Link to article:
http://news.gallup.com/poll/220562/pro-football-losing-fans-sports-holding-steady.aspx?g_source=Politics&g_medium=newsfeed&g_campaign=tiles
A recent poll shows that professional football's fanbase has declined in the last 5 years. In 2012, 67% of Americans reported that they are fans of pro football, but in 2017, 57% of Americans reported that they are fans. This drop is the most significant in relation to other famous professional sports, besides the Olympics, which does not occur in 2017. The best explanation for this drop unique to football would be the recent protests done by football players during the national anthem of each game. This poll could support the idea that as more football players start to protest, less people will continue watching. Other evidence that could support this conclusion is a poll showing the decline of fans based on political party. This poll presents that there is a much steeper drop in Republicans and Independents that are fans of football than in Democrats. As Donald Trump and other Republicans and Independents seem to be most uncomfortable with the recent protests, this poll would support the idea that since players continue to kneel, less and less Republicans and Independents want to watch the game.
Do you think that football players should continue protesting the national anthem, even if potentially risking a further declining fanbase? What do you think the NFL organization should do about this potential issue? Do you think football players are at fault for protesting the anthem? And lastly, do you think it is fair for fans to stop watching the game because of these protests?
6 comments:
I personally believe that if football players feel that the nation does not follow the values and promises it represents, then it is ok for them to protest the anthem. I do not think that a decreasing fanbase should be concerning to them, as fans come and go. To that extent, I also believe that fans have the right to stop watching games if they wish to. Not everyone agrees with the protests, and that is ok. However, I feel like these protests have been going on for a very, very long time, meaning that the protestors have not yet achieved what they desire to---a more safe and egalitarian society for all Americans
(or so I think). Therefore, I think that it might be wise for the protestors to begin doing more to effect their desired results, as what they are doing now does not seem to be enough.
Famous people losing fans is not uncommon when those people commit actions that are frowned upon by many. I'm not saying that the football players' protests are bad. In fact, I think that what they are doing is a good sign that America's policy of free speech and expression is holding steady throughout the country. If the football players want to protest, they should be able to without any hinderance. Their actions represent their opinions, and other people's opinions should not affect the protesters' actions. I don't know what kind of political bias the NFL has concerning this protest, but I believe that the NFL should support the football players' actions and beliefs no matter the cost. Sure the NFL will lose fans concerning this matter, but it will take an immense amount of people to stop supporting the NFL to make it shut down. The fans that stopped supporting football should not be insulted or reprimanded for their actions either. It is their decision to watch or not to watch, and people should not force them to continue supporting this sport. Altogether, neither the football players nor the fans should be criticized for their actions as both have the right to express their beliefs.
I agree with Emily and Alex. It's not uncommon for people or organizations to lose popularity when their fanbase disagrees with their actions. I'm really not surprised about this, because football tends to be especially followed in the South, which is also known for having large numbers of conservative people, who are less likely to agree with the protesting. You can think of football's decline in popularity as a form of protest by the fans.
I don't really know what would be best for the NFL to do. Economically speaking, as the NFL is a business, it would be best to force football players to stop protesting, but that would be an infringement on the right to symbolic speech.
While it is probable that some of the loss in viewership can be accounted by the protest by players, however I believe that it is more of a cultural shift in how people of younger generations prefer constant stimulation while sports like football have lots of breaks. Personally, I don't have time to watch an entire game, but if I'm interested I will watch highlights as its more efficient and also generally more enjoyable. In an age where we are provided with so many options to consider entertainment its difficult to believe that Footballs viewership problem is sourced in the protests.
I think that the football players should keep protesting at the games even if it impacts the NFL and number of viewers. It is their right to freely express their opinions and beliefs; they should not be discouraged to publicly share their views in order to benefit the NFL. I honestly do not know what the NFL should do; it is unjust for them to discourage the protests and/ or fire those for protesting. However, it is impacting people's careers and the league as a whole. While I personally would not stop watching football for these protests, I respect and understand why certain people would. Those that do not believe in the protests have the right to not watch football. While I think this is absurd, it is their right.
I agree that football players who want to continue spreading awareness on the issue of racial injustice in the country by protesting should do so, regardless of the impact it might have on viewership. In the end, they are fighting against something that has plagued this nation for centuries and want to help bring change. However, I do believe that there is a lot more to be done than just protesting this way on the field, because although many people may agree with their actions, people to do more in order to fix racial injustice in the country.
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