Damon Cole
Christina Ivey
Comm 160
9/7/18
Kolin Kaepernick Nike Deal
"Believe in something even if it means sacrificing everything" (Kelner, np). Even though this statement
by Nike in its advert of just do it is likely to continue causing different and varying opinions countrywide,
there is no doubt that the message being put forward by Colin Kaepernick is one that bears a lot of
significance for young teenagers chasing their dreams across this country and especially those of
African American descent. Colin Kaepernick stand on matters of social justice has threatened his career
in the NFL and his actions have resulted in him not taking part in the league for the last two seasons and
he currently not signed to any team, and this is with no doubt related to his stand.
by Nike in its advert of just do it is likely to continue causing different and varying opinions countrywide,
there is no doubt that the message being put forward by Colin Kaepernick is one that bears a lot of
significance for young teenagers chasing their dreams across this country and especially those of
African American descent. Colin Kaepernick stand on matters of social justice has threatened his career
in the NFL and his actions have resulted in him not taking part in the league for the last two seasons and
he currently not signed to any team, and this is with no doubt related to his stand.
As a young black American student and footballer, I believe that this move by both Kaepernick and
Nike is an important not only because it goes against attempts to victimize an individual because of
taking a polarising stand or standing up to what they believe, but it is also important in the sense that
it has challenged me in pushing for our country to live up to the ideals that the flag is supposed to
represent. I have a duty to look beyond the walls of racism as well as not focusing on trying to
convert hearts and minds as it is already clear that everyone is already entrenched. Instead of
succumbing to pressure from the NFL, Kaepernick unmoved stand in what he believes in has earned
him great respect and this is emphasized by the fact that such a big brand like Nike is willing to work
with him. In addition, the move is important to me in that highlights the need to be unselfish and
pretend that this country does not have a problem of social injustice.
Nike is an important not only because it goes against attempts to victimize an individual because of
taking a polarising stand or standing up to what they believe, but it is also important in the sense that
it has challenged me in pushing for our country to live up to the ideals that the flag is supposed to
represent. I have a duty to look beyond the walls of racism as well as not focusing on trying to
convert hearts and minds as it is already clear that everyone is already entrenched. Instead of
succumbing to pressure from the NFL, Kaepernick unmoved stand in what he believes in has earned
him great respect and this is emphasized by the fact that such a big brand like Nike is willing to work
with him. In addition, the move is important to me in that highlights the need to be unselfish and
pretend that this country does not have a problem of social injustice.
References
Fortin, Jacey, and Matthew Haag. "After Colin Kaepernick’S Nike Deal, Some Salute Swoosh, Others Boycott It". Nytimes.Com, 2018, https://www.nytimes.com/2018/09/04/sports/nike- protests-kaepernick-nfl-.html.
Kelner, Martha. "Nike’S Controversial Colin Kaepernick Ad Campaign Its Most Divisive Yet". The Guardian, 2018, https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2018/sep/04/nike-controversial-colin- kaepernick-campaign-divisive. Accessed 8 Sept 2018.
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