Colin Kaepernick and the politics of the national anthem

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NFL quarterback Colin Kaepernick refuses to stand for the National Anthem. Is his a legitimate protest or a lack of patriotism?

Winning sprinters John Carlos and Tommie Smith raised their fists on the medal stand in the 1968 Olympics. Mohammed Ali was convicted of draft evasion for refusing to serve in Vietnam. They and other athletes have been praised and reviled for protesting America’s treatment of black people. Now San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick is getting mixed reactions for refusing to stand during the National Anthem. We get perspective from Peniel Joseph, Professor of History at University of Texas at Austin.

Credits

Guest:

  • Peniel Joseph - historian and professor at the University of Texas at Austin, founder of the school’s Center for the Study of Race and Democracy - @PenielJoseph

Host:

Warren Olney