Kaepernick’s half-assed protest attempts have managed to increase support for his political opponents. He has succeeded in widening the divide between political groups that might otherwise discover they have much in common, and he has denigrated the legacy of real civil rights leaders by tolerating comparisons (by others) between himself and leaders like Dr. Martin Luther King and Muhammad Ali
What’s more, he’s damaged the NFL and diminished the employment prospects of young athletes without alternative career options.
The Nike ad is more nonsensical than Will Ferrell’s farcical character Ricky Bobby, whose motto was, “If you ain’t first, you’re last.” Ironically, the moral of Ricky Bobby’s story is that love of family is more worthy than winning.
Compare that to Kaepernick and Nike’s message to strive to be the best, even if you have to “sacrifice everything.” It’s the kind of reasoning that encourages people to cheat, to lie, to betray, and exploit.
I don’t think that Nike and Kaepernick meant to send such a message. The images in the ad, and the music, are dignifying. Nevertheless, I’d prefer they clarify what they mean by “sacrifice everything”.
Shall we sacrifice Character? Morals? Love? Duty? Honor?
I think not.
