Black Lives Matter Rhetorical Analysis

Sophomore Editorial: Honors The issue of justice and equality has plagued the United States since the 17th century. Minorities in America experienced most of this plague throughout the years, and are still witnessing it currently. On September 1, 2016, Colin Kaepernick, quarterback for the San Francisco 49ers took a knee during the national anthem in support for the of the "Black Lives Matter" movement. He received heavy criticism over the next two weeks for his actions, and even death threats. However, I believe that protestors all across of the United States of America should be able to have their voice heard no matter any circumstance. Terence Crutcher was an unarmed African-American shot and killed by police in Tulsa, Oklahoma on September 16, 2016. In an identical situation, the
Our nation has become visibly divided amongst each other because of Kaepernick's protest during the national anthem. Although I personally believe that he could have chosen another way to protest, he should still be able to speak his mind. Police officers all over the country have "threatened to withhold some of the protection they've traditionally provided football players." The fact that the protection of some of the strongest men in the United States has been lost because of their freedom of speech is absurd. This risks protestors lives everyday because of what thy believe in. Denis Diderot, and writer during the Enlightenment of the 18th century wrote that "It is of the greatest importance to conserve this practice [freedom of the press] in all states founded on liberty." Kaepernick and fellow protestors being crucified for their right to protest against police brutality in America is morally wrong according to the Constitution. Instead, we should help them in the movement to help make our home a much safer place to