We watched the Netflix show Colin in Black and White some time last year. I’m no sports fan, and know absolutely nothing about football of any kind, so this was not a show I would have normally chosen. But we were looking for a change in pace, and wanted to watch something different. And so we decided to explore Colin’s life. Since I’ve seen the show, I’ve thought often about it, and how much there is to learn from the Colin’s journey.
Based on the life of former NFL quarterback and social justice activist, Colin Kaepernick who is famous for kneeling during the national anthem at the start of 2016 NFL games in protest of police brutality and racial inequality in the United States, the series is narrated through the eyes & voice of Colin himself, using a mix of scripted scenes and archival footage to tell his story. New York Times hailed the show as an “exploration of the complexities of identity” and The Guardian called it “a compelling examination of race and identity in America.“
As a social commentary, the series has a strong impact, and serves as a call to action for individuals to actively work towards creating a more just and equitable society. But to me, the show has much more to teach us than the impact of racism and discrimination. There are many lessons that we can learn from Colin’s life, irrespective of our race, gender and age.
The persuasive power of perseverance
Throughout the series, we see Colin face many obstacles and challenges, including racism and discrimination, financial struggles, and injuries. Despite these setbacks, Colin remains dedicated to his goals and works tirelessly to overcome all the obstacles that cross his path. The show is an excellent example of how hard work and dedication can help us overcome even the most difficult obstacles and achieve our goals. As a teacher and entrepreneur, the persuasive power of perseverance as demonstrated by Colin stood out as an extremely important lesson.
The importance of believing in yourself
One of the most prominent themes of the show is the importance of believing in oneself. Colin’s journey to becoming a successful quarterback and civil rights activist is riddled with obstacles and challenges, but he never wavers in his belief in his abilities. Despite facing racism and discrimination, he refuses to let society pull him back, and instead works hard to achieve his goals, and prove his worth.
The impact of standing up for what’s right
Throughout the show, Colin is depicted as someone who is willing to speak out against injustice and take action to bring about change. He is shown participating in protests and speaking out against police brutality and systemic racism. This lesson is particularly relevant in today’s world of inequality, discrimination and social injustice. The show serves as a reminder that protesting can be a powerful tool for change, and that even a lone individual standing up for what’s right can make a difference in the fight for justice.
The power of family and community
Colin’s mother and father, as well as his high school coach, play a crucial role in supporting and guiding him as he navigates the challenges of growing up Black in America. The show serves as a reminder of the role that family and community often play in providing support and encouragement to young people. It also highlights the need for individuals to actively work towards creating a supportive and inclusive community for all.
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