America prides itself on democracy. With the signing of the Bill of Rights in 1789 came the establishment of freedom, forever engraved in the hearts and minds of our citizens. Over the course of our existence, a plethora of athletes have risen in rebellion of social issues. So why is Colin Kaepernick‘s silent protest against police brutality receiving so much criticism? Ironically, patriotism.

Kaepernick, quarterback for the San Francisco 49ers, has refused to stand for the national anthem as a form of speaking out against what he believes to be racially motivated police brutality. The outrage against his actions stems from those who believe he has slighted the U.S. military and police force. This claim, however, seems far-fetched.

The NFL is perhaps the most patriotic organization in sports history. Dramatic displays of patriotism, whether it be military flyovers or the presentation of the U.S. colors and military branches, occur at an obscene rate. It was even revealed earlier this year that the Pentagon had spent upwards of $6.8 million on these displays, while the NFL embarrassingly returned $700,000 worth of taxpayers’ money which had been doled out to 17 teams to put on military tributes. There is no doubting that the military receives the praise and celebration it deserves.

One man, however, sat during the pre-game rendition of the “Star Spangled Banner” and suddenly a monsoon of criticism has overtaken the media while overly nationalistic viewers accuse him of not respecting our armed forces. Perhaps we should instead look at the good Kaepernick is trying to achieve. The light he is shining on the leading civil rights issue of the 21^st century has stirred much needed conversation on the issue of #BlackLivesMatter.

The institution of democracy allows for change. We can use our own voice to alter our society, build on ourselves, and strengthen the ideals that define us as a nation: equality and freedom. Are we a country that chooses to idolize a symbol rather than solidify our own purpose?

Many athletes besides Kaepernick have also stood up, or perhaps even quite literally sat down, in opposition to the police force and its actions. In 2014, NBA players Lebron James, Kyrie Irving, Derrick Rose and countless others sported warm-up T-shirts with the quote “I can’t breathe” across the chest in support of Eric Garner, who was put in a chokehold and later pronounced dead at the hands of the police.

With the NFL averaging about 20.75 million viewers per game, the stadium is the perfect stage to stand up. Kaepernick is using his constitutional right to give a voice to those who lack the money and the power it provides.

President Barack Obama spoke out on the issue and acknowledged the criticism saying the protest is “a tough thing for [U.S. soldiers] to get passed.” But I think we need to be smart enough to understand that this protest is fully in support of the black community and is not an attack on those who fought and continue to fight for our country.

Kaepernick spoke out saying that he has deep respect for our soldiers: “They fight for freedom, they fight for the people, they fight for liberty and justice, for everyone. That’s not happening.” By silently protesting, Kaepernick is advocating for the justice that has been deprived of people of color, the same justice that our soldiers die fighting for.

Police brutality is the key focus of Kaepernick’s protest, so it isn’t surprising police officers are offended. It is unfair to stereotype the entire police force as racist and violent, however, it is more reasonable to call those out who continually cover up their colleague’s errors. In the case of Chicago teen Laquan McDonald‘s shooting, seven police were fired for covering up the details. The blue wall of silence that exists between police officers encourages the unwritten rule not to report a colleague’s crimes, including police brutality. This is what needs to end; this is what Kaepernick is trying to bring attention to.

It’s time that we acknowledge the social injustices that have plagued this country. It’s time that we listen to the voices of those brave enough to stand up, and understand that Kaepernick’s actions aren’t an attack on our soldiers and police force, but instead a plea for justice.