Happy March, Let’s Spring Forward.

March 3, 2024 14

Super Bowl recently aired to the delight of NFL fans across the country.

However, on a side note (my personal preference) after Colin Kaepernick was abandoned by the NFL and basically swept aside because of his bringing attention to police brutality, my interest in the NFL has not only withered but has me refusing to engage in anything the NFL has to offer.

By the end of 2017 the league’s treatment of Mr. Kaepernick highlighted deep-rooted issues of systemic racism and the suppression of voices that challenge the status quo. Kaepernick chose to take a stand, even at the cost of his career, igniting a national conversation on racial injustice and police brutality.

In 2024, seven years later, a controversial incident occurred during the halftime show of the Super Bowl involving Usher and Alicia Keys. Many were shocked by Usher’s actions towards Alicia Keys on stage, despite the likelihood that their performance had been extensively rehearsed.

Though it is important to thoroughly investigate any allegations of sexual misconduct, I found it puzzling that so many immediately assumed that Usher was so disrespectful to Alicia’s husband Swizz Beats, by hugging Alicia during a duet, allegations that were eventually laughed at by Alicia Swizz and Usher, according to certain tabloids.

It’s surprising to see such mass uproar over the NFL broadcasting a hug between two artists on stage, while there was less outrage over the NFL’s clear disapproval of Colin Kaepernick’s silent protest against police brutality.

The level of attention given to this seemingly innocuous gesture, in comparison to the lack of outrage when the league effectively blacklisted Colin Kaepernick has left me perplexed. Kaepernick’s nonviolent protests during the national anthem served as a poignant statement on the issue of police brutality against non-white individuals in the United States which still happens to date.

This has me asking, What drives certain individuals to fixate on the lifestyles of the wealthy and famous, despite the unlikelihood of ever being impacted by the cause for which Collin was kneeling, while remaining silent on Collins protest that could directly affect their own daily lives?

Written by: Cary

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