“USA Today” recently published an article written by a former police detective, Rob Michaels regarding the protests influenced by Colin Kaepernick at the end of August. These protests, consists of athletes kneeling, raising a fist, and more recently, laying down, during the National Anthem played at the beginning of sporting events, instead of standing in the traditional hand-over-heart, hats-off honorary position.

Michaels’ article strongly suggests that protest won’t work. Protesting those who “protect and serve” us will not help, will not stop killings, violence and alleged police brutality, nor will it end violence towards cops.

“Do not protest the police,” Michaels said. “Partner with them, work together to find a solution.”

Michaels suggests that athletes understand “split second decisions” police face before they protest and speak out about their actions, claiming that “law enforcement would rather be a positive influence than have to use force.” He believes that problems are more easily solved if those who are influential, such as athletes and policemen work together to do so, instead of yelling at and resisting one another.

He suggests athletes work together with the police force to organize community events and spread positive awareness about police, instead of the seemingly typical “police are bad,” message recently experienced by teenagers, kids and certain communities.

Michaels has a point. Our country has been split for decades, centuries, on the issues of race and equality. The recent shootings, police brutality incidents and protests definitely do not help. It only splits us more; those on the side of police, versus those on the side of citizens.

An inaccurate stereotype and expectation has been introduced, spread and unfortunately accepted as of late, especially among younger citizens. Protesting those who fight to serve and protect us does not help anything, it only spreads more unwanted anger and negative judgements all around.

  Colin Kaepernick, while he may be standing up for what he believes is right and what is right, in the long run, seems to be doing it wrong. Kaepernick has spread awareness on a national level. However, it has led to a split in the country; those joining his protest versus those who protect us. Whichever side you are on, there are negative feelings residing; either about policemen, or about other citizens being hurt, shot, and unfairly treated by policemen.

  To make a change, a real, positive change, we must be unified, not separated, angry and protesting one another. If influential citizens such as athletes pair with policemen to spread awareness and put on community events, a feeling of unity and appreciation of our law enforcement units may reside. If citizens feel safe and appreciative of those fighting everyday to serve us and protect us, less and less run-ins involving controversial confrontational situations will occur. People will not feel the need to stand up to cops in possible-arrest situations and will not end up in trouble.  

Michaels has a point. We need to be unified, working together and getting along in order for the issues at hand to subside; protests, violence and shootings only make things worse.