Supermodel Kate Upton said that the actions of the Miami Dolphins protest was “a disgrace to those people who have served and currently serve our country.”
Many NFL players have taken a stance and followed Colin Kaepernick with protesting the National Anthem. Kaepernick stated his reason for doing so was because he was “not going to stand up to show pride in a flag for a country that oppresses black people and people of color. “… this is bigger than football and it would be selfish on [his] part to look the other way. There are bodies in the street and people getting paid leave and getting away with murder.”
This comment seems justified. After all, protesting is not illegal in America. In fact, his protest has made the way for more athletes to protest. The Seattle Seahawks locked arms during the anthem to show solidarity and their support for Kaepernick’s stance. Many other players have knelt and even put their fist up in the air.
However, Kate became furious because of all the days to protest, why do it on the 15th anniversary of 9/11?
“I could never imagine multiple people sitting down during the national anthem on the Sept. 11th anniversary. The lessons of 9/11 should teach us that if we come together, the world can be a better and more peaceful place. Protest & speak ur mind whenever u want but during the 120 secs you should support the people who protect our freedom. This is unacceptable. You should be proud to be an American. Especially on 9/11 when we should support each other.”
Journalist Soledad O’Brien chimed in replying to Kate’s tweet, “Maybe you can be proud to be an American and also protest those things that you think aren’t so great about America.”
TV One’s Roland Martin wasted no time clapping back at Kate. He took to Twitter with this response: “Off to bed. @KateUpton tomorrow is 9.12. I look forward to your active involvement in fighting injustice in the criminal justice system. OK?
So after the backlash, Kate decided to clear things up on her Instagram page (@kateupton):
In my opinion, the national anthem is a symbolic song about our country. It represents honoring the many brave men and women who sacrifice and have sacrificed their lives each and every single day to protect our freedom. Sitting or kneeling down during the national anthem is a disgrace to those people who have served and currently serve our country. Sitting down during the national anthem on September 11th is even more horrific.
Protest all you want and use social media all you want. However, during the nearly two minutes when that song is playing, I believe everyone should put their hands on their heart and be proud of our country for we are all truly blessed. Recent history has shown that it is a place where anyone no matter what race or gender has the potential to become President of the United States. We live in the most special place in the world and should be thankful.
After the song is over, I would encourage everyone to please use the podium they have, stand up for their beliefs, and make America a better place. The rebuilding of battery park and the freedom tower demonstrates that amazing things can be done in this country when we work together towards a common goal. It is a shame how quickly we have forgotten this as a society.
Today we are more divided then ever before. I could never imagine multiple people sitting down during the national anthem on the September 11th anniversary. The lessons of 911 should teach us that if we come together, the world can be a better and more peaceful place #neverforget.
