Should we stand up for a man who knelt down in protest of law enforcement’s wrongdoings and the rights of those marginalized by institutional racism?
Nike says, “Just do it.”
Will we recognize that regardless of how a superhero dresses, they’re still a superhero?
Nike says, “Just do it.”
In the span of 10 days, Nike has loudly declared which side of history they’ll stand, making statements concerning their athletes, Colin Kaepernick and Serena Williams.
Look at Nike, out here making statements that land on the right side of history. Fire. pic.twitter.com/t3EYRWjDZX
— #LetMyPeopleGLO (@MichellCClark) September 3, 2018
Two years ago, during the third and fourth preseason games for the San Francisco 49ers, Kaepernick sat and knelt down during the playing of the National Anthem in protest of police brutality. The result was a widespread discussion on whether sports and politics belong in the same arenas. More debates concerning institutionalized racism and Kaepernick losing his job would follow.
The former 49ers quarterback has been unable to secure a job in the NFL since he became a free agent after the 2016 season. Questions of whether Kaepernick was skilled enough began in 2017 after allegations that the NFL was blackballing. In November 2017, Kaepernick would file a grievance suit stating that league owners conspired to keep him from being in the league. On August 28, system arbitrator Stephen B. Burbank denied the NFL’s request for the dismissal of the case.
Kaepernick wouldn’t break. He started a “Know Your Rights” camp for African-American children, made donations in support of organizations that aided African-Americans, and continued to stand for everything he believed in. His sacrifices paid off, as it was unveiled on September 3 that he’d be the face of the 30th anniversary of the “Just Do It” campaign.
The response was either emphatic support or vehement disappointment. People who are against Nike’s stance took to social media to burn all of their Nike clothing that they’ve already purchased. The results were hilarious. Below is one of my favorites.
My name is #Mustard and I stand for the #flag and to honer @bigandrich and their Soundman & the Prresident I am going to burn my #Nike shoes!!!!!!!!!🇺🇸🇺🇸🔥🔥 pic.twitter.com/MLv6uwGLsv
— Phil Braun (@playazball) September 4, 2018
(Be sure to view that thread.)
When it came out that the president of the U.S. Open banned the black catsuit that Serena Williams wore because “one must respect the game,” there was an uproar. Williams’ wearing of the catsuit was because it helped combat her body’s blood-clotting problem, an issue that almost killed her during childbirth. Serena would come out and say that she wouldn’t wear her suit anyway, but it was clear that she was disappointed by the situation. Nike, along with many others, responded appropriately.
Nike’s public support of two of their athletes proves that they’re willing to stand against the screams of racism. There’s more work to be done. However, it’s a good day when successful corporate entities prove which side of history they’re willing to stand on.
If you are still wondering whether or not you should support black athletes that have to fight racism, just look at Nike. Just do it.