NIKE’S ENDORSEMENT OF KAEPERNICK UPSETS CUSTOMERS
Nike has recently endorsed National Football League (NFL) quarterback Colin Kaepernick as the face of their signature campaign, “Just Do It.” Nike and Kaepernick have worked together in the past on other advertisements and promotions, but Kaepernick’s current cultural protest of kneeling during the National Anthem during games has been seen as incredibly disrespectful by many. This opposition has turned on Nike since its endorsement of Kaepernick. Customers offended by Nike’s condonement of Kaepernick’s actions have protested it by boycotting Nike, burning merchandise and defacing advertisements. However, Nike is not disrespecting the nation in any way by endorsing Kaepernick as his involvement in the advertisement is irrelevant to cultural controversy and is simply an aspect of advertisement.
Kaepernick originally began his protest against police brutality and abuse in the country by sitting in the sidelines however, fellow NFL player Nate Boyer claimed that kneeling is a more respectful alternative to his protest. Kaepernick’s protest was not in disrespect, but rather a way to confront the disrespect shown towards others in the country. Nike’s advertisement was in support of this courage to confront police brutality and abuse in the country. It is disrespectful of the protesters to deny Kaepernick his freedom of speech, as he and Nike are trying to oppose the negativity and unnecessary brutality within the country. Protesters of Nike’s endorsement are also denying Nike of its free speech, who have given a powerful ad supporting a good-willed American who clearly raises a point with value.
“Kaepernick [was not] given a fair opportunity in the NFL, [Nike is] just trying to stand up and make [Kaepernick] heard,” football coach David Young said. “I do not believe in the burning or the boycotting of their goods.”
Nike and Kaepernick have made a strong and purposeful stand together. However, some do not agree with Kaepernick’s form of protest, and believe that Nike should not have taken a public stand with Kaepernick since it would cause a huge shadow on their brand which leads to boycotts.
“The National Anthem is the oath we take every day in honor of those who have fought for this nation and its ideals,” freshman Cori Miller said. “From the revolution to now, [it is] our civic duty to swear allegiance to our nation as it give us protection and freedoms no where else has. [It is not] right for someone as influential as Kaepernick to be [protesting] this, or for Nike to be [endorsing him with] it.”
Nike’s endorsement and support of Kaepernick’s protest was intended for the betterment of the nation, meant to be an innocent television advertisement. Protesters and boycotters of Nike have gone too far with their actions and some of those people are not even fully aware of the circumstances and intention. While peaceful protests, such as simply shunning Nike products is a fair way to oppose Nike, violent protests that have occurred are uncalled for and unnecessary, especially towards a small show of Kaepernick’s rights.
“I am in support of Colin Kaepernick’s protest [because] it is a really great way to show what he is [personally] fighting for,” senior Wyatt Chang said. “[He and Nike] should be able express [their] opinions, and it should not be able to affect his play on the football field.”
