Steering away from all of the Yeezy news, here’s some drama about Nike. Colin Kaepernick, the former NFL player who famously took a knee instead of standing during the American National Anthem, is in Nike’s 30-year anniversary advertisement campaign, and some people aren’t having it. They’re even burning Nikes in protest to featuring Kaepernick in the campaign.
It’s been two years since Kaepernick first sat through the anthem as a form of activism to defend the rights of black people and people of color against police brutality. In a recent campaign, Nike commemorates Kaepernick’s actions, representing him as a hero with the quote, “Believe in something. Even if it means sacrificing everything.”
The ad is not sitting very well with a lot of Americans, who feel that Kaepernick’s actions were anti-patriotic. Many have taken to social media to express their thoughts and have gone as far as to burning Nikes and other merchandise that they already bought.
Shockingly, even the President criticized Nike’s move and said that Kaepernick needs to be fired. However, when Barak Obama was in office, he defended freedom of opinion and expression and handled the matter gracefully (see video).
But while some Americans see Kaepernick’s act as disrespectful, there are many who stood by him for not standing. He even has a 2018 Ambassador of Conscience Award from Amnesty International for speaking out for justice. Countless celebrities, influencers, even policemen, and veterans have spoken in support of his protest.
I don't see kneeling as disrespect for our armed forces or veterans. It is a statement about the discrimination, prejudices, and injustices that still age American Society. @Nike & @Kaepernick7 are on the right side of history. #TakeAKnee
— Wes Clark (@GeneralClark) September 5, 2018
Hilarious watching @realDonaldTrump's core desperately seeking new footwear this morning. @Kaepernick7 is a true American hero. @Nike is a true American company. #JustDoIt
— Morgan J. Freeman (@mjfree) September 4, 2018
https://twitter.com/IISuperwomanII/status/1037636972846563328
dear @Nike i appreciate you for standing with @Kaepernick7 https://t.co/KEvLlzeGGV
— Casey Neistat (@Casey) September 3, 2018
Here’s a funny compilation of people’s reactions. The following video may contain sensitive content such as the burning of Nike sneakers:
Is burning Nikes a big deal to Nike?
No. Nike doesn’t really care about the customers lost in response to this move. Surely, a company as successful as Nike wouldn’t throw itself in the fire (lol) for a political issue.
Although their stock took a dip after the ad controversy, Nike made a calculated decision. And the Swoosh knows that its clients are those who are in Kaepernick’s corner. Nike’s clients include young people, creatives, African American athletes, human rights activists, pacifists, forward-thinking people. Therefore, those who are culture-influencing, even rebels fighting for social justice, and more.
Share this post if you’re one of them!
