You must argue for an original thesis on the protests and/ or commentaries of Colin Kaepernick and/or Marshawn Lynch. You must make sure you present two kinds of arguments we cover in this course (e.g., deductive, inference to the best explanation, enumerative induction, etc.) in support of your thesis. Careful consideration should be paid to the kind of arguments and counterargument(s) you may use for your essay. You may also employ three additional sources, if and only if, you submit them along with your complete and timely outline for your paper. Do not use sources outside of course materials.

QUESTION

You must argue for an original thesis on the protests and/ or commentaries of Colin Kaepernick and/or Marshawn Lynch. You must make sure you present two kinds of arguments we cover in this course (e.g., deductive, inference to the best explanation, enumerative induction, etc.) in support of your thesis. Careful consideration should be paid to the kind of arguments and counterargument(s) you may use for your essay. You may also employ three additional sources, if and only if, you submit them along with your complete and timely outline for your paper. Do not use sources outside of course materials.

Course Materials
Colin Kaepernick https://youtu.be/AqyDdHDomtk
Additional Materials:
– Protests Anthem (Links to an external site.)
– Lawsuit (Links to an external site.)
– Additional Sources for Kaepernick (Links to an external site.)
Marshawn Lynch
Controversy (Links to an external site.)
On Kaepernick (Links to an external site.)
The Documentary (Links to an external site.)
On The Documentary
Outline Template

Title

I. Paragraph 1: Introduction

1. Context / Hook (no more than three sentences)

2. Thesis Statement (no more than one sentence (two lines tops!))

3. Plan (should communicate all the major parts of your essay)

A. First major part of your essay (as many parts as needed within limits)

B. Second major part of your essay (as many parts as needed within limits)

C. Third major part of your essay (as many parts as needed within limits)

Note: Consider whether you want to communicate the author, title and main characters in your introduction.

II. First Body Paragraph (Paragraph 2 (or 3 for essays 6 pages):

1. Topic sentence for the first major part of your essay that communicates what this paragraph will discuss. Always consider how what you write will support your thesis.

A. Supporting paragraph with additional supporting information (as many paragraphs as needed within limits)

B. Supporting paragraph with additional supporting information (as many paragraphs as needed within limits)

C. Supporting paragraph with additional supporting information (as many paragraphs as needed within limits)

2. Topic sentence for the second major part of your essay that communicates what this paragraph will discuss. Always consider how what you write will support your thesis.

A. Supporting paragraph with additional supporting information (as many paragraphs as needed within limits)

B. Supporting paragraph with additional supporting information (as many paragraphs as needed within limits)

C. Supporting paragraph with additional supporting information (as many paragraphs as needed within limits)

3. Topic sentence for the third major part of your essay that communicates what this paragraph will discuss. Always consider how what you write will support your thesis.

A. Supporting paragraph with additional supporting information (as many paragraphs as needed within limits)

B. Supporting paragraph with additional supporting information (as many paragraphs as needed within limits)

C. Supporting paragraph with additional supporting information (as many paragraphs as needed within limits)

III. Conclusion Last Paragraph (or 2 for essays 6 pages)

Summarize your argument
Remind the reader of your thesis and its importance
Closing Remarks
NOTE: If you have decided to use additional sources, make sure to list the works you plan to cite along with your outline. You may simply add it as a bibliography page (in MLA format) at the end of your outline.

Please attached a brief summary description of the arguments you plan to employ in your essay at the end of your outline

Outline Assignment Checklist

Your completed Outline Assignment must include:

A clear and concise thesis statement
The plan you will employ in your introduction
Planned sub-arguments for your thesis along with some preliminary details
A list of works you will be using in your essay
A list of arguments you will employ along with their summary descriptions
Evidence of your effort!

ANSWER

The Protests and Commentary of Colin Kaepernick and Marshawn Lynch: Challenging the Status Quo in Sports

Introduction

The protests and commentaries of Colin Kaepernick and Marshawn Lynch have ignited fervent discussions about the role of athletes in addressing social issues. These athletes have utilized their platforms to shed light on systemic problems, particularly racial injustice, within the United States. This essay argues that the protests and commentaries of Kaepernick and Lynch have been instrumental in challenging the status quo in sports. By employing deductive reasoning and inference to the best explanation, these athletes have effectively communicated their messages and sparked important conversations.

Deductive Reasoning

Kaepernick and Lynch have demonstrated their arguments’ logical consistency and coherence through deductive reasoning.

Kaepernick’s protest against racial injustice and police brutality during the national anthem exemplifies a clear message against systemic oppression. His actions were consistent with his previous statements and actions, revealing a genuine commitment to addressing the issue. Kaepernick had previously spoken about racial inequality and supported community initiatives to create positive change (Graham & Carpenter, 2017). By taking a knee during the national anthem, Kaepernick used deductive reasoning to highlight the incongruity between the ideals of freedom and equality that the anthem represents and the lived experiences of marginalized communities.

Similarly, Lynch’s refusal to speak with the media during press conferences serves as a form of protest against the oppressive structures within the sports industry. This act symbolizes the incongruity between player autonomy and media obligations. Lynch’s actions reveal a logical consistency between his stance on personal freedom and his critique of the commodification of athletes in the sports industry (Alrahbi, 2018). By engaging in deductive reasoning, Lynch challenges the established norms and expectations placed on athletes, demanding a reevaluation of the power dynamics within the sports realm.

Inference to the Best Explanation

To comprehend the necessity of Kaepernick and Lynch’s protests, it is crucial to analyze the evidence and societal context through inference to the best explanation.

Kaepernick’s protest arose during a period of heightened visibility of police brutality and racial profiling incidents, sparking a national conversation on systemic racism. The evidence of unjust treatment experienced by marginalized communities, particularly Black Americans, provided a compelling backdrop for Kaepernick’s protest. Inferences can be drawn from statistical data, personal accounts, and historical context, collectively supporting the assertion that racial injustice exists within American society (“Race” and Sport: A Critical, Historical Examination on JSTOR, n.d.). Kaepernick’s protest serves as an inference to the best explanation, encapsulating the frustration and demand for change among those affected by systemic racism.

Likewise, Lynch’s protest can be understood through an inference to the best explanation. The media’s scrutiny of athletes often perpetuates stereotypes and reinforces power imbalances. By refusing to conform to media expectations, Lynch challenges the status quo and emphasizes the need for players to have agency over their own narratives. The evidence of media sensationalism, biased reporting, and the monetization of athletes supports the inference that Lynch’s protest was a reaction to an exploitative system. Through his actions, Lynch prompts a deeper examination of the sports industry’s treatment of athletes and the need for more equitable practices.

Conclusion

The protests and commentaries of Colin Kaepernick and Marshawn Lynch have been powerful catalysts for change, challenging the status quo in sports. By employing deductive reasoning, these athletes have showcased their arguments’ logical consistency and coherence. Through inference to the best explanation, they have drawn attention to the systemic issues that underlie their protests. Kaepernick and Lynch’s actions have initiated crucial conversations about racial injustice, police brutality, and athlete autonomy. As society grapples with these issues, their protests remind them that sports can be a powerful platform for social activism, inspiring future athletes to use their voices for positive change.

References

Alrahbi, K. (2018). McQuail’s Mass Communication Theory. Squ. https://www.academia.edu/36441695/McQuails_Mass_Communication_Theory 

Graham, B. A., & Carpenter, L. (2017, November 27). Colin Kaepernick’s critics are ignoring the target of his protest. The Guardian. https://www.theguardian.com/sport/blog/2016/sep/16/colin-kaepernick-protest-racial-iniquity-nfl-american-football 

“Race” and Sport: A Critical, Historical Examination on JSTOR. (n.d.). https://www.jstor.org/stable/43609623