An "un-American" Protest

Dear Claudia Rankine,

    I loved your collection of stories in your book Citizen. The way you captured the dehumanization and sense of invisibility that racism causes was very powerful. I was particularly struck by your writing on Serena Williams. As you describe Williams’ realization that she must contain her emotion despite the injustice she endures, you mention that commentators said “she has grown up… as if responding to the injustice of racism is childish.” This analysis reminded me of former 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick’s decision to kneel during the National Anthem. Many viewed Kaepernick’s protest as irresponsible and called for Kaepernick to remain in his place. Yet, just as Williams stood up for herself in the early years of her career, Kaepernick continued to protest. What is disheartening to me is that the parallel continues because Kaepernick has decided to stop the protest for the upcoming year. With this in mind, I ask you: Would you say Williams and Kaepernick have both been silenced from speaking their minds? Should they have given up, or was it the wise thing to do? And finally, what do you think of those who call Kaepernick's protest "un-American?"
   
From,
  Shannon
   

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