Source: Nike / NIke
Don’t pretend there’s not a problem in America.
That’s how Nike kicks off its latest PSA in response to the overt racism we’ve seen take place over the past few weeks, amid a pandemic. Nike has built it’s athletic wear and footwear brand on the Just Do It slogan which encourages movement and a can-do attitude to overcome life’s obstacles– both big and small. But as a sign of the times, in the minute-long video, Nike says “For once, don’t do it.”
Next came a simple string of slides with white text, a black background, and a solemn piano track playing in the back as Nike plants its proverbial foot on the right side of history against the racism Black Americans have been facing for years.
“For once, don’t do it.
Don’t pretend there’s not a problem in America.
Don’t turn your back on racism.
Don’t accept innocent lives being taken from us.
Don’t make any more excuses.
Don’t think this doesn’t affect you.
Don’t sit back and be silent.
Don’t think you cant be part of the change.
Fet’s all be part of the change.”
The message was so powerful it even prompted one of Nike’s biggest rivals adidas to show support to the ad by retweeting the video with a comment that read, “Together is how we move forward. Together is how we make change.”
The ad is a direct response to the unrest America has seen the past few nights as cities protest, riot, and loot in response to the killing of George Floyd. Floyd was killed by a police officer on Monday in Minneapolis after being arrested for allegedly using a fake bill at a nearby store. That’s when ex-police officer Derek Chauvin attempted to subdued Floyd by shoving his knee into his neck for nearly 10 minutes despite Floyd pleading for his life.
Chauvin has since been arrested and charged with third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter.
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