Kaepernick Nike Ad

The sports world and beyond were abuzz last night, not for the opening game of the NFL season, which was kind of a dud, but for the Nike commercial that aired during the broadcast.  For those unaware, a few days ago, Nike announced that it would use Colin Kaepernick as a spokesperson for their new ad campaign called “Just Do It – Believe in something, even if it means sacrificing everything.”  I have read that some people have taken to literally burning their Nike shoes over Kaepernick’s involvement in the brand.  I’ve already written on the kneeling before, here is the post if interested.

NFL – National Anthem Policy

Here is my take on the commercial.

History of This Country

US History is based on its people taking a stand.  We all read about the Boston Tea Party, and how the Sons of Liberty busted up boxes of tea to fight the oppressive British rule.  Nat Turner’s rebellion prior to the Civil War was an attempt by slaves to gain their freedom, that we teach our kids as a lesson to fight against injustice.  Rosa Parks refused to move to the back of the bus during a long day, and it became a rallying cry to move Civil Rights to the front of the congressional agenda in the 1960s.  So, why are so many people against a man who took a knee during the national anthem?  The guy took a stand or knee for a cause.  That is what America was built on, and he didn’t destroy property or take a life or even break the law to do it.  So, why are people burning Nikes?  Because of a commercial?  Guess what, for all the people who are anti-Kaep and burning shoes, you made this happen.  Kaep isn’t going to give up just because you hate him and burn your shoes.  Now, Nike is capitalizing on your hate.

Call It Like It Is

It is a sad state when Americans use the military or other nationalistic reasons to speak out against people who are actually trying to do something for others in need.  Police brutality in this country is happening.  Not all police officers act in this way, I have a cousin who is on the Chicago Police force, I know police officers, and of course respect them.  Sadly, such brutality has happened for centuries, but it is only until recently that with cell phone and dashboard cameras, the entire world can see it first hand.  Also, no one in the majority, which is White America (which I am part of), wants to admit that a lot of the backlash is racially motivated.  Kaepernick took a knee because the brutality seen in this country is affecting one group disproportionately – African Americans.  My daughter told me a story this week that even in a town like Evanston, which is as racially diverse as any community in the Chicagoland area, the police needlessly pulled over, ordered out of the car and frisked African American teens – one of which I coached and know is a good kid.  Why?  He is black.  That’s it.  No other reason.  So, if you think that Kaep is wrong to kneel during an anthem and do a commercial challenging all of us to reach goals that are greater than ourselves, then you are not embracing what it means to be an American.  I applaud Nike for doing this – will they make money?  You damn right they will.  Why?  They will make money because not everyone in this country believes that there is only one way to do something.  Not everyone is ok with racist practices by police, our government and sadly, even our President at times.  Our country is great because of its diversity, not in spite of it.

Final Analysis

The Nike commercial I saw was outstanding.  It showed so many people overcoming stereotypes, physical and cultural limitations to excel in whatever they wanted to do.  Dr. King said, “I have a dream.”  That’s what the commercial is about, having a dream even when it isn’t popular or you could risk losing what you have.  Kaepernick lost his job, livelihood and has been vilified by a large section of the American people because he stood up for what he thought was right.  When have you ever risked something like that?  God bless him for leading this campaign, and for those that hate him and what he stands for, guess what, there’s a place for you, too, in this country, as much as I hate it.  Just leave room for those that don’t believe in what you do and maybe respect someone who wants to see change for people who need it more than you.

Back to just sports next week.

Wegs