Colin Kaepernick and Nike's #JustDoIt Headed to the Emmys

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UNITED STATES - Colin Kaepernick, the former Super Bowl Quarterback, continues to demonstrate that standing for one's convictions by ‘taking a knee,’ can open exponentially more doors and hearts than the adversary would have us believe. In an era when divisions seem to flood the airwaves, when hatred and xenophobia seem to have become humanity’s default, and hopelessness seemingly the best alternative to despair, activists like Kaepernick and others demonstrate the cost and reward of bravery.

There are many athletes with international fame, but in recent months, sports icons such as the U.S.A. Women’s Soccer Team Captain Megan Rapinoe, who led the U.S. Women’s team to its fourth world championship, tennis phenom Serena Williams, and basketball great LeBron James are each utilizing their professional platforms to support, inspire, and promote political and social causes, as well as encourage those with smaller voices to not be cowed into silence.

But it is Kaepernick’s protests against racial injustice, which has resulted in the most prolonged and sustained positive impact on highlighting social injustice. His activism was catapulted to international acclaim when Nike chose him to headline their 30th Anniversary of the Just Do It campaign in September of 2018.  This video not only elevated Kaepernick’s profile, but it also increased Nike’s stock price, proving the capital and intrinsic value of standing by one’s convictions.

Recently, the partnership was in the news again for Kaepernick’s role in stopping Nike from selling a special edition Air Max 1 that featured Betsy Ross's original United States flag, revered by nationalists as an emblem of freedom, with the understanding that these liberties were not for all people. Once again, this controversy threatened the economic, political, and social fortunes of both Kaepernick and Nike, but neither bowed to the pressure, resulting in even greater recognition.

To realize greatness in one’s chosen field, it takes dedication, unwavering tenacity, and commitment to the dream of a future much different from the “now” in which we inhabit. All significant accomplishments started with what people often labeled as “crazy,” thus it is fitting that the Nike commercial narrated by Kaepernick and titled "Dream Crazy,” has been nominated for a 2019 Emmy for Outstanding Commercial.

One does not do a thing in search of recognition or acclaim, and often this is not the result of such actions, but on the rare occasion when the confluence of events is such that opprobrium occurs, it is worth noting. The Emmy Awards will take place Sunday, Sept. 22, 2019, and win, lose, or honorable mention, Kaepernick is already a Hero.

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Dongguan Labor Protests | China, Global Consumers Prioritize Products Over People

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chinese-worker-in-an-old-factory-in-beijing-china-2011-photo-by-raphael-olivier.jpg

Michael Ransom, Contributing EditorLast Modified: 23:02 p.m. DST, 29 April 2014

Machine Room Photo by Nathan SniderBEIJING, China -- Years of underpaid social security payments and housing allotments have sparked the protest of thousands of Chinese laborers. The Yue Yuen factory in Dongguan is the global leader in shoe production, employing over 60,000. In the last month, manufacturing has halted. 

In many cases, various forms of compensation were simply unpaid to thousands who do the legwork for corporate giants such as Nike, Adidas, New Balance and Timberland.

The violations of Yue Yuen range from outstanding salaries to mandatory, uncompensated overtime. All of these damages go against Chinese regulations, and are illegal, though apparently permissible. Until now.

Officials are taking notice. But the response of the police and the corporation bear no resemblance. Yue Yuen executives have offered to increase compensation, but have failed to address the concerns over unpaid social insurance and unacceptable factory safety practices. The strike continues, as workers have witnessed this corporate song and dance for decades, with little lasting change. 

On the other hand, many protestors have been jailed since demonstrations escalated earlier this month. The organizer of the demonstration, Zhang Zhiru, has presumably been detained by officials, although his family has been unable to locate or speak with him. The subtext to these actions is that whistleblowers such as Zhiru will be silenced, as well as those who support the cause.

According to An Open Letter to Adidas and Yue Yuen Dongguan, China, a representative for Yue Yuen stated "The misunderstanding has to be clarified by the government." In the wake of the mass incarceration of demonstrators, this statement is very telling. To Yue Yuen, "The misunderstanding" should be read as--the false impression that the voice of Chinese laborers factors into the dealings of the corporate powerhouse. The "clarification from the government" that Yue Yuen is waiting on will surely be the clarity that comes from the iron fist of an autocratic agenda. 

Much of the media attention has centered upon the disruption of sneaker production, as opposed to the people directly affected by the corporate bottom line. The Western discussion of the movement is more concerned with the potential supply fluctuation and securing stable factories, than with addressing the root problems. Chief among these are basic human rights.

Businesses with the strength of Nike or Adidas should not participate with factories that skirt ethical and legal codes. But then again, it is not altogether surprising. That is how most retail titans gain tremendous market shares in the first place.

Follow Michael on Twitter Twitter: @nahmias_report Contributing Editor: @MAndrewRansom

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