POLICE VIOLENCE
Police violence against black people in recent years has greatly exacerbated the racial tensions that already existed in the United States. Several of these abuse cases have been reported in the media, including those of:
- Philando Castile, 31, was killed in his vehicle during a routine traffic stop because of a broken tail light.
- Freddie Gray, 25, arrested by police officers claiming possession of a spring knife. He succumbed to his wounds, including broken cervicals and crushed trachea. This case triggered violent riots in Baltimore.
- Walter Scott, Fifty-years-old was shot several times in the back by a police officer as he ran away after a minor traffic violation.
- Tamir Rice, 12 years old, shot by a policeman who had taken his toy pistol for a real gun.
These multiple incidents have given birth to the "Black Lives Matter" movement, which condemns police abuses against black people in the United States.
THE KARPERNICK CASE
In August 2016, in protest against this "racial oppression", Colin Kaepernick, a quarterback from the 49ers of San Francisco, refused to stand up during the American national anthem. It thus becomes the focus of mainstream media attention. He will be praised for his audacity and courage but also criticized by those who see in his gesture an unpatriotic act.
Kaepernick explains his decision by saying: "I'm not going to show any pride in the flag of a country that oppresses black people". Yes, indeed! Salute the flag of the country that oppresses your own race! That's a lot to ask for. I agree!
Despite the controversy surrounding his gesture and having been called: "son of a bitch" by U. S. President Donald Trump, he will still be imitated, in various ways, by hundreds of NFL players, NBA and WNBA players (let's mention it) and celebrities such as Stevie Wonder.
MAN OF THE YEAR
Even though he has been unemployed since the end of the 2016 season (and still looking for a contract with an NFL team), Kaepernick continues the fight. He has just been rewarded by GQ magazine, with the distinction of citizen of the year, for his activism.
I personally salute the courage of this new modern hero. I only regret that he has to lead this fight. Long before him, there were Nathaniel Turner, Rosa Parks, Martin L. King Jr., Malcolm X and a multitude of other unknown heroes, who sacrificed their freedom and often their lives to this noble cause.
Despite everything, we all must continue. In reality, this fight against the oppression of black people is much bigger than Turner, Parks, King and Kaepernick. It's a fight for each and every human being. The fight for equal rights for all of us.
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NY