Support for athlete activism: how frames and race influence support of protesting, freedom of expression, and role of the athlete
Date
2019
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Publisher
University of Delaware
Abstract
This study investigated the influence of frames and race on public support for athlete activism. Previous research established frames as an innate process used to understand the world around us. Frames are used to conceptualize issues and affect our reasoning and behavior towards that issue. Many sources, or policy actors, can frame an issue, thus influencing the public's evaluation and beliefs about that issue. In recent years, Colin Kaepernick, former NFL quarterback, has protested to raise awareness about social issues while facing scrutiny from policy actors for his beliefs and actions. This study examined how policy actors, in particular, news media, influence the public's support for athlete activism, which is the willingness to accept or tolerate politically engaged athletes. Two hundred and sixty-four undergraduate students were exposed to one of four experimental conditions, during which participants were exposed to a news article which framed either a White or a Black college athlete positively or negatively for kneeling during the National Anthem during a college football game. Results of the subsequent survey questionnaire showed that among participants there were no differences amongst the experimental conditions which suggests other factors may be the influence for an individual's level of support for athlete activism. Moreover, racial resentment and democratic values were two factors affecting support. Additionally, the more you resent Black people and the more you value patriotism, the less likely you are to support athlete activism. Future studies should explore how sports affinity and policy actors, other than media, influence support.