Victoria’s Secret model Kate Upton took to Twitter recently to express her disdain for the actions of several Miami Dolphins players, who took a knee during the national anthem on September 11 – the 15th anniversary of one of the most tragic terrorist attacks in recent American history.
San Francisco 49ers quarterback, Colin Kaepernick spearheaded this form of silent protest in light of the racial oppression that continues to take place within the United States.
In a series of tweets, Upton described the athlete’s decision to not stand during the Star Spangled Banner on 9/11 as “horrific”. She stated that the players have the right to protest, just not on 9/11. She also went on Instagram to elaborate on her tweets.
When fellow model Jessica White caught wind of Upton’s words, she expressed some thoughts of her own, and wondered if Upton would be as vocal about patriotism when yet another black American is killed at the hands of police.
Despite the backlash, Kaepernick has been unwavering in his decision not to stand for the national anthem until injustices against people of color are no longer an issue. The protest is picking up steam and many entertainers and athletes have supported his choice, including Jessica White. Hopefully, after White’s classy read, Upton now understands WHY some NFL players are refusing to stand during the national anthem. Until the words “the land of the free” include every single person in this country regardless of race, we will be divided. The division didn’t begin with the “Black Lives Matter” movement – it was always there.