As expected, less than 24 hours after Donald Trump was named President Elect, several professional athletes have been asked their opinions on the outcome of the election. With the stance Colin Kaepernick has taken this season by protesting for social equality, Kaep was asked his feeling on the election.
According to ESPN.com, Kaep who choose not to vote, said he didn’t really pay much attention to the election.
“I’ve been very disconnected from the systematic oppression as a whole. So, for me, it’s another face this going to be the face of a system of oppression. And to me, it didn’t really matter who went in there, the system still remains intact that oppresses people of color.”
Although I agree with Kaep’s statement about the political system being flawed and oppresses people of color, I do not agree with him not voting. Voting is a way to have your voice heard in addition to there being so many local officials on the ballot that will have a more direct impact on our lives than the president. Voting is a right we have that was fought for which we, people of color, didn’t have many years ago. It gives us a chance to decide who we believe is best suited to serve, voting for those who Will be leaders in assisting our futures as well as the future of our children. Kaep forfeited his right to vote which I strongly disagree with but his message has been heard loud and clear, we still live and operate under an oppressed system.