According to Irving Janes (1972), groupthink occurs when a group makes an irrational decision because of group pressure fostering and the deterioration of ‘mental efficiency, reality testing, and moral judgement” (Irving, Janis, Victims of groupthink, p.9). Social influence is the effect that people have upon the beliefs or behaviors of others (Aaronson, 2004). Both groupthink and social influence theory have a factor in what we see as an ongoing reaction to the silent protest started by Colin Kaepernick in August 2016.
In recent news on October 1, 2017 during a game between the Arizona Cardinals and the San Francisco 49ers, about 30 of the 49ers players took a knee during the national anthem. Following the game, the players voiced that they were “Inspired by the actions” of former player Kaepernick. Many other players from across the NFL followed suit and knelt during the National Anthem. Had Kaepernick not knelt during the first couple games last season taking a knee would have never even been considered to protest racism amidst the players and other teams. Many of the players knelt not because they personally related to the injustice in Black America but because of groupthink …show more content…
Recently on September 29, 2017 at a high school football game between Life Waxahachie and Lincoln of Dallas ISD. Members of the Lincoln football Team (Tigers) took a knee during the national anthem. Many players took a “knee or linked arms in a statement of unity defending their right to protest”. This relates to groupthink. Those who chose to kneel, knelt together in unison to defend their right to protest rather than having personal beliefs as to why they chose to kneel. In a recent interview with Sports Day HS Dallas ISD Athletic Director Gil Garza stated that “I think they would be emulating what they see on TV, and I'm not so sure how many kids really understand
In recent news on October 1, 2017 during a game between the Arizona Cardinals and the San Francisco 49ers, about 30 of the 49ers players took a knee during the national anthem. Following the game, the players voiced that they were “Inspired by the actions” of former player Kaepernick. Many other players from across the NFL followed suit and knelt during the National Anthem. Had Kaepernick not knelt during the first couple games last season taking a knee would have never even been considered to protest racism amidst the players and other teams. Many of the players knelt not because they personally related to the injustice in Black America but because of groupthink …show more content…
Recently on September 29, 2017 at a high school football game between Life Waxahachie and Lincoln of Dallas ISD. Members of the Lincoln football Team (Tigers) took a knee during the national anthem. Many players took a “knee or linked arms in a statement of unity defending their right to protest”. This relates to groupthink. Those who chose to kneel, knelt together in unison to defend their right to protest rather than having personal beliefs as to why they chose to kneel. In a recent interview with Sports Day HS Dallas ISD Athletic Director Gil Garza stated that “I think they would be emulating what they see on TV, and I'm not so sure how many kids really understand