Celebrities Involved in Black Lives Matter
It is arguable that everyone deserves to have own opinion. But in certain topics, is it okay for people to give their insight even though they might not be fully aware of what is going on? My topic is focusing on celebrities being involved in the Black Lives Matter movement. I am interested in this topic because it is a “hot” topic of discussion, and it is important that everyone is informed on each side of a story that is being discussed in the media. Most people believe that celebrities should not be involved with this, but it is good that they are because they have the ability to make themselves go viral with their actions, they can influence their fans and other celebrities, and they can change people’s perspective.
Why I Am Interested?
Being both a big sports fan and a recurring reader and watcher of TMZ and E! News, I am always listening to stories about celebrities and their opinions. But, the first time I truly became interested in the controversy with this was during the protests of Michael Brown and Eric Garner beginning the winter of 2014. As protests continued, I saw many celebrities posting their insight about what was happening on Twitter and Instagram. Some celebrities actually protested with other Americans, and it was interesting and intense to watch in the media. I will always be interested in this topic because it is a popular topic of discussion, and at this rate, will always be a popular topic of discussion with all the protests and actions shown by celebrities still happening today.
So, Who’s Involved?
There are many celebrities that are speaking freely on Black Lives Matter. Recently, the most viral story in the media involves San Francisco 49er’s player, Colin Kaepernick. In the New York Times article, Kaepernick, 49ers Teammate Kneel During National Anthem, discusses Kaepernick’s actions of kneeling instead of standing and pledging during the National Anthem at a football game. Because of all the controversy that was involved with Kaepernick, he gave “numerous reasons for his actions, ranging from racial injustice and minority oppression to police brutality and the treatment of military veterans”. After this incident, many people took the meaning of his actions differently by saying it was disrespectful to America and to the people that have and are currently fighting for our country. While hearing this, Kaepernick chimed in to clear up the confusion by stating, “I’m not anti-American. I love America…That’s why I am doing this. I want to help make America better, and…having these conversations helps everybody have a better understanding of where everybody is coming from”. With that being said, in a way, it was helpful for Kaepernick to bring attention to the oppression that is happening in America. He got his point across in a calm manner without getting physical like most protests.
With Kaepernick’s celebrity and athlete background, it was easy for this situation to become viral in media. Kaepernick’s actions influenced other athletes to begin kneeling during the national anthem at games. He also influenced some high schools throughout the country like the ones in New Jersey, Alabama, and Massachusetts.
However, being openly involved in Black Lives Matter could be harmful for celebrities. According to the New York Times article Joining Colin Kaepernick in His Cause Comes with Costs, Denver Broncos linebacker, Brandon Marshall, faced financial consequences from losing two endorsements with Air Academy Federal Credit Union and CenturyLink because he choose to kneel during the National Anthem. Marshall believes he did not do anything wrong. He states, “When you really think about it, I didn’t breach my contract…I didn’t do anything to defame the team or CentruyLink or Air Academy. I just exercised my first amendment”. Most do not want to end up like Marshall losing some of their endorsements, but they also want to stand up to what they believe in because they do have the right to.
Although various athletes have done this in the past, Kaepernick’s point came off well to people that support his original intentions. Many people will have different opinions on athletes decisions this season. In the end, no matter what people’s opinions are, they will constantly be informed of Black Lives Matter.
Works Cited
“Joining Colin Kaepernick in His Cause Comes With Costs.” The New York Times. The New York Times, 15 Sept. 2016. Web. 15 Sept. 2016.
“Kaepernick, 49ers Teammate Kneel During National Anthem.” The New York Times. The New York Times, 01 Sept. 2016. Web. 11 Sept. 2016.
“National Anthem Protests Trickling Down to High School Level.” The New York Times. The New York Times, 14 Sept. 2016. Web. 15 Sept. 2016.
Cacciola, Scott. “At Nets’ Game, a Plan for a Simple Statement Is Carried Out to a T.” The New York Times. The New York Times, 09 Dec. 2014. Web. 11 Sept. 2016.
