The National Anthem has caused quite the controversy this past month.  As more and more people refuse to stand during the Star-Spangled Banner, it’s time to wonder, where is our Constitutional right to just sit?

Last month Colin Kaepernick, the San Francisco 49er’s quarterback, started it all with refusing to stand for the National Anthem due to the fact that he no longer believes in what the anthem states. He has the right to stay seated and he should not have to deal with the backlash he is facing now.

People said that it shouldn’t matter, but because he is a public figure he should just have to suck it up and be a good example for the American public. However everyone should have their rights. It does not matter who they are or what they are doing your Constitutional rights do not change if the media is involved. Kaepernick’s views have even gone on to influence teammate Eric Reid, Seattle Seahawks  Jeremy Lane, soccer player Megan Rapinoe, Broncos player Brandon Marshall, all of Garfield High’s football players and coaches, Howard University cheerleaders and many more.

All these groups and individuals have been slammed for doing this, especially when they did it on 9/11. However, it is our Constitutional right to sit, and no one should have to deal with being told that they must stand. Most people wouldn’t even care if these people were not such icons to the public.

Kaepernick is bringing action to something that directly affects him, the Black Lives Matter movement. It is amazing that so many people can get in an uproar for someone kneeling during the National Anthem, but not the blatant brutality that is happening to black lives everywhere.