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The Kaepernick Effect

Taking a Knee, Changing the World
3.75 goodreads logo

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( 427 ratings, 96 reviews)
Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
In 2016, amid widespread police shootings of African Americans, NFL quarterback Colin Kaepernick began quietly protesting by "taking a knee" during the U.S. national anthem. This simple yet powerful act reignited a long tradition of athlete activism and grew into a symbol of resistance against racial inequality. Award-winning sportswriter Dave Zirin documents the ripple effect of Kaepernick's protests through deeply personal stories from athletes, coaches, and sports administrators at every level, illustrating how sports intersect with politics to inspire a broader movement for racial justice in America.
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Format: Paperback / softback
$6200

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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

The Kaepernick Effect is ideal for readers interested in sports activism, racial justice movements, contemporary American politics, and the cultural impact of athlete protests. It appeals to students, educators, activists, sports fans, and anyone seeking a deeper understanding of how sport influences and reflects societal change.

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Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

Riveting and inspiring first-person stories of how "taking a knee" triggered an awakening in sports, from the celebrated sportswriter of How to Be an Antiracist.

In 2016, amid an epidemic of police shootings of African Americans, the celebrated NFL quarterback Colin Kaepernick began a series of quiet protests on the field, refusing to stand during the U.S. national anthem. By "taking a knee," Kaepernick bravely joined a long tradition of American athletes making powerful political statements. This time, however, Kaepernick's simple act spread like wildfire throughout American society, becoming the preeminent symbol of resistance to America's persistent racial inequality.

Critically acclaimed sports journalist and author of A People's History of Sports in the United States, Dave Zirin chronicles the Kaepernick effect for the first time, through interviews with a broad cross-section of professional athletes across many different sports, college stars and high-powered athletic directors, and high school athletes and coaches. In each case, he uncovers the fascinating explanations and motivations behind a mass political movement in sports, through deeply personal and inspiring accounts of risk-taking, activism, and courage both on and off the field.

A book about the politics of sport, and the impact of sports on politics, The Kaepernick Effect is for anyone seeking to understand an essential dimension of the new movement for racial justice in America.

Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

Praise for The Kaepernick Effect: "A collection of compelling stories that place the reader at the heart of the stirring protests for racial justice, revealing how taking a knee transformed sports and society. An extraordinary book." — Jesse Hagopian, The Progressive

"An enthralling look at peaceful protest by sports figures across all levels, offering rousing evidence of life-changing effects spurred by individual action." — Publishers Weekly (starred review)

"Take a knee, everyone, and start a revolution. A thoughtful anecdotal study of protest in our time." — Kirkus Reviews

"An insightful book about Kaepernick’s wide-reaching impact. Highly recommended and necessary reading for those seeking to promote social justice, equity, inclusion, and end police brutality." — Library Journal

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Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9781620977859

Publisher: The New Press

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 27 October 2022

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: The New Press

Illustration: Illustrations

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 15.0mm

Width: 139.0mm

Height: 215.0mm

Weight: 250g

Pages: 240

About the Author

One of UTNE Reader's "50 Visionaries Who Are Changing Our World," Dave Zirin and a regular guest on MSNBC, CNN, and ESPN, he lives near Washington, DC.

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