just like they were.

    I came home so broken emotionally it took me a A DECADE to get some real help. I SACRIFICED WILLINGLY and I would do it again.

    I SIT WITH KAEPERNICK! I sit in the rain, on a plane, on a train in a car, in a bar. I sit at table as long as I’m able I SIT WITH KAEPERNICK.

    Just like Al and Jesse don’t speak for me I’m going to need these deficient asshole to stop trying to speak for me and mine.

    I fought and I was willing to DIE for his RIGHT to SIT. THAT IS WHAT AMERICA IS REALLY ABOUT!

    I don’t want these motherfuckers to have any seats, I want them stand so I know who they are, so I can give them MY truth. Look me in my dark brown face and tell me some dumb bullshit. I will NOT abide it. Not after all so many of us have sacrificed. Not after all those we have lost.

    • MyishaO
      September 1, 2016 at 7:44 am

      Speak on it, sis.

    • Emily
      September 1, 2016 at 8:48 am

      Thank you…thank you, thank you, thank you.

  18. Elle
    August 31, 2016 at 6:31 pm

    @Evvie Truth… I just want to thank you for your sacrifice.

    And I adore you for that Sam I Am reference.

    About to wear my Kaepernick jersey to every BBQ this weekend and dare someone to say something.

  19. Serenity
    August 31, 2016 at 6:46 pm

    When I was a child, I thought “home of the Braves” referred to Native Americans… You know like the Atlanta baseball team. Makes sense. When I mentioned that to my parents, they wouldn’t touch it. But my Caucasian teachers were like “Noooooooooo!!!!!”

  20. Serenity
    August 31, 2016 at 6:57 pm

    With all the Black men playing in the NFL…. They should be playing “Lift Every Voice and Sing”

    • Mia
      September 2, 2016 at 1:24 pm

      AGREE. A G R E E. AGREEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE

    • Bethany J. Campbell
      September 13, 2016 at 8:03 am

      I Love This Point!!! Thank You Serenity

  21. August 31, 2016 at 7:25 pm

    I will first day Luvvie ???????????????????? once more again you say evening single thought that come to mind when I see these kind of stories in the news. As a Barbadian I have always wondered why black Americans recited the anthem and pledge when the words never reflected the the real experiences and history or people of color in America.
    America hasn’t been great since the runaways and stoaways sailed from Jolly ole England and landed on the shores of Native American villages. America hasn’t been great since they purposely gave smallpox to said Indians. America hasn’t been great since they caused the death of millions of women, children and men on the “Trail of Tears” (look it up if you don’t know). America hasn’t been great since they ripped Native American children from their mother’s arms and put them in abusive homes to be ‘taught the right white way’. America hasn’t been great since they stole black people from mother Africa and raped, mutilated, murdered and enslaved back people for hundreds of years. America hasn’t been great since they purposely infected hundreds of black men with syphilis. America hasn’t been since they encouraged forced sterilisation on those considered ‘less than human or worthy’. America hasn’t been great since Jim Crow was a law. America hasn’t been great since health care is a privilege and not a right. America hasn’t been great since people of colour are murdered in the streets and the murders are given paid leave.
    So I ask you why THE HECK SHOULD ANYONE STAND FOR AN ANTHEM THAT WAS NOT AND IS NOT ABOUT OR FOR THEM? If Colin wants to sit, that is his God given right, and anyone who refuses to see that is why America hasn’t and currently isn’t great.
    Sorry for the long post but this is an issue that I had alwaya bothered me.

    • ciecie
      September 1, 2016 at 11:05 am

      you spoke nothing but the truth….I salute you….this needs to be sent to stumpy trumpy…(if I ever figure out how to get on twitter I will send it to him , this needs to be seen by EVERYONE)

  22. RightHer
    August 31, 2016 at 7:33 pm

    I wonder what would happen if all the black NFL players joined Kaepernick? If they were brave enough to take a stand by sitting? There’d be no NFL without black men, so it’s not like they’d lose their jobs.

  23. SIPort
    August 31, 2016 at 8:29 pm

    Bravo Luvvie.

    CK made his stand, and I’m so glad that Black Twitter had his back and took on all comers with the clapback that was fierce and brutal.

    Mr. Kaepernick has every right to do what he’s doing. He’s an American and this is his form of protest.

    Seeing the coons on the pole speaking up doing their best ‘ Is WE sick, Boss?’ imitation has been disgusting.

  24. Michele
    August 31, 2016 at 9:00 pm

    You always find the right words. Always.

    I think what has especially been disappointing to me is how his fellow players not only don’t have his back, but are way too eager to join the pile on. Apparently you can make millions but still be on the plantation. That along with how the NFL brass are doing EVERYTHING in their power to crush Kaepernick (comparing him to Rae Carruth? Yeah, because protesting against oppression and injustice is totes like hiring a hitman to murder your fiancee/mother-to-be of your child.), is making me do a hard rethink of whether I still want to watch another game after being an NFL fan all my life.

    Also, I’ll stand for the national anthem but I haven’t said the Pledge of Allegiance since grade school when I became old enough to realize it wasn’t meant for us. In fact at the end of it, some of my Black classmates would say “with liberty and justice, for Y’ALL.”

  25. TonyaA6
    August 31, 2016 at 9:36 pm

    “Because racists don’t operate from places of logic and they wake up and piss hypocrisy.” ????
    Thank you for this post. I’m looking forward to reading #ImJudgingYou next month.

  26. ciecie
    September 1, 2016 at 11:00 am

    love every bit of this post…but by far “Carriecnh12″…laid it down…
    exit stage left

  27. LadyLarke
    September 1, 2016 at 12:18 pm

    After seeing Kaepernick not bending over backwards to apologize for sitting during the anthem (which I hope he continues to be true to his beliefs and not give these fools the satisfaction), it makes me wonder too why on earth would I stand during the anthem. I mean, clearly my black brothers and sisters are being used for target practice out here in these streets, all the while by cops who just get a slap on the wrist (if that) and sent on paid leave. And to make it worse, these political idiots love saying things like, “if you don’t stand for the anthem then you’re just as bad as the terrorists.” ‘Scuse me, but aren’t y’all the OG terrorists who plundered, raped and killed everywhere y’all went? But I’m sleep, doe.

    If more of us would stick to our beliefs and not stand for the anthem, protest peacefully and not back down to incessant racism by anyone, even our own people (I’m looking at YOU, Tiki), then we could really make things happen. If you wanna stand, by all means. It’s [supposed to be] a free country.

  28. Joseph
    September 1, 2016 at 3:57 pm

    Dead at SHUTTING THE FUCK UP IS FREE! I wish more understood that. This post is spot on.

  29. Shawna
    September 1, 2016 at 7:43 pm

    Thank you so much for this amazing, full-of-truth post. Like hoosiermom (hooray for her comment!), I am a white woman who, horrified and repelled by the police violence in the many videos over the past year, has been reading and learning as much as I can about what I don’t know. About what racism really looks like. How subtle and sneaky it is. How it infects me and how invisible it has been to me because of my white privilege. How insulated I am from it. I cannot begin to imagine how oppressive and crazy-making it must feel to be subject to racism’s constant hum every minute of every day.

    I am grateful for your blog and other writers I follow because I feel compelled to keep learning and working to understand. One of my goals is to derail in my own interactions, even briefly, the fearful and dangerous white reactions to protests such as Kaepernick’s. Of course he has the right to dissent! It doesn’t matter who he is, how rich he is, what privilege he has attained, who it offends. His stance is patriotic and heroic, and those who say it isn’t are neither.

    For the record, I have refused to say the pledge of allegiance, put my hand over my heart, or sing along to the national anthem for many years. Our country has a lot to answer for, in the past as well as in the present, and nothing will get better if I just go along to get along.

    Like another commenter, I also looked up some of the history of the national anthem and found this great video of a young man singing 19th-century abolitionist lyrics parodying Key’s lyrics (bit.ly/2c2X8yH), and this article about the hidden racist history of the anthem (bit.ly/2bYTu9x).

    Strength and power to you!

  30. Lisa Stone
    September 2, 2016 at 10:04 am

    Shawna, fantastic comment!

    Luvvie, more thanks and Amens for your ongoing leadership. We need you.

    VIVA our 1st Amendment.

  31. September 2, 2016 at 1:37 pm

    To protest is not Un-American. It’s part of what makes us the “land of the free” which is an ironic line considering Slavery was alive and well during the War of 1812 which is when Francis Scott Key (a slave owner) wrote the tune.
    Great post Luvvie! That comic was on point!

    • notconvincedgranny
      September 4, 2016 at 1:05 pm

      The “love it or leave it” group is too tone-deaf to realize they have become the esta-bish-ment (that’s how I mean it) their forefathers fought against. Too stupid and sanguine to realize that if those ancestors had taken that same advice, today they would salute the Union Jack and sing “Rule Britannia.” Lather, rinse repeat.

  32. marcus rogers
    September 3, 2016 at 10:01 am

    I’d rather he and other high profile players said “WE AINT PLAYING!” and boycotted an entire week or some shit.
    Dissing the anthem gave Right wingers and Patrio-Nuts the chance to ignore the conversation which needs to take place.
    We STILL are talking about everything except Lame ass cops shootin brothers in the back, it’s up to US to ignore his detractors and slide any and every conversation towards the Laquan McDonald’s of the world

  33. September 4, 2016 at 10:41 am

    Now I know why no one in their right mind ever sings more than the 1st verse. I had no idea about the 3rd verse of what waz initially just a poem. And of course noted racist and misogynist Woodrow Wilson’s daughter would have warbled it.

  34. Mary Burrell
    September 5, 2016 at 4:15 pm

    Drop The Mic. This post was ????????????????FIRE! Luvvie you this is the best post ever.

  35. snazzy
    September 6, 2016 at 11:46 am

    I found you via CarnalDish…When I say your remark “They’d be the mofos Harriet Tubman woulda had to shoot because they’d put everyone else’s freedom in jeopardy by going to snitch. Ol’ “slavery ain’t so bad. At least we have this tin roof over our head” ass fucknuggets”, had me dying laughing and there were tears in my eyes I mean it. Now, I’m at work, mind you..smh. Keep speaking truth and keep doing YOU, sistah!

  36. Geneva Girl
    September 11, 2016 at 11:55 am

    The perfect song to replace the current national anthem is America the Beautiful. First of all, it’s singable. Ray Charles rocked the heck of it already. It talks about what a beautiful country we live in. The lyrics can even be played with to make it non-denominational and that bit about pilgrim feet.