In the wake of the Colin Kaepernick Nike ad release, thousands of people have taken to social media to voice their opinions. This seems to be yet another polarizing topic within American society — people are either commending Nike or demeaning their brand and everyone involved in the production of the Kaepernick ad.
From a marketing perspective, this might actually have been a good move. They know their up-and-coming market is millennials and even those younger than millennials. Millennials are becoming known for their tireless fight against racism and injustice in all forms. Although all millennials may not agree with his actions and how he chose to protest, the majority understand his intentions and his desire for equality.
For those who are crying out against this ad saying that it demeans many veterans' ultimate sacrifice, I hear ya. Would I have chosen Kaepernick as the figurehead of an ad campaign based around the tagline "The ultimate sacrifice"? Probably not. To me, that phrase conveys that someone paid the ultimate price — their life. While his football career may be over, he is still not at all wanting for money or attention.
However, it is important to note that in an athletic sense, he did give it all up to draw attention to what he believes is a worthy cause. Do I agree with his choice of wearing socks that portray cops as pigs? No so much. But I do agree with the overall message that many people still are prejudiced against people of color.
Furthermore, you can't call yourself an American without respecting his right to peacefully protest. If your main argument is that his actions and demeanor are un-American, you'd be wrong. In fact, they are so essentially American that we are often shocked when someone actually utilizes their First Amendment rights. I by no means agree with his choice to kneel during the anthem because I think there is way too much symbolism associated with our anthem… but if not then, when? You want people to peacefully protest, but only when it fits your narrative of appropriate.
So congrats. You burned perfectly good socks, shoes, shorts, shirts, bags, etc. that you already paid for. You sure showed Nike! If you cared that much about veterans, you wouldn't burn your Nike products, you would donate them to these veterans and active duty military members that you are apparently so passionate about.
If you're so stressed or concerned about the lack of recognition active and retired military members are receiving, then give it to them. You don't need to drag Kaepernick in order to do so. Be the one who advocates for more sponsorship for accomplished veterans.
Go to your local homeless shelter and outfit those homeless veterans with all that expensive, high-quality Nike you no longer want. I'm sure they'd be more than appreciative. Better yet, volunteer at a rehabilitation or outreach center geared towards military members. Take a step into your local VA and ask not how do you feel about Nike's Kaepernick ad, but how can I best help develop this organization, the people that work here and the veterans that come here.
