Kaepernick: Scoring Style Points
Your appearance says a lot about who you are. The clothes one decides to wear not only reflects how they desire others to approach them, but also allows them to send a message to all of those who see them. From flashy gold slugs and chains to a tailored three-piece suit, style is used as an individual’s personal advertisement. Anything someone wears becomes a statement of the wearers choosing. Although ones moods, feelings, emotions, and beliefs are forever changing, you can bet that they will invest in spending time finding the proper attire for the occasion in order to make the right fashion statement. A fashion trend associated with one of America’s favorite pastimes has recently been given new life as people are using it to make a political statement as well.
People will represent their home team to demonstrate support and dedication. With NFL season back in full swing, team and player jerseys are becoming the choice garment not only for sports enthusiasts and fans, but also for those who want to demonstrate their support in a current movement. Usually the wearers’ favorite team determines the type of jersey they adorn. Many teams even go out of their way to limit the usage of the team’s colors and logos to only true ride or die-hard fans. A player’s jersey can symbolize many things. Someone wearing an O.J. Simpson jersey in 1994–1995 would be making a bold statement and would paint a very specific image into — or raise questions about — their psyche.
In 2016 people are opting for a Colin Kaepernick jersey. With his recent public display in support of African-American and disenfranchised people in the United States, he has caused quite a controversy. This has led to an increase in his San Francisco 49ers #7 jersey sales. Supporters like famous music performers J. Cole and Trey Songz have expressed appreciation yet multiple videos have been circulating of those opposed setting the jersey on fire.
In the case of Colin Kaepernick, dialogue about inequality has made its way to the football field. For the benefit of those who understand and relate to his cause, this could be his most significant competition yet. Kaepernick and players who utilize their platform for the good of others will ultimately score the most points of all. People are constantly making judgments about others, trying to categorize and then catalogue them. The Kaepernick controversy has demonstrated that while some are outwardly open about their beliefs, others choose a more subtle way to express their point. Fortunately, the versatility of clothing and accessories allows for multiple forms of expression.
Markelle Gay — Man of Morehouse
