Nike Takes a Knee with Kaepernick

Colin Kaepernick was San Francisco’s 49ers quarterback in the NFL in 2016. During the national anthem at the beginning of football games, Kaepernick would kneel on one knee as a way to protest racial injustice and discrimination. The actions of Colin Kaepernick have been the reason for dispute and debate on whether or not his ritual was to be praised or despised.

Nike had recognized Kaepernick’s protest as something positive which delivered an empowering message. This athletics company hired Kaepernick. Through this well known athlete, they were able to advertise as well as share a positive message saying that there are things to be sacrificed in order to fight for what you believe in.

There are people supporting Kaepernick who think that his cause is empowering, but there are also people who strongly disagree with him and make known their disapproval. They do this through burning their Nike products, starting verbal arguments which may be uncivil, and violence. In my opinion, there is always a peaceful way to resolve conflicts, but there are people who oppose Kaepernick and Nike in this situation who are trying to make their voices heard in immature and negative ways. Rather than disturbing the peace, I think that people contradicting racial equality should protest in a composed manner.

While the dispute on this issue debates whether or not this situation should be supported or discouraged, I believe that the message is constructive for society since it works towards building equality as well as motivating people to endure wide measures to achieve their dreams.

In response to Colin Kaepernick’s ritual and the division it caused, Nike released advertisements which promote fighting for what you believe in at all costs. I think that these messages are beneficial for humanity because it advocates being true to yourself and getting through obstacles which may get in your way. Another reason as to why I think it benefits society is because it brings awareness to Kaepernick specifically and sheds light on the issue that is racial injustice.

In supporting a well known controversy, Nike would receive much attention. Some may say that they do not truly care about social justice among races. I think that Nike’s main goal in supporting Kaepernick is not for profit and recognition. This is my perspective on this particular topic because the debate goes two ways and it is not only admired, but it is also despised. Although many people supported Nike for representing diversity, there were also many people who did not agree with this. This means that Nike was not only receiving adoration, they were also receiving hate. Therefore, Nike was risking the loss of customers as well as profit. Nike did not create advertisements tied to Colin Kaepernick’s scandal for profit purposes since they would possibly be at a loss for the cause of sharing the athlete’s message of equality and pursuing your dreams.

I believe that Colin Kaepernick and Nike’s actions and responses show great courage since they voice their opinion on behalf of many people around the world, and disregard the consequences which they would face for fighting for justice.