Matthew Armento
Sociology, concentration in Deviance, and a Political Science Minor
Advisor: Dr. Melanie Blumberg
Second Reader: Dr. Kelton Edmonds
HAB Member: Dr. Ayanna Lyles
Librarian: Bill Meloy
Social Change
Texas v. Johnson (1989)
Political Activism

“Float Like a Butterfly, Sting Like a Bee” – Muhammad Ali. American athletes, over the
years, have used their celebrity to heighten public awareness regarding social injustices in the
hope of bringing about lasting change. Professionals, such as Bill Russell and Jim Brown, and
amateurs, like the University of Wyoming’s “Black 14” and 1968 Olympians Tommie Smith and
John Carlos, have put their careers on the line to fight for equality. Public reaction has been
divided, but no more so than now when San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick took
the knee during the playing of the National Anthem. Actions of other sports teams and
luminaries, including the Miami Heat and LeBron James, appear to generate less controversy.
Moving on, a historic overview of athletes sets the tone for athletes standing up and making a
difference.
Sports Figures and Symbolic Speech: There Is No Gray
There is a rich history of athletes using symbolic speech and their voices to promote
racial and social justice. Former Boston Celtics star, Bill Russell, stood up for his beliefs.
According to John Hareas (2013), Russell has made a life-long impact with his human rights
support. In addition, when famous civil rights activist, Medgar Evers, was assassinated in
Jackson, Mississippi, in 1963, Russell ran the first ever racially integrated basketball camp there
(Hareas 2013). He was determined to make race relations and human and civil rights prominent.
According to Ben Rohrbach (2017), one of Russell’s greatest civic achievements was refusing to
be on stage for Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s “I Have a Dream” speech. Russell believed that his
being would sidetrack Dr. King’s message about just racial and social equality, and justice
(Rohrbach 2017). Next, Tommie Smith and John Carlos’s powerful equality and justice salute is
analyzed.

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In 1968, Kat Chow (2014), wrote that Tommie Smith and John Carlos represented their
international platform as means to raise more racial and social awareness, for example: No shoes
and raising their fists with black gloves symbolized their feelings for white supremacy and, most
important, humanity. Both men were empowered by a direct contact with sociologist, Harry
Edwards (Chow 2014). Smith and Carlos risked their entire careers for racial equality. They
suffered socially and financially for their actions. Smith and Carlos were vilified, demonized,
and ostracized. Everywhere the two track stars went, they were degraded, ridiculed,
discriminated against, and hated. Smith and Carlos were victims of racial discrimination, as their
athletic prowess became feeders for the white establishment (Chow 2014). Moreover, the “Black
14” racial justice is reviewed and portrays how athletes continue to use their platform to promote
for change.
The “Black 14”, in 1969, was a collegiate black power protest. The “Black 14” went to
their coach, Lloyd Eaton, asking for permission to wear black armbands, for racial targeting
against careers in the Mormon Church. As a result, they were dismissed from the team because
they challenged the coach’s decision (Chow 2014). Moreover, the following week, San Jose
State played Wyoming and they united. The “Black 14” came together with racial solidarity and
strengthened their brotherhood. The “Black 14” actions are motivation: black athletes have a
voice. The “Black 14” put their name in African-American sports history. They exposed racial
profiling to the country. The “Black 14” became a national mainstream headline. Furthermore,
Jim Brown’s efforts are looked at and how much of a difference he continues to make.
Jim Brown, a former Cleveland Browns running back, made his presence known off the
gridiron. According to Michael O’Keeffe (2011), Brown’s efforts in the 1980s, empowered him
to create the Amer-I-Can Foundation for promoting racial and social concerns. Brown

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successfully laid the groundwork for a better America, for example: He reached out to Southern
California gangs by hosting an informational meeting to discuss resources for a new and better
life (O’Keeffe 2011). Brown’s Amer-I-Can foundation has made a difference for many, such as
gang members, prisoners, and at-risk children (O’Keeffe 2011). To continue, Kareem AbdulJabbar’s humanitarian efforts are put into perspective and how he continues to be a driving force
for justice.
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, a legendary basketball player for the Los Angeles Lakers, clearly
made his presence known off the court. According to Joey Ramirez (2016), Abdul-Jabbar was an
American icon, who stood up to racial and social ills, such as racial and social equality. AbdulJabbar received the Presidential Medal of Freedom from President Barack Obama, where his
humanitarian acts was truly recognized off the court for being a driving force for change
(Ramirez 2016). Being a human first and athlete second, was Abdul-Jabbar’s inspiration. AbdulJabbar’s drive and perseverance has enabled him to influence black American athletes (Ramirez
2016). Nevertheless, these historic examples provide a gateway for how they are very powerful
celebrities and the U.S. Supreme Court advocates for athletes’ First Amendment rights.
Professionals, such as Russell, and Brown, and amateurs, such as Smith and Carlos, and
the “Black 14” meshed together American symbolism and their voice to make a major impact on
someone, such as Abdul-Jabbar. These professionals and amateurs stood up for the greater good,
and as a result, athletes, such as Abdul-Jabbar have followed their footsteps. Russell and the
“Black 14” have executed a successful plan for protesting racial and social injustices.
Nevertheless, these are examples of how the U.S. Supreme Court has continued to allow key
athletes’ to express themselves. The U.S. Supreme Court has supported athletes’ symbolism and

4

voices for years, they feel that athletes’ successfully use their platform to promote for change.
Furthermore, key court cases have upheld symbolic speech and athletes’ protests.
The Supreme Court and Symbolic Speech
The U.S. Supreme Court has upheld symbolic speech in key cases. United States v.
O’Brien (1968), O’Brien ignited his Selective Service certificate in Boston. His anti-Vietnam
position indicated his symbolism. He wanted to impact individual’s stance of being pacifist.
Chief Justice Earl Warren and the U.S. Supreme Court decided 7-1 that O’Brien did not destroy
his First Amendment right. In Tinker v. Des Moines Independent Community School District
(1969), three public school students in Iowa were suspended for wearing black armbands to
protest United States involvement in Vietnam. The students wanted to make a clear stand on the
country’s involvement in Vietnam. These students were pacifist and wanted no troops in
Vietnam. Associate Justice Abe Fortas, writing on behalf of the Court, voted 7-2 that reassured
constitutional rights of students in public schools. This decision enabled students to make their
voices heard, without being reprimanded. Moving along, more key court cases provide a
background for athletes’ political activism.
In Cohen v. California (1971), Paul Cohen, “Fuck the Draft” was written on his jacket
and that still is influential. Cohen, like the two others, was a pacifist. He wanted to illustrate his
disdain for war and the country’s growing debt. Associate Justice John Marshall Harlan II,
writing for the Court, decided 5-4 to reverse Cohen’s conviction of interrupting peace for his
“Fuck the Draft” jacket. For Spence v. State of Washington (1974), Harold Omand Spence,
displayed an American peace flag at his home. Spence lived on private property and wanted this
to be minor, unlike Cohen. Spence did this for peace and the country. He just wanted to bring
attention to how the country would have harmony if it did not get involved with war. Chief

5

Justice Warren Burger, writing for the Court, decided a 6-3 majority to reverse the Washington
Supreme Court’s conviction of Harold, and, as a result, his symbolism was protected. These core
cases lead up to a very influential case.
Texas v. Johnson (1989), was a landmark case that split the country regarding flag
burning, which still has a major impact. In a 5-4 vote, Associate Justice John Paul Stevens,
writing for the Court ruled although that society may find specific gestures offensive, it is not a
valid premise for suppressing symbolic speech. Moreover, these key landmark cases have
created a path for athletes to use their symbolic speech, and voice to protest racial, and social
dilemmas. To conclude, these central cases gives you a backdrop for my literature review.
Literature Review
The literature on athletes using sports as a vehicle for social change is divided into two
main categories: athletes and symbolic speech and sports as a vehicle for change. The first relates
to how certain athletes use their celebrity status to address social injustices. The second involves
how athletes use their platform to bring about change. The first part will illustrate how certain
athletes have used their celebrity to promote for racial and social equality.
Athletes and Symbolic Speech
Athletes using sports as a vehicle to raise public awareness about racial and social
injustices is not a new phenomenon. World War II was a spark that produced many new and
broad advocacy groups, for example: Social movements were a result of World War II and
expanded to cover many issues, such as civil rights, and women’s rights movements (Harvey,
Horne, and Safai 2009: 386). Sports became a way for athletes to utilize their platform to
promote racial and social issues. According to Peter Kaufman and Eli A. Wolff (2010), there are
four ways athletes raise the public consciousness about racial and social obstacles: First, social

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conscious refers to athletes having dual roles in society. Former UCLA football player, Ramogi
Huma, in December 1998, emphasized games as means to raise the American consciousness
about racial and social divides. Moving forward, another key element provides you an in-depth
look of how specific athletes use their status to promote for racial and social justice.
Second, is meritocracy, where athletes symbolically fight for the greater good. Adonal
Foyle, a veteran NBA player, took his knowledge to the political arena to fund Democracy
Matters, a nonprofit organization. Its mission is to decrease the influence of money in politics
(Kaufman and Wolff 2010: 163). He is an example of what former athletes have done outside the
sports world. Foyle is the embodiment of athletes’ post-career, such as Huma. Making progress,
another major component gives you an inside look of specific athletes and the very important
role they play.
Third, responsible citizenship is central for athletes with a varied role in sports and
society. Sports empowers athletes to make a united stand. Many athletes are well-informed
citizens and make a difference. Bradley Saul, a professional cyclist, civic engagement advocate,
and Organic Athletes owner, is an example of the major difference athletes can make (Kaufman
and Wolff 2010: 166). For example: Organic Athletes is a nonprofit, and makes the world a
better place through sport. Athletes utilize what they learn from being respectful in sports and
bring it to protest racial and social difficulties. One more central piece completes the puzzle for
certain athletes who elevate their status to promote for change.
Fourth, interdependence is focused on athletes coming together and using their platform.
Interdependence allows athletes to work with a common medium. Athletes get from point A to
point B with unity. Once former world titleholder and Olympic rower, Whitney Post, is the
embodiment of solidarity (Kaufman and Wolff 2010: 169). She is about bonding with others, and

7

having a common ground. With solidarity, athletes have a platform to protest for more
substantive change. Athletes support timely issues, such as workers’ rights and affordable health
care (Kaufman and Wolff 2010: 170). Therefore, having an incorporated athletic community is
the key to current and future success.
Athletes see one community as the driving component for a fair and just future.
Similarities portray solidarity as a commonality. The connection between sport and social change
produces influential developments. Sports provides athletes a unique opportunity to integrate
their athletic prowess, wealth, and knowledge. The second part portrays from a broad perspective
how athletes use their status to advance racial and social justice.
Sports as a Vehicle for Change
Athletes are coming together to restore the world’s humanity, such as with the civil and
human rights movements. Douglas Hartmann (2003), summarized that sociologist, Harry
Edwards, played a major role in the political activism of Smith and Carlos. Edwards took the
initiative and was the leader behind the Olympic Project for Human Rights in 1967. As a result,
Edwards has been the workhorse for strengthening the revolt of the black athlete. Finding and
exploring black identity was the main premise behind the closed fists (Hartmann 2003). Edwards
played a transformative role in modern athletes’ political activism (Hartmann 2003). A
continuum highlights how Smith and Carlos became active civic leaders in the sports world.
Smith and Carlos became role models for many athletes, standing up to make a difference
(Hartmann 2003). This inspired athletes to use their voice and send a powerful message. Smith
and Carlos empowered other athletes to be the voice of communities and minorities (Hartmann
2003). Developing Paralympians’ rights is the key for these athletes to fully benefit from their
sport and the Olympics.

8

With disability sports advocacy rising, a positive movement is in the works, because it
brings recognition to related injustices. This provided a well-timed spark to inspire
Paralympian’s to support the big picture of disability sports. According to Cheri Blauwet and
Stuart E. Willick (2012), public attention has produced dynamic action for disability inclusion.
Tatyana McFadden, a wheelchair racer, and a part of the United States Paralympic Team, fought
for years for inclusion and to compete on her high school’s track team. McFadden filed a lawsuit
with the State of Maryland and the aftermath is now known as the Fitness and Athletics Equity
for Students with Disabilities Act of 2008. The movement has progressed to provide disabled
athletes a workable environment at all venues. Sports is a major role for Paralympian’s to
support and come together as one community. With that, alter globalization is about acting on a
wide variety of racial and social issues and broadening your real-world knowledge.
According to Jean Harvey, John Horne, and Parissa Safai (2009), inclusion represents
global social movements that is the driving force behind core American values. Alter
globalization is defined as global social movements that cover a wide variety of racial and social
problems, such as healthcare, sweatshops, and women’s empowerment, not just the economy.
Alter globalization is means to broaden a group’s whole vision of how to portray a realistic
American Dream. Alter globalization is also a way to broaden a group’s micro way of protesting
a wide variety of racial and social problems. Sports provides athletes with a unique platform for
protesting and how they systematically approach combatting non-economic issues. Athletes can
protest for the greater good, not just one specific aspect. Athletes can apply their current and
overall knowledge to personal racial and social triggers. Current social groups’ main goal is to
make a difference for protesting racial and social injustices (Harvey, Horne, and Safai 2009:

9

386). As a result, key elements create a strong foundation for athletes to be able to stand up and
make their voices heard.
Sports provides athletes an opportunity of how they can make a major difference for
protesting racial and social dilemmas and to bring about change. Alter globalization takes many
different forms and is not just one simple package. Diversity is at the forefront of alter
globalization (Harvey, Horne, and Safai 2009). Diversity provides new ways for athletes to
expand their common and specialized knowledge. Athletes bring light to the different ways they
go about protesting and modern society. Sports provides athletes many different and broad paths
to take with their specific protests. Sports also has a major impact on non-athletes, for example,
sports produce two essential elements, reformists and transformists. Reformists are looking to
produce change in existing sport institutions and transformists are looking to create substitute
sports forms within dynamic internal institutions (Harvey, Horne, and Safai 2009: 393). To
continue driving, sports enables athletes to bring out the best humanitarian in them.
Sports reinforces how athletes use their celebrity to get their point across. Athletes from
several sports come together as one, put their differences aside, and try to work towards
producing a better and safer world. Athletes use the nationalism of sports as a guiding force for
protests and systematically promote specific racial and social complications. Alter globalization
reinforces athletes drive to combat racial and social dilemmas and their gained momentum
(Harvey, Horne, and Safai 2009). To continue this trend, there is a very key part that is the fire
for athletes to make a difference.
Sports and politics have become closely intertwined, because of the historic and recent
examples of athletes using their celebrity to protest racial and social ills for a better world. As
sports and politics develop a stronger relationship, the athlete’s role is raised to another level.

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According to Thomas Gift and Andrew Miner (2017), central societal ills are the foundation in
sports and offer a dynamic background. Pressing issues gives rise to athletes and how they drive
these issues home. Related issues allow athletes to increase their passion for change. This
development is a backbone as everyday and hardworking Americans.
The sports-politics relationship is an American lifestyle. Athletes use this to strengthen
their platform and put racial and social ills on notice. Politics meshes with all racial and social
aspects (Gift and Miner 2017). The relationship has many fruitful dynamics and allows athletes
to elevate their platform and implement them to promote for stronger racial and social
awareness. Sports and politics integrates with how athletes strengthen politics for their applied
protests. Sports affects the American political, racial, and social landscape (Gift and Miner
2017). As you can see, sports and politics is real, living, and breathing component that continues
to be the motivation for athletes.
Athletics have a real outcome of real-world context regarding authentic social and
political issues, and how athletes use their protests as motivation for change. First, social capital
is a central piece that connects sports and politics. Athletes play a dual role, and they attempt to
do so to personally connect with the American people. Sports encourages athletes to utilize their
dual roles to stand up against social ills (Gift and Miner: 2017). Their dual roles empower them
to make a difference as a citizen and an athlete. Another central piece is social movements.
Social movements encourage sports and politics to mesh and athletes make progress. Athletes
can use their social, economic, and athletic prowess as means to protest a wide variety of racial
and social injustices (Gift and Miner 2017: 146). Moreover, sports do several positive things for
the individual and world.

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Sports is a powerful force for development that lays the groundwork for change.
According to David Tannenwald (2013), over time, there has been a major focus of athletes
promoting racial and social justice through key events, such as racial targeting, police brutality,
and women’s inequality. Athletes coming together with solidarity has been a major factor in
promoting for a more just world. Unity provides layers for promoting world peace, economic
equality, and women’s rights. Sports has many related organizations that provide $100-200
million annually in raising awareness for combatting the world’s most pressing issues, such as
hunger, and healthcare (Tannenwald 2013: 71). Sports emboldens individuals to get involved
(Tannenwald 2013: 72). With that, sports are so evolved and has a major impact on central
institutions.
Sport development is the ultimate guide to developing better social, racial, and cultural
relations with unity. Emma Sherry (2017), summarized that working with a variety of diverse
sport institutions has been the motor to promote for change. Developing diversity and inclusion
has opened so many new doors for sport development. Many integrated projects have been
enabled from personal interactions with sports industry partnerships (Sherry 2017: 23). As a
result, this has positively reinforced progress for social equality, and most important, human
rights, for example: Sports provides solidarity and having a common medium. This continuum
allows sports and athletes to innovate and think outside of the box.
Sports provides athletes a way to express their concerns about racial and social
difficulties they advocate. Athletes utilize their platform to participate in racial and social
engagement. Athletes are standing up for human rights, and social justice that empower the
American people. Sports creates a pathway for athletes to protest prominent racial and social
predicaments. Sports provides athletes many ways to connect with the American people via

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personal protests. A common, unified goal is in sight to promote unity. According to George B.
Cunningham (2014), interdisciplinary-scholars need to contribute to a better and welcoming
sport environment. In motion, athletes are about representing their community, family, and
culture.
Regardless of what the opposition says, many athletes are determined to fight against
racial and social roadblocks. Eric A. Hall, Robert B.J. Marach, and Marcos J. Reynolds (2017),
write that symbolic speech is portrayed by the tradition in American sports that combines social
expression and political activism. Athletes use the resources they have, such as brotherhood and
political influence to protest racial and social dilemmas. Their platform enables them to come
together as one in the racial and social front lines. Varied athletes have maintained a strong
reputation in diverse neighborhoods by turning their words into actions. Positive protests have
strengthened community and the varied role of athletes (Hall, Marach, and Reynolds 2017: 8).
This has empowered several athletes to continue to fight for diversity, power and in addition,
human rights. Sports provides dynamic athletes a unique and different approach for protesting, as
they care about minorities’ holistic well-being and quality-of-life. Athletes use their voices and
symbolic speech as vehicles for change. Both represent how athletes can be the voice for those
who are overlooked. To finish this up, my case study will display two modern athletes, whose
actions have been viewed differently.
Research Design
This is a case study of how Colin Kaepernick and LeBron James use symbolic speech to
raise public awareness about social issues, specifically, the treatment of young black men. The
case study is to explore why their tactics engender quite different reactions. The case study will
be generated from a wide selection of sources. My methodology consists of mainstream web,

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print news, cable distributions, and ideological commentary. American news, both right-leaning
and liberal-leaning is reviewed. The Federalist and Fox News are conservative news sources. In
contrast, for instance, liberal-leaning news outlets, such as cable (MSNBC), and magazine, (The
Nation) have polarizing ideologies. Moving along, Kaepernick and James have conservative and
liberal leaning favored bases.
Colin Kaepernick and LeBron James: There Is No Gray, Or Is There?
Historic examples, like Russell, Smith and Carlos, and Brown develops a path for modern
athletes’ symbolism. The case study is about why Kaepernick’s protest is controversial and why
James’s actions do not raise the same level of pushback. I chose these cases, because Kaepernick
has received severe backlash due to his pressing protests, which sparked immediate controversy.
Kaepernick is the fire of a conservative political heatwave. Kaepernick’s symbolic speech is at
the forefront of the conservative criticism. Kaepernick has been looked at more salty for using
his celebrity, in contrast to James. His polarized symbolism has caused him to be unsigned
(Parks 2017). James’s actions is being viewed in a more positive light. James’s symbolism and
voice are connected to the American conscious. James is a black America basketball megastar
and he has provided the mechanisms for his symbolism and social equality messages. James’s
symbolic messages are being viewed in a more positive way than Kaepernick (Windhorst 2018).
In addition, Kaepernick’s background gives you a detailed blueprint of where he is today.
Kaepernick, was a former and experienced quarterback for the San Francisco 49ers.
During a September 2016 preseason game, Kaepernick’s life was turned upside-down. The core
of the issue of Kaepernick’s protests is the innocent killings of young black men. He took a knee
for those young black men who do not have a voice, such as Trayvon Martin and Eric Garner.
Also, his relevant history is a main premise of what he believes and protects.

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Kaepernick has a relatively recent history of standing up to racial and social conflicts for
young black men. His protests started September 1, 2016, when he decided to take a knee during
the playing of the National Anthem at a preseason game. He backed up his stance, by saying that
he will not stand for the oppression of young black men, who are constantly victims of racial
targeting and police brutality. Kaepernick defied the norm of standing during the playing of the
National Anthem. An illustration provides the cream of the crop backlash against him.
The right-leaning portrayed their condemnation for Kaepernick’s symbolism by lighting
their jerseys on fire. The backlash against Kaepernick continues, because, the American flag was
and still bleeds white (Starr 2017). Conservatives live and die by the American flag. According
to James Gottry (2016), his symbolism is opposite of what an American athlete should do.
Conservatives condemn his actions, because, taking a knee is the opposite American values first
responders fight for. Kaepernick is sticking to his beliefs and defying the opposition. At day’s
end, there is a constant hammer hitting Kaepernick and his scrutinized symbolism.
Some people are loyal Americans and others only view football as a business. Both
groups having dissenting views are cannot find a common middle. His protests are so
controversial that no team has made him an offer, for example: The Seattle Seahawks recently
refused to offer him a contract because he would not give a definite answer to stand during the
National Anthem. Meanwhile, the National Football League has not drawn a line to prevent
Kaepernick’s continued anti-American gestures (Gottry 2016). Cultural links and polarizing
opinions are the driving force behind Kaepernick’s backlash. Kaepernick’s determination for
connecting his cultural roots to the ill-treatment of young black men is the driving force that
continues to strongly polarize America. The NFL is built on providing worldwide entertainment,
not allowing employees to destroy what America believes in (Gottry 2016). With more evidence,

15

the odds are against him to obtain an NFL contract.
Kaepernick’s actions are portraying America’s cultural representation as disrespect,
uncalled for and most important, crossing cultural boundaries. Kaepernick is in the center of a
political firestorm; conservatives condemn his symbolic speech, including, President Donald
Trump. According to Gottry (2016), the armed forces and police officers should not have to deal
with this anti-American athlete. Conservatives see his cultural act as a real threat to American
democracy, not protesting racial and social troubles. Kaepernick’s way of taking a stand does not
fit standards of their central ideals (Gottry 2016). This negative consistency for Kaepernick is
proof that he is living in a white man’s world.
The former San Francisco 49ers quarterback has been criticized by conservatives for not
participating in the National Anthem. According to Elliott Almond (2017), the NFL’s most
notable free agent has had a major impact on sports without appearing on the gridiron or in the
stands. Kaepernick’s absence has fueled a negative fire against him that has cultural roots. These
aggressive details are represented by the right-leaning disapproving all his actions that he
continues.
Conservatives are using their dedicated nationalism as means to show their antiKaepernick side. Conservatives have influenced Kaepernick being unsigned for over a year
(Almond 2017). A Missouri bar owner used Kaepernick, 49ers and “Lynch Raiders” jerseys to
create a caption as his saloon doormat, “Lynch Kaepernick” (Almond 2017). Overall, his efforts
will never make the cut as socially acceptable.
No matter what Kaepernick does to promote racial and social wrongdoings, critics argue
that he is dishonoring the flag and National Anthem. The sociologist, Edwards, summarized it
perfectly: Athletes cannot protest for the dynamic community and a safer world (Almond 2017).

16

Nevertheless, he mentioned that when racial and social wrongdoings for young black men are
brought into sports, the opposition finds a way to come after them. Kaepernick, as a result, has
become secondary to conservatives. This conclusive proof shows you that he is just another
minority victim at the hands of white America.
Another conservative perspective continues to criticize Kaepernick and diversity.
According to Terrell J. Starr (2017), the American flag portrays white supremacy over all
minorities. As a result, his heroic act has no value, and white conservatives dominate. Todd
Starnes (2017), stated that Kaepernick’s so-called “heroic” act for standing up for racial and
social injustices to bring about change is not concrete, as conservatives see it as American
disrespect. As a nation, through Kaepernick’s cultural tactics, the white establishment rules the
country and he has received the maximum backlash. The central piece of nationalism is centered
on the American flag and the armed forces (Starr 2017). According to Starr, the Root portrays
right-leaning values. Nonetheless, he continues to be bashed from all conservatives and his
actions clearly offended the right.
Terrell J. Starr (2017), wrote that major arguments portray how Kaepernick’s so-called
“heroism” means nothing to die-hard conservatives. Prominent conservatives have led the way
for years and as a result, has denied minorities, specifically, Kaepernick being able to support
young black men. Kaepernick’s blackness and cultural-led protests are not welcomed in white
America. Dominate white institutions will always connect themselves with the American flag as
a symbol of real heroism, white supremacy, and most important, being superior to all minorities
(Starr 2017). Major arguments continue to build, as the distance between white conservatives
and minorities are becoming clear. According to Starr, this shows the American lifestyle is

17

embedded with white domination from all micro and macro level aspects. This is self-evident,
Kaepernick is an anti-American athlete.
The American flag, from a conservative point-of-view, has always been that only the
white establishment are American leaders. America will always be built on white dominance,
leadership, and loyalty (Starr 2017). Starr mentions that this indicates that Kaepernick has no
room to symbolically protest. Kaepernick and the minority community have been oppressed at
the hands of white traditional conservatives. Nevertheless, the right-leaning condemns his
actions and blows them out of proportion.
Another integrated conservative view against Kaepernick provides a detailed portrait of
his criticism. Kaepernick’s specific use of his cultural links has fueled strong right-leaning
hostility. It has been determined that Kaepernick’s cultural uproar is a disapproval of how
Americans are supposed to love and care for the country (Parks 2017). In addition, he thinks he
is a hot-shot who can do whatever he wants, and not get in trouble.
Major arguments provide more indicators of anti-Kaepernick. Psychological research was
conducted to determine the right-leaning hostility towards Kaepernick. In general, people never
have liked activists (Parks 2017). As a result, people do not like an athlete who is causing
political, social, cultural, and racial uproar. They think that this is the wrong type of activism and
bad timing. For conservatives, this is not an embodiment, because they do not connect with
Kaepernick. In their right-leaning view, this symbolism does not suit them. A portrait,
conservatives cannot get over that Kaepernick protested for young black men.
Conservatives’ frustration has influenced how they view lower income over higher
income people (Parks 2017). Traditional conservatives are lashing out at Kaepernick, because of
the way he symbolically protested racial and social ills regarding America’s lower status (young

18

black men). Kaepernick struck a sensitive chord and, their, has received major backlash. NFL top
executives and fans have made their voice heard. Their devoted love for the country is superior
to racial and social injustice protests (Parks 2017). As a result, Kaepernick’s behavior is
unacceptable to the right-leaning and specifically, their love and care for America. Kaepernick is
useless in conservatives’ eyes. On the other hand, he has had positive responses on his side.
Kaepernick has received some positive support for his actions. Goldberg, Slattery, and
Dillon (2017) report that a sea of Kaepernick supporters, in August 2017, were outside of the
NFL’s headquarters in Midtown, New York City. Supporters wore Kaepernick jerseys, proKaepernick signs, and anti-NFL signs. Strong presence encouraged supporters to express their
dissent of the NFL blackballing Kaepernick. In addition to advocates being there, government
officials and activists made an appearance, such as Rep. Gregory Meeks, Councilman Jumaane
Williams, and activist Linda Sarsour (Goldberg, Slattery, and Dillon 2017). According to New
York Daily News, mass advocates from different cultures came together with racial solidarity. In
contrast, Kaepernick was not the right match for GQ’s award.
According to Todd Starnes (2017), GQ was out of line to choose Kaepernick as Citizen
of the Year. GQ editors thought that Kaepernick sacrificed his entire football career for the
greater good. On the other hand, according to Starnes (2017), GQ’s perspective is that anticultural values reward an anti-American athlete (Starnes 2017). Kaepernick won Citizen of the
Year in November 2017. Major arguments continue, as conservatives, such as, Starnes, believe
that GQ’s guidelines for choosing Citizen of the Year are a joke. GQ built the case for
Kaepernick as a humanitarian and not completely reviewing the field of realistic recipients. GQ
editors came to an immediate conclusion that Kaepernick was the perfect fit for Citizen of the
Year. To the contrary, James has been viewed as less demeaning and in a more acceptable light.

19

Unlike Kaepernick, James’s symbolic speech and voice has been viewed in a less critical
light. Kaepernick has not been able to get his message from point A to point B, unlike James,
where he used dominant activism. Kaepernick is still relevant in news stories, due to his
excessive anti-American symbolic speech, where James adjusts his protests, so he would not
receive as much backlash. James’s symbolic speech and voice, unlike only Kaepernick’s
symbolic speech, has inspired him to modify his protests within the American conscious. As a
result, James has been more substantive, especially, with his racial, and social awareness, unlike
Kaepernick. As a result, he is a major international hit, everywhere he goes.
James, is a global basketball phenomenon. His powerful stature and success on the court
has empowered him to stand up to the racial targeting of young black men. In addition, James
has been very creative with his protests. He has meshed his celebrity with his voice, for example:
When he was a part of the Miami Heat, he and his teammates on February 26, 2012, wore
hoodies and “I Can’t Breathe” t-shirts to protest the shooting of Trayvon Martin. James and
Kaepernick are taking clearly opposite directions for their racial and social justice advocacy, but
they have the same goal. James uses symbolic speech and his voice to express his criticism of the
treatment of unarmed young black men, and Kaepernick connects only his status by symbolic
speech, to raise more awareness for innocent unarmed young black men. To add on, James has
made a positive impact for many, especially, young black men.
In the past six years, James’s activism has increased. For over six years, James’s activism
has become more pronounced. James uses his platform as means for his voice and for young
black men to look up to. James’s activism and symbolic speech is significantly growing each
time young black men are targeted. James and other key athletes have connected a “metaphorical
line,” like Martin (2012), Garner (2014), Rice (2014), and the 2016 ESPY Awards, where

20

“enough is enough” (Livingston 2018). To be concise, he is about taking a stand and producing
change.
James has delivered messages for years for racial and social advocacy to bring about
change, and he has received partial criticism, unlike Kaepernick. Moreover, James has been able
to avoid the hatred to a certain degree, unlike Kaepernick, because he was not as aggressive, like
Kaepernick kneeled many times on national television with active duty military and veterans in
attendance. James, during a regular season game, linked arms. According to ESPN.com NBA
reporter, Brian Windhorst (2018), James really became a social activist when Martin was killed.
On February 26, 2012, James and Wade were only a few miles away from Martin, who was an
unarmed black teenager wearing a hoodie (Windhorst 2018). This was the fuel that empowered
James and company to stand up and make their collective voice heard. James posted a photo on
social media with the Miami Heat, which portrayed him and his teammates bowing their head
and wearing black hoodies (Windhorst 2018). Additionally, his actions are adding up to make a
major difference.
MSNBC mentioned how James is a role model for young black men. Adam Howard
(2015), stated that James, in 2014, wore an “I Can’t Breathe” t-shirt to come together for Garner.
Many advocates started an influential hashtag, #NoJusticeNoLeBron, for two Cleveland police
officers not being indicted by the grand jury for shooting and killing 12-year-old Tamir Rice.
James has been a major racial and social supporter for years, and hashtags like these are just a
domino effect. Major influences, as James is going beyond in a more accepted way to promote
racial and social crises to produce change. President Barack Obama appreciated the humane and
diverse efforts, saying that James is a young man who has a vision for a brighter America and is
an integral part of society (Howard 2015). At the 2016 ESPY Awards, LeBron James, Dwayne

21

Wade, Carmelo Anthony, and Chris Paul, made a powerful speech to influence other athletes to
stand up and make their voices heard. They made it clear that they are no longer going to be
bystanders for the deaths of innocent young black men. In sum, his humanitarian efforts are
paying off that is producing tons of substance.
James, in September 2017, expressed himself about the National Anthem protests,
President Donald Trump, and the current state of the country. According to Tyler Lauletta
(2017), James mentioned that unity was a main piece for the NFL’s symbolic speech. James
mentioned that athletics are a real vehicle for change, athletics bring out the best in people from
diverse cultures (Lauletta 2017). James is advancing black America by advocating for the greater
good. James positively reinforced his dual role in sports and politics, as his voice is a driving
force for underrepresented minorities, especially, young black men (Lauletta 2017). James made
a connection between President Donald Trump and underrepresented minorities, noting that the
country’s leader is supposed to be a source for a better life (Lauletta 2017). President Trump is
supposed to be providing resources, for instance, quality education and scholarships, to help
young black men make a career and future for themselves. To develop this more, James’s outside
the box thinking has empowered him to experiment with how he protests.
James is creative with using symbolic speech and expressing his voice, to combat racial
and social divides. According to Joe Vardon (2017), James, during a December 2017 game
against the Washington Wizards, wore Equality shoes (one white and one black). James
mentioned that Americans, we must be able to find a common medium for promoting equality
(Vardon 2017). James led the way by mentioning that America is collectively diverse and
beautiful people, including young black men (Vardon 2017). With that, he is about advancing
equality and justice for all levels of society.

22

James stated that equality is a basic right that all humans have (Vardon 2017). James has
gained a mass support of followers, such as minorities, other athletes, and especially, young
black men. Moreover, James is a man on a mission for worldwide equality. He is going beyond
to provide a level playing field for all levels of society. James’s actions are reminiscent of Dr.
Martin Luther King Jr., he wants people to be judged by who they are as a person, not their skin
color. Nonetheless, his determination and collective effort is a powerful force.
An article in the Akron-Beacon Journal, highlighted former Cleveland Cavaliers head
coach, Lenny Wilkens, who expressed his thoughts about James protesting racial and social
concerns. Wilkens support James’s advocacy, just like the voice he had in the 1960s (Lewis
2018). Wilkens mentioned that James’s symbolic speech and voice is how he is going to make
the world a better place (Lewis 2018). James is driving home his sentiment each time he
discusses the topic. He is going all out to provide all people, especially, children, and a better
life. To illustrate, James is a real-life hero fighting for human rights and equality.
According to Dave Zirin (2018), James’s global advocacy represents his impact. James
was honest to Fox News host, Laura Ingraham, about his feelings of just “shut up and dribble.”
She said this during All-Star weekend and James spoke up. Ingraham was live on the air and said
that James need to keep politics off the court and started a race war. James utilized his global
platform at All-Star weekend, where he used his voice to stand with young black men
(Livingston 2018). James’s comments, included criticizing the President, and that he did
graduate from St. Vincent-St. Mary High School. At All-Star weekend, James exposed Ingraham
to the world. James said that he will not just “shut up and dribble”, he was at the greatest NBA
weekend to express his voice to promote racial and social justice (Zirin 2018). With James’s
fellow stars, Kevin Durant and Dwayne Wade expressed their voices, about the clueless

23

Ingraham. Fox News host, Laura Ingraham, disparaged James, and his friends: Rated R politics
was the theme. To add on, top NBA executive advocates basketball players expressing their
disdain.
NBA Commissioner, Adam Silver, delivered a pointed message to Ingraham. His support
of NBA players as political activists is the engine empowering athletes to stand up against racial
and social problems (Zirin 2018). James has given the entire sports world a distinct ability to step
up and use its collective voice to protest racial and social crises (Zirin 2018). James flipped the
script per se, and he developed a plan to overcome Ingraham’s remark with his fellow basketball
icons. Players like Kevin Durant made it clear that they are not are not machines. Additionally,
his perseverance has enabled him to promote for what is morally and socially right.
According to Chris Fedor (2018), San Antonio Spurs head coach, Gregg Popovich,
praised James for all the contributions he has made, specifically, for minorities. Popovich, thinks
of James as a “superhero” (Fedor 2018). He compared James to the recent “Black Panther” film,
James as a worldwide inspiration for standing up to racial and social injustices and to bring about
change (Fedor 2018). Popovich mentioned that James is special with how he positively impacts
all levels of society and has dynamically spoke on a wide variety of racial and social struggles to
promote increased awareness (Fedor 2018). Also, James is standing over all adversity and
putting his best version front and center.
According to Bill Livingston (2018), James, and a wide variety of other athletes are
taking an active stand against institutional injustice. They are making their voices heard. James
and his cohorts are standing as one in an effort to mark their territory with one community and
stand up to President Trump (Livingston 2018). James and his army are healers, and they have

24

the proper mental state of mind. To continue, he is showing his true character and what he really
believes in.
James is committed and puts his words into actions. As a result, James stood his ground
against Ingraham and other conservatives. In addition, James has diverse support for standing up
to racial and social ills in a dynamic way, unlike Kaepernick, that has made him an influential
athlete. James has successfully used his celebrity in a coherent way that is more neutral, unlike
Kaepernick. James is a black America symbol, who continues to fight for the greater good. He
utilizes his celebrity as means to advance fair and just equality for young black men. At the end
of the day, James is the real symbol for change, human rights, and justice.
Kaepernick and James are on different levels of a critiqued analysis. Both went about
different paths of using their celebrity, through American symbolism and expressing their voice,
but they had the same goal. Kaepernick and James received different forms of support from
many athletes. They displayed different specs of being an activist and their actions received
positives and negatives. Therefore, the perception of going after American symbolism is the core
issue, and the critiqued analysis has pluses and minuses. Finally, Kaepernick’s actions have been
perceived by conservatives and liberals in a opposite light.
Conclusions
Kaepernick is viewed by conservatives as a real threat to American democracy,
specifically, conservative values, due to the perception of being anti-American flag and antiNational Anthem. Kaepernick’s so-called “heroic” act is condemned. Kaepernick is the “bad
guy” being an antagonist by using anti-American symbolism to promote racial and social ills.
Kaepernick’s cultural roots and beliefs do not mesh with conservatives. Kaepernick is in the

25

heart of a political firestorm, where the country’s current polarization continues to be used
against him. On the other hand, James’s actions bring about a more conscious perspective.
James’s actions do not stir the same level of controversy as Kaepernick’s. James makes
his voice less brutal than Kaepernick’s, because he has not gone straight to the heart of America,
such as taking a knee during the National Anthem. Moreover, James, unlike Kaepernick, has
treaded delicately (more passive), with how he gets his messages from point A to point B. In
sum, American symbolism is central to what historic and modern athletes did and continue to do.
At the end of the day, there is truly no gray for Kaepernick, as there is no meeting the
middle. Therefore, it is evident that James’s actions are not as aggressive as Kaepernick’s.
Whatever athletes do, their humanitarian efforts are not sufficient. Many people cannot grasp
Kaepernick’s actions, as it relates back to being conservative. With emotions at the forefront for
Kaepernick’s actions, many people are thinking at a subconscious level, and are not using logical
reasoning. Conservatives cannot see the big picture: He has no grudge against the flag, armed
forces, law enforcement, and National Anthem. In contrast, James’s actions are taken differently
than Kaepernick. His symbolic speech and voice are seen by a good portion of Americans as
cautious, unlike Kaepernick. Finally, Kaepernick and James’s First Amendment rights,
specifically, American symbolism are protected and guaranteed. To add a moderator piece, the
NBA and NFL play different roles in how they protest.
The NBA vs. NFL topic of how they protest are diverse roles. First, the NBA, in my
opinion is more down to earth on a micro level, there is not as much attention for the NBA
Finals, compared to the Super Bowl. Therefore, athletes, such as James has a much more limited
environment to work with. To the contrary, an NFL regular season game, like the Pittsburgh
Steelers vs. Baltimore Ravens, you have the flyover, the National Anthem, and the entire stadium

26

on its feet. That is the perfect time for someone like Kaepernick to intervene, e.g. Seattle
Seahawks vs. San Francisco 49ers. I feel that the result, is that the NFL has much more room to
work with, their resources, and fan attendance. To move along, James’s and Kaepernick’s role in
terms of their performance and wealth is a major piece.
My point-of-view is that someone like James, with his NBA contract, endorsements,
performance, and so much more, puts him in a much better suitable position to use his celebrity.
From a different perspective, a washed up free agent, like Kaepernick, with his very limited
wealth, lack of resources, autonomy, and average performance, makes him more vulnerable to
aggressive criticism from the right-leaning. James clearly is superior to Kaepernick and how his
wealth continues to be a major factor. For example: he took $25 million of his own and put it
towards funding a full ride to local kids to attend the University of Akron. It is self-evident that
James can use his wealth and performance as means to elevate how he protests. Moving forward,
James has softened up how he protests and has put them in a more respectable light.
He has toned down his protests, from “I Can’t Breathe”, wearing Equality shoes, to
responding Laura Ingraham’s just “shut up and dribble” comments. He has made proper
adjustments to make his protests more presentable to the American people. Nevertheless, his
racial and social justice advocacy has shaped him into a whole athlete. James has made his
protests more modest, where an average and conscious American can perceive as positive. He is
making sure that his protests are level-headed, on the same page with Americans. In closing, a
review of apolitical athletes will be broken-down.
Apolitical athletes, like Michael Jordan and O.J. Simpson were about making sure they
never brought up any race or political related matters. Both lived their athletic lives with
blinders. Michael and O.J. built their fame, wealth, and success on their athletic ability, what

27

they were able to do on the court and gridiron, and not the political and racial arena. They
represented individualism, making their own decisions, and never getting involved in race or
politics. As Michael put it best, “Republicans buy sneakers, too.” Also, as O.J. always
reinforced, “I’m not black, I’m O.J.” At the end of the tunnel, some suggestions provide a segue
for future, scholarly, and detailed research.
Future Research
There are constant political firestorms, such as innocent killings of unarmed black men.
Sports and politics give athletes a distinct ability to incorporate cause and effect strategies for
their specific protests (Gift and Miner 2017). Doing a comparative study of the strategies,
leadership styles, and outcomes is another key suggestion. Collective engagement reinforces
creating dynamic, positive, and inclusive sport environments (Cunningham 2014: 4). With
collective engagement, anything can happen and change for athletes and society have more
meaning. Also, civic engagement and athletes making their voice heard across all levels of
society produces more substance. Putting it all together, the more strides, means more
engagement, progress, and promoting change.
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