This week Colin Kaepermick signed a deal with Nike, who ran an add supporting his cause.  As is the norm in America both sides took to the internet to air their views.  Those against posted videos of themselves burning their Nike products. Those for began supporting Nike and Colin and buying more products.

This is how life has been for the last few years for the brown in me.  Both sides are oblivious to the problem with this whole episode. The obvious is those who hated Colin and his cause who now are directing their anger at Nike and proclaiming their boycott.  Very understandable and their right.  These people actually feel their burning of their shoes will change anything. Like Nike will whimper and reverse their stand. All its doing is wasting goods which they could have donated to those in this world who need them.

Then you have the worst offenders.  Those who are supporting Nike.  Seriously?!!! Do you think Nike gives a shit about any of this.  As far as Nike is concerned, it’s all about business.  By taking this stand they immediately received millions of dollars in publicity and business. They also understood the generational aspect and the demographics of this issue.  Those who are inclined to agree with Colin tend to be younger and the demographic Nike needs to continue.  Those who disagree will die sooner and are not big buyers of their products to start with.  All the sports stars and celebrities have jumped on their band wagon. The truth is, this is exactly what we should be fighting.

The corporate behemoths are using us to further sales. They pit one side to the other, all for the rise in sales.  Believing Nike cares is stupider than burning your shoes. This is the company which has created $200+ runners. They made it part of culture, and when someone tried to help the poor with affordable shoes, the company crushed them with their might.  They use off sourcing and child labor. This is the company all the people are giving thumbs up on Facebook.   What is Nike doing for the people?

The sad part of this, is the brown in me had respect for Colin, but not now.  He sold us all out as I had suspected. A contract worth millions plus royalties for future sales.  NO wonder we have no trust left in anything.  There were no corporations giving Ali money to fight for what he believed. Do not insult the legacy of Ali, by comparing the two.  Colin just sold you out and turns out he was always under contract with Nike.    What we should all do is completely stop buying Nike and teach it a lesson.  And yes Colin needs to learn a lesson too.  Taking our good will for personal benefit makes you equal to those who were refusing you the right to protest.  There is no difference in either side.  Once again the brown is left shaking his head wondering why this is not obvious to the so called righteous.  I expected the burning of shoes, but I didn’t expect my so called conscience friends to not see the capitalistic evil associated with this campaign.  The add uses the slogan “Just Do It” and what we need to embrace and what Colin needed to be told is; JUST DON’T DO IT!

Source: ItsTheBrownInMe