Taking a knee: Perceptions of NFL player protests during the National Anthem

Abstract

We examined the influence of individual differences in the propensity to make attributions to prejudice (PMAP) and adherence to masculine honor beliefs (MHBs) on perceptions of NFL players who protested during the National Anthem. Those higher in adherence to MHBs perceived protests as inappropriate, and a Black player as more disrespectful when he took a knee, while those higher in PMAP perceived protests as appropriate, and a White player as more disrespectful when he stood. Additionally, those higher in MHBs were less likely to express endorsement that police violence against racial minorities is a current social issue, while those higher in PMAP expressed greater endorsement. Our findings indicate adherence to MHBs and PMAP influence perceptions of the NFL protests, which may influence public reactions to social and political movements. This in turn may influence institutional, political, and social policies, leading to broader social impacts regarding racial inequality.