Over the weekend a viral video of students from Covington Catholic, Kentucky generated a media firestorm for the alleged bigotry the students displayed in a confrontation with Black Hebrew Israelites and Native American demonstrators in Washington, D.C. After nearly two hours of footage of the incident became available, some commentators backtracked their criticism of the students, as it became clear they had been subject to taunts and verbal abuse from the Black Hebrew Israelites, a fringe political group.

However, the controversy hasn't ebbed. Many liberal analysts believe the students are still culpable of provocative and disrespectful behavior, citing gestures and chants that they say are offensive and racist. Some critics have also discussed the body language of student Nick Sandmann in his encounter with Native American activist Nathan Phillips, arguing that it communicated privilege and aggression, especially since he and other students were wearing "Make America Great Again" hats--a symbol of hate for some people.

Conservatives decry what they say is a vilification of the Covington students. They argue the students in question are being treated unjustly, that they were restrained in their reactions, and that they were merely trying to give each other support in a confusing and potentially unsafe situation. In turn, conservative commentators claim the incident and media coverage represent an example of extreme political correctness, and that it has incited people to harass and threaten the boys and their families.