According to a recent Wall Street Journal/NBC poll, what percent of Americans think that kneeling during the National Anthem is Not appropriate?
How accurate was your prediction?
Explain whether this information surprised you?
In terms of political party affiliation, what patterns do you see in the data?
Explain what accounts for that difference?
What is one consequence of this?
How different do you think these numbers would have been 5 years ago?
Will Nike's sponsorship of Colin Kaepernick change people opinion of this issue?
Why do you think Nike sponsored Kaepernick?
Do you think Nike will suffer (sacrifice everything) for their sponsorship?
What specifically could the leader of the executive branch do about this issue kneeling during the national anthem besides tweeting about it and getting mad?
What specifically could the U.S. Congress do about this issue?
How different do you think public opinion would be if it had been Tom Brady (White) leading the call for kneeling during the anthem, instead of Colin Kaepernick (Black)?
Imagine there was a strong Democratic leader (Obama, for example) saying that kneeling during the anthem was Not appropriate, or imagine a strong Republican leader (Trump, for example) saying that kneeling during the anthem was Appropriate. Explain whether you think that would change the minds of members of that leader's party.
Nike's slogan is, "Believe in something. Even if it means sacrificing everything." What would be a good slogan for a counter-protester who was against kneeling during the anthem?
Explain whether you think Democrats would be wise to make kneeling during the national anthem a central issue in this year's midterm elections?
Do you even remember why athletes are kneeling during the anthem?
Describe how the issue of players kneeling during the anthem to protest police brutality is taking place in your school or community?
How would you personally, respond to the question in the poll?
How would a typical American liberal and a typical American conservative respond to the athletes' protest?
Describe another moment in political history that reminds you of this protest.
If someone joins a protest AGAINST the athletes that protest police brutality by kneeling during the anthem, does that mean that the counter-protester is pro-police brutality?
Explain your opinion on the counter-protesters who are destroying their Nike gear.
Learning Extension
Use the interactive poll below to sort respondents by race, age, political party, or other demographic features to see how this issue cuts across lines.
There are many ways to take part in either side of the protest. You could destroy your Nike products or buy Nike products. In class or online, share an example of something you or someone you know did to show their approval or disapproval of the athletes who kneel during the national anthem to protest police brutality.