It's anything but absurd! Many of us were raised to honor God & Country, and see all the kneeling foolishness as an attack on their values. Many fought and died for what we have today, and the flag represents all that. People naturally respond to that.
As for Social media, I've never been a subscriber but have heard horror stories about people being attacked and threatened for expressing their views. Obviously that reflects a lack of values and respect, and those who were not raised that way, just don't get that!
Just heard on the radio that a bar in N VA is cancelling Sunday Ticket because they have a daughter that is currently serving in the military, They clearly have the courage of their convictions, may suffer from a business standpoint, but are OK with that, so I support them..