Is there a reason to “do it?”
posted by Brandon Owens | October 3, 2018 | In OpinionEarlier this month, in commemoration of its 30th anniversary, Nike released an ad campaign featuring the former NFL player Colin Kaepernick. The ad features Kaepernick and states “Believe in something, even if it means sacrificing everything.”
Even before the ad’s release, Kaepernick has been in the spotlight. He is well-known for taking a knee instead of standing when the national anthem plays during sporting events in protest to racial injustice in the country.
Kaepernick’s actions have definitely caused split opinions. Simply put, people either support him, or they’re against him. This ad was not an exception.
The ad’s release has provided controversy as it has sparked outrage among many who own Nike products. Social media was filled with posts of people expressing their outrage as well as destroying their Nike products. If they weren’t ripping off the logo (a.k.a. the Nike Swoosh), they were downright wasting them. Shoes were either ripped up or lit on fire (although it wouldn’t be surprising if someone did both), socks were cut up, clothes were thrown in the trash, and more. People were not shy with their actions or their opinions, and quickly took to social media to share them.
The main question concerning all this is: Why?
While it’s understandable that people have their opinions about Colin Kaepernick, what is destroying Nike products going to solve? For starters, you’re just wasting your products and your money (and we all know how expensive Nike products can be). Adding on to this, you’ve already paid for them, so destroying them wouldn’t do Nike any harm.
Those wishing to get rid of their products are free to do so, but there are better ways to do so than destroying perfectly good items. Instead of burning sneakers and throwing away clothes, donate them to charity. Or try giving them to homeless people. Put you items to good use. There are many organizations who are more than happy to except donations. This is better than just destroying items you’ve paid good money for.
In conclusion, again while it’s understandable that people have their opinions about Colin Kaepernick or Nike’s campaign ad, there are more constructive ways to express them.
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