Christian Kane - The Métis Syndrome (Colin Kaepernick National Anthem Scandal )

Christian Kane - The Métis Syndrome (Colin Kaepernick National Anthem Scandal )

To say that I am a fan of Christian Kane is like saying the sun is bright. Its undeniable and one would look silly even trying to debate the fact. That being explained, on September 2, 2016, that self induced blissful fandom was placed on critical support.


The drama started when San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick has willingly immersed himself into controversy by refusing to stand for the playing of the national anthem in protest of what he deems are wrongdoings against African Americans and minorities in the United States.
His latest refusal to stand for the anthem -- he has done this in at least one other preseason game -- came before the 49ers' preseason loss to Green Bay at Levi's Stadium on Friday night.
"I am not going to stand up to show pride in a flag for a country that oppresses black people and people of color," Kaepernick told NFL Media in an exclusive interview after the game. "To me, this is bigger than football and it would be selfish on my part to look the other way. There are bodies in the street and people getting paid leave and getting away with murder."
The 49ers issued a statement about Kaepernick's decision: "The national anthem is and always will be a special part of the pre-game ceremony. It is an opportunity to honor our country and reflect on the great liberties we are afforded as its citizens. In respecting such American principles as freedom of religion and freedom of expression, we recognize the right of an individual to choose and participate, or not, in our celebration of the national anthem."
Niners coach Chip Kelly told reporters Saturday that Kaepernick's decision not to stand during the national anthem is "his right as a citizen" and said "it's not my right to tell him not to do something."
The NFL also released a statement, obtained by NFL Media Insider Ian Rapoport: "Players are encouraged but not required to stand during the playing of the national anthem."
By taking a stand for civil rights, Kaepernick, 28, joins other athletes, like the NBA's Dwyane Wade, Chris Paul, LeBron James and Carmelo Anthony and several WNBA players in using their platform and status to raise awareness to issues affecting minorities in the U.S.
However, refusal to support the American flag as a means to take a stand has brought incredible backlash before and likely will in this instance. The NBA's Mahmoud Abdul-Rauf of the Denver Nuggets, formerly Chris Jackson before converting to Islam, refused to acknowledge the flag in protest, citing similar reasons as Kaepernick and saying that it conflicted with some of his Islamic beliefs.

Personally speaking in the skin I live within, I am a Native/ African American man (My family reunions are TRULY festive events), and Christian Kane's comments not only came off as entitled, but poorly informed, especially since he is a Métis  (halfbreed Native) like myself.
Most native men, like all red blooded Americans, are football fans, and Mr. Kaepernick's stance on racial equality has many of our leaders proud. As native people, we understand what the old red, blue and white actually means.  The same flag many whites are in an uproar about was the same flag many of my ancestors were killed for. Would famous Native Americans  like Crazy Horse, Chief Joseph, Pontiac, Tecumseh, Maria Tallchief, Cochise, Red Cloud, and Hiawatha , people who fought white armies to save our people from slaughtering land grabbers, would they stand for the National Anthem ?

 Probably Not

This nation has a severe case of selective memory and many of us 'minorities' are expected to bear the brunt of it.
African Americans in inner cities have been killed by cops for ages, but since 2012, these horrible crimes are on the rise. Are they expected to just turn the other cheek as rouge cops pick them off like human targets at a state fair ?
For ages, practically since the  creation of this country, whites have did their best to maintain their power over minorities, many times prospering for doing so.
Imagine a whole race of people bought and sold for centuries, chalk up as simple beast of burden.When finally given their freedom, imagine these same human beings having to live in a society that still saw them as beast of burden, though government laws said different. For over 350 years, a whole race was seen as nothing more than two legged oxen to pull plowshares -- suddenly, as if cutting on a light switch, these same human beings were given their humanity in the eyes of the law.
Did this change the minds of whites that owned these human beings - where they expected to do away with hundreds of years of legacy and tradition based in and around the slave trade?

Probably Not

Being native, living on a 'rez' (slang for Indian Reservation) half of my life, I have witnessed the cruel iron fist of the police. My mother was raped and murdered by a white New Orleans beat cop in 1983, charges that were later dropped due to a technicality.
Even as she feared for her life, going to the local precinct 18 times, placing 12 police reports against the accused rapist/murderer  with a badge, none of it was enough. The local cops did nothing, some even said they would arrest her for making false charges.
My mother's body was found four weeks later to the actual day she had made her last police report.
Her badly decomposed body had been stuffed in a dumpster behind a abandoned apartment building, found by a vagrant searching for aluminum beer cans. I was told later that her body could not be identified visually. They had to use dental x-rays.
The white cope that was eventually charged, even though he had a number of complaints against him concerning sexually harassment,  was let off with 15 years probation.
Growing up on several reservations with my father's family, I witnessed more police brutality; constant intimidation when traveling off of reservation land, physical abuse, unwarranted home searches ( even though such practices are forbidden under Federal Native Sovereign Law), rape, sexual coercion with minor native girls as young as 12 years of age, these are just a few offenses I have witnessed as a member of The First Nation.
And there are so many more -- countless stories of wicked human beings wearing brass badges doing what ever their dark hearts desire to those that are completely powerless.
Now stand back - consider this, now take in the fact that I am African American as well, understanding the struggle of these people as well.
Its enough to drive you insane.
So when Christian Kane, a native man with white skin and blue eyes, typed what he typed on Twitter, it hurt deeply.
He should now better.
Imagine, a 'white man' actually proud of his native blood, telling the world. The more I discovered about Christian Kane, the more I adored him. He was my idol, a sure milestone that we ARE progressing and making strides. As a writer, he even inspired one of my most beloved literary characters, 'Slick Skate-Blade' of The River - Blood Brother Chronicles.
I even dedicated the first publication to him.
Mr. Kane has been a wealth of inspiration for me as well as countless others, but being who I am, I have to 'call a spade a spade'.
Christian Kane is entitled to his opinion, as American's we all are. But, as a man that has been blessed with a certain popularity, he has the specific responsibility to understand ALL voices on the above issue. He must be held accountable for his words; healing or hurtful, because those words reach so many and can be utilized to hurt and further injure.
In a country that is struggling through the nastiest presidential campaign in recent history; hate groups crawling from under the crevices of normal society, yelling to the fiery heavens curses of ignorance and death. Black and white people arming themselves with fear and loathing, the fabric of time and progression, well worn lessons for our beloved nation.
It is all unraveling before our very eyes, or so it seems.
Opinions are opinions, everyone has one. But in this heated climate of racial unrest, a melting pot that is slowly starting to boil over, celebs need to utilize their voices wisely. Many are listening, looking for guidance and validation.
Choose your words wisely Mr. Kane, utilize that white skin, blue eyes and native red blood to help not only yourself, but others that have no voice. As a Métis, it is your calling and duty first and foremost to honor your blood  before honoring any flag of any nation. THAT is your duty.
 Our native ancestors are depending on you.

Will I continue to support Christian Kane ?
Ofcourse -- he is only human. But I do expect more in the future. From what I have heard, he is a kind and loving human being and a wonderful role model. The world is watching.

T -