Is there a new spokesperson for a generation?

Colin Kaepernick is the spokesperson for a subset of a generation.

I understand his perception and his explanation of why he won’t stand for the National Anthem. But the perception is incorrect.

Now, Kaepernick isn’t going to go on to lead people marching in the streets. But he is the spokesperson for a generation of people that have been raised to believe that if you don’t agree with them they won’t give you the time of day.

Of course Kaepernick has the right to do what he is doing. But he is unwilling to approach protest in any way other than putting the spotlight on himself. There are things he could be doing that are more profound than sitting during the National Anthem. He could give of himself in neighborhoods, organizing and helping people that need help directly.

You could stand up for the National Anthem, believing in the promise of America, and still be every bit the activist. It would just be missing the “look at me” element. Kaepernick could provide inspiration to young people instead of a further focus on division. But the quest for fame seems to be too intoxicating for a certain element of this generation of young people.