I find the high octane bickering about former San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick becoming the new face of Nike interesting, yet perplexing. While I've long supported Kaepernick and those like him using their first amendment rights to peacefully protest, I'd also be the first to point out Kaepernick is anything but the perfect role model for the cause. On the other side of the deal, Nike also doesn't have a perfect reputation when it comes to measures of equality.
I give Colin Kaepernick credit for trying to walk the talk after basically getting blackballed by the NFL. He's appeared to devote a great deal of his time doing charity events, volunteer work, and donating to charitable causes. However, his march for awareness and equality has been anything but a smooth ride. This bumpy road peaked, in my opinion, when he admitted to not voting in the 2016 presidential election. Look, I get it - there's more that can be done to implement change than to get involved in the political arena. However, it's also difficult to be a stalwart for change when we don't partake in one of our civic duties of electing leaders who are most likely to implement that change. So while I respect Kaepernick's fight and believe in his right to peacefully protest without repercussion, I also don't think he's the best role model for this cause.
All of that in conjunction with Nike's history leaves me feeling indifferent about this budding relationship. Those hailing praise on Nike or threatening to boycott the company/brand should probably take a step back, attempt to garner the full picture, and take this for what it is - an imperfect company teaming up with an imperfect representative, attempting to stir the pot; generate revenue; and bring awareness to social issues. I respect Nike for their decision, but am not going to be buying ten new pairs of Nike shoes as a result.
I give Colin Kaepernick credit for trying to walk the talk after basically getting blackballed by the NFL. He's appeared to devote a great deal of his time doing charity events, volunteer work, and donating to charitable causes. However, his march for awareness and equality has been anything but a smooth ride. This bumpy road peaked, in my opinion, when he admitted to not voting in the 2016 presidential election. Look, I get it - there's more that can be done to implement change than to get involved in the political arena. However, it's also difficult to be a stalwart for change when we don't partake in one of our civic duties of electing leaders who are most likely to implement that change. So while I respect Kaepernick's fight and believe in his right to peacefully protest without repercussion, I also don't think he's the best role model for this cause.
All of that in conjunction with Nike's history leaves me feeling indifferent about this budding relationship. Those hailing praise on Nike or threatening to boycott the company/brand should probably take a step back, attempt to garner the full picture, and take this for what it is - an imperfect company teaming up with an imperfect representative, attempting to stir the pot; generate revenue; and bring awareness to social issues. I respect Nike for their decision, but am not going to be buying ten new pairs of Nike shoes as a result.
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