The Kaepernick Effect. Dave Zirin.

 

The Kaepernick Effect.     Dave Zirin.

 

Taking a Knee, Changing the World.  

 

Dave Zirin is well known as an outspoken critic of racism and social injustice.   This book, The Kaepernick Effect, continues that same theme.     The author captures the thoughts, feelings and experiences of young people and their more recent stories of protest.  

The writer, who has authored myriad books including classic, Bad Sports, did extensive research in tracking down numerous high school prep, college, and some pro, athletes to discuss what the Kaepernick message from 2016/2017 meant to them.    The configuration of the book starts with the experiences of the high school athletes, then delves into the college player trials and tribulations and finally a few professional athletes weigh in with their affected feedback, too.  

As one might imagine the levels of expressing their messages vary from one level to the next.    The reader will find more expressive and articulated thoughts from the college players than high school students and finally leading into the even lengthier responses by the adult athletes. 

Nevertheless, each athlete has a story to tell.   Some of the results were very predictable.   Many of the athletes, and not just football players, reported support from teammates, peers, administrators and fans.    But nearly every subject interviewed for the book expressed at least some blow back from those with opposing views.

To understand fully what was going on here we should break for a quick history lesson.    Former NFL player, Colin Kaepernick decided to take knee while the American national anthem was being played prior to the kickoff of a game early in the 2016 season.   While this action did evoke some controversy, it took off to another level when more players started following suit in the next season.  

This is where Zirin, who also spearheads the Edge.com website articles and podcasts, tells the stories a term or so later.   What does taking a knee, or protesting during the play of the national anthem mean to them?    For many it was a scary proposition to take a knee but yet liberating at the same time.    Many reported being nervous before the start.   Some tried to “warn” teammates and coaches or check for assurances in advance to perform the act.   Most athletes claim they had permission or support from the leaders to protest.   Some schools, the author’s Alma mater, even encouraged social activism even at sporting events.   Others reported experiences with mixed results.   The support that may have been initially pledged by other members of the program and athletic department did not always follow through when it came time to act or have the athlete’s back when it mattered most. 

Whether one believes in or supports the right to protest or, sit or take a knee during the national anthem or otherwise, the reader will get a pretty robust narrative of what it was and is like for young athletes to take a stand against what they see as unjust times and a need for change.     It remains a sensitive and divisive issue in this nation.    Has anything really changed?   That is up to the reader to decide and that is really the point of all 206 pages.  

• You might like this book if you are a fan of Colin Kaepernick.
• You might like this book if you like to read about prep and college athletes struggles outside of the arena.
• You might like this book to read about how many athletes rose above their fears to make a stand on a local and national level.
• You might like this book if you follow both sports and social activism.
• You might like to read this book if you are an activist in general.
• You might like to read this book if drawn to protests, conflict and movement for change. 

 

Read more about the author on Twitter:   https://twitter.com/EdgeofSports