OHS Reactions to latest “Just Do It” Campaign
Nike Inc. is one of the most prominent brands of modern time. Walk anywhere in America and you are bound to see the famous swoosh. The brand has ventured from swimsuits to basketballs, but has not really been political until now.
Early last week, Nike debuted its ad for the 30th anniversary of “Just Do It.” The campaign features Colin Kaepernick, former quarterback and current Black Lives Matter activist, who rose to the forefront of modern fame when he started kneeling during the National Anthem before National Football League games. Kaepernick informed the media multiple times that his protest was not against America, but the racial injustice in America.
Immediately after the ad went live, social media began to fill with people’s opinions. Many individuals who are against Kaepernick and his protest cut the Nike check off their clothing, some even went to the extent of burning their Nike items. In contrast, other individuals rejoiced at Nike’s ad, and even sought to purchase more Nike. With controversy comes opinions, which the students and faculty of Owensboro High School have plenty of.
Students such as Carter Rose (10) do not support Kaepernick’s protest, “I think it was disrespectful. He spread his opinion, which is okay, but I think he did it in the wrong setting,” says Rose. Similar to Rose, Will Clark (11) says, “I do not think he should kneel during the National Anthem, but he has the right to.” Both students said that despite the ad, their likelihood of purchasing Nike will not change.
While some students look down upon Kaepernick’s choice, others rejoice. Student Kennedy Jackson (11) was quite pleased with Nike’s choice. “Someone has to do something about the injustice, and because he is influential I appreciate him using his voice for something meaningful,” says Jackson. Assistant Principal, Kenneth Lewis also sees Kaepernick as an important individual of our time, “He is one of the most important athletes of modern time. From my perspective, he is so important because athletes are consistently diminished and told that they should be just athletes,” said Lewis, “He is one of the few athletes of this generation to actually use his voice, and his platform, despite the threat of losing monetary value.” Lewis says he pleased with Kaepernick’s activism and Nike’s choice of making him the spokesperson actually he will purchase Nike more often.
