By Lev S., 6th Grade Student, Krieger Schechter Day School of Chizuk Amuno Congregation
In 2016, football player Colin Kaepernick of the San Francisco 49ers kneeled during the national anthem, sparking much controversy. Kaepernick’s decision to kneel was a form of protest against recent police brutality against black people. The result was lots of debates, speeches and mayhem.
According to CNN, Kaepernick said, “I am not going to stand up to show pride in 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.”
Kaepernick was not the only NFL player who felt strongly about this issue; he was supported by many other players, including Marshawn Lynch, Michael Bennett, Arian Foster, Jelani Jenkins, Kenny Stills and Michael Thomas.
Members of the press, political leaders, and the American public reacted strongly to this event. It seemed like everyone had an opinion one way or the other, including young fans. Students at Krieger Schechter Day School of Chizuk Amuno Congregation also have differing thoughts about Kaepernick’s act of protest.
Sarai S., 6th grade KSDS student, said, “I think [the players] kneeled because, in sports, you kneel when a player is injured or hurt. Kneeling during the national anthem is almost as if our nation is hurt.” Sarai saw the kneeling as an effective act of defiance.
However, others hold opposing opinions on the effectiveness and reasons for the protests. When asked why the NFL players kneeled, Jacob B., a 6th grade KSDS student, noted, “At first, the football players thought the message of the national anthem is inaccurate. However, after the president came out and said, ‘You shouldn’t do that to the flag,’ many protested even more.” Jacob thought that the president failed to stop the protest and instead sparked even more defiance.
Josh D., another 6th grader, thought that the football players kneeling is a form of expression. Josh did not think that this was a good or respectful way to protest. The flag and anthem, after all, represent the millions of lives risked and lost in making this country the best it could be.
The football players kneeling sparked not only many protests among adults, but it also affected the younger population who listened, paid attention and cared. The nation, including all of its young and old, learned how one gesture can spark change and communicate social ills.
Jmore Juniors Noah S. and Eli S. take a look at the differences between the Jewish communities of Baltimore and Chicago.
Madeline L., a seventh grade student at Krieger Schechter Day School, writes about the phenomenon that has been Starbucks over the past half-century.
An eighth grade student at Krieger Schechter Day School, Jmore Juniors writer Micah B answers an array of questions from his peers.
Jmore Junior Eitan Beck writes about the pros and cons of having electric cars in the future.