Colin Kaepernick, the San Francisco 49ers quarterback who made headlines over the summer after not standing for the national anthem, recently explained why he decided not to vote in the U.S. presidential election.
After the San Francisco 49ers lost 23-20 to the Arizona Cardinals Sunday, Kaepernick told reporters that it would have been hypocritical of him to vote, CNN reported.
WATCH: Interview with Colin Kaepernick
“I said from the beginning I was against oppression, I was against the system of oppression,” he said. “I’m not going to show support for that system. And to me, the oppressor isn’t going to allow you to vote your way out of your oppression.”
In an interview with ESPN, the 29-year-old said it didn’t matter to him who won the election since he believed nothing would change with having Donald Trump or Hillary Clinton as America’s president.
“I’ve been very disconnected from the systematic oppression as a whole,” Kaepernick said. “So, for me, it’s another face that’s going to be the face of that system of oppression.
Some people may agree with Kaepernick. However, others may not. They may not understand why he decided to be a part of the 46.9% of Americans who did not vote last Tuesday. Of course, Kaepernick is arguably one of the most famous people among those who chose not to vote.
Stephen A. Smith calls Colin Kaepernick 'irrelevant,' 'flaming hypocrite' for not voting https://t.co/rTKBlZkW8Q #ColinKaepernick#BLM
— The Washington Times (@WashTimes) November 10, 2016
I understand that everyone is entitled to their beliefs and understand the intentions of Kaepernick.
But with all due respect…
“How are we supposed to change the system if people refuse to vote, which is one of the most basic actions needed to change the system?”
I know some might say voting doesn’t change anything, but imagine if more people had voted for Clinton or another candidate. It could have changed the current outcome of the election for who is President. Kaepernick could have also helped create positive change for the San Francisco community simply by voting in the local elections.
Yes, Kaepernick’s kneeling evidently started a movement among his fellow athletes and among the average citizen. It garnered more conversations and attention to the wrongdoings against African Americans and minorities. I think he definitely brought forth a strong message and he made that clear at the time, stating to the NFL, “I am not looking for approval. I have to stand up for people that are oppressed. … If they take football away, my endorsements from me, I know that I stood up for what is right.” However, by not voting, Kaepernick may have started a new, not-so-good movement.
Unfortunately, it’s a movement that could hurt the oppressed, more than help them. What Kaepernick may fail to understand is, the only way to really change something is to at least try to do something about it in an effective way. Not simply, not taking action.
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Voting is essential to changing this country. It’s a huge right that our ancestors fought for and sacrificed their lives to have.”
Playing devil’s advocate, some may say Kaepernick should have taken the same amount of time he took pondering on his decision to protest the national anthem, as he did with considering why our ancestors not only fought for their right to vote, but also the right for future generations to vote.
Again: How can we complain about a bad system, while failing to participate in a fundamental exercise that would change that system? Whatever people’s opinions may be about Kaepernick’s decision, they all might agree that by not voting, Kaepernick lost his right to complain. By not voting, Kaepernick may have not only used his platform improperly, but he may have started a negative, hindering movement.
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