Blacks have faced terrible social injustice, which has led to significant pain and suffering. Blacks are most vulnerable to brutality by police than any other race. Racial prejudices have been institutionalized at national levels throughout American history. Recent examples include the January 2021 treatment of Black Lives Matter protestors by law officers. Police brutality is a common occurrence, as the vast majority of black people slain in law enforcement shootings are not armed. The 2020 murder of George Floyd caused a global outcry and led to vehement calls for defunding the police force. The United States has a higher rate of police shootings than other G7 nations. Colin Kaepernick utilizes his sport platforms on social media and during games to express sympathy to the black community. He also protects them from violence by police officers. Although it caused controversy when he took a knee to show sympathy for victims of police violence, the practice has since become a common media strategy and accepted norm. Kaepernick and other professionals have used their social media platforms as well as football to promote social justice despite police brutality towards the black community.
Colin Kaepernick used social media to protest police brutality, especially in the black community. Collin Kaepernick’s decision to kneel before the preseason 2016 NFL game was a strong statement. Kaepernick made use of the spotlight to draw attention to injustices faced by African-Americans in America during the preseason game (Dunham & Peterson, 341). According to the 49ers, the national anthem allows citizens to reflect upon their freedoms and appreciate the country they live in. Kaepernick’s decision to sit down was consistent with American values of freedom speech. The peaceful demonstrations against racism and violence by police arose from this action. Kaepernick’s choice to support social justice demonstrates his commitment to equality for the society’s underprivileged. Kaepernick sat during the national song to protest police violence in August 2016. On being asked about why he chose to sit, he stated that it was impossible for him to express pride in a flag that oppresses black people.
Kaepernick’s protest showed that the United States’ criminal justice system is not reliable in its ability to bring those responsible for police brutality to trial. Police brutality is a common crime perpetrators often use to stop the victims from seeking justice. Law enforcement personnel are encouraged to tolerate murder offenders, which encourages impunity. Kaepernick uses social media and football tournaments to encourage and support the people he supports. This support shows that the United States police cannot ignore violence against persons of color. The security forces may not be able to hold the criminals responsible for the terrible deeds unless there are massive protests. Kaepernick represents the optimism of most people.