Nike's inspiring Campaign Divides a Nation

Colin Kaepernick. What comes up when you hear this name? Probably the debate over whether kneeling during the American

national anthem is disrespectful to veterans or it is using the right of peaceful protest. Kaepernick was the quarterback of the 49ers and is the first athlete to kneel during the US national anthem. This caused an uproar of controversy and to even be negatively acknowledged by the US president, Donald Trump.

After his peaceful protest, he was fired. Now imagine, would you make Kaepernick the face of a new big campaign? A colossal brand like Nike did. To say that they are doing this for solely profit seems unreasonable.

Nike is an enormous brand with much influence on the world and youth; and boycotting brands is nothing new in today’s day and

age. No wonder why there was a big commotion as they took a stance with Kaepernick.

Every business would know that staying silent and choosing a stance of neutrality is best for reputation. The NFL even thought it

was better to not be associated with Kaepernick thus firing him.

However, it is also known that silence and neutrality in a social climate like this will only benefit the oppressor. Nike, likely

being aware of this, took the chance and expressed their stance in the nightmare that is the court of public opinion.

The verdict? An overwhelming amount of support with just as an overwhelming amount of criticism. However, mostly victory.

Nike sales increased immensely and many taking to social media to express their support.

It became the next big shift in social climate.

However, of course numerous amounts of photos and videos of people burning and covering Nike logos surfaced on social media

as well, with the attached #JustBurnIt. Many celebrities have shown their support for Nike and Kaepernick. Recently,

the successful singer and businesswoman Rihanna was given the opportunity to perform at the super bowl halftime show, what

most see as an honour perform at. However, she turned the mass opportunity down in disagreement with the NFL’s decision

to fire Kaepernick.  

Personally, I have many emotions about the reaction of the public and the campaign but only in the support of Nike and what

it stands for.

Destroying garments won’t affect Nike. Burning your Nike items is burning your own money, not Nike’s.  In the end it’s all

peaceful protest and no one should take that away; like how the NFL did to Kaepernick. However when seeing these videos

of people boycotting Nike a feeling of discomfort and anger comes along. How can people possibly be this angry over someone

peacefully protesting a real problem in America? Kaepernick was literally protesting against police brutality and the injustices that

happen to black Americans. How could you undermine someone else’s protest to fit your own values? Sadly protesting another's protest as a way to silence their voice is nothing new.

In fairness, many might argue that the kneeling is disrespectful to veterans and those who fought for America’s freedom.

However, if that is so, shouldn't someone like Kaepernick not be able to use that freedom just like everyone else who's
protesting the campaign? People like Kaepernick should be able to
peacefully protest a problem in America without fear of losing a career.

I am in complete support for Nike’s campaign; personally finding it very inspiring as well.

expression of opinions should always be permitted as long as it does not disrespect or oppress a targeted group of people. Nike chose to stand against police brutality, Donald Trump and the many who agree with him. This gives me hope that more people and brands like Kaepernick and Nike will use their influence to inspire the next generation, my generation, to do right and strive for the best.

Respects to Nike and Colin Kaepernick for just doing it.