By Owen Berk
Panther’s Tale
Nike released a new ad on Monday titled “Equality.” The ad was presented in black and white, and featured vivid images of athletes, such as LeBron James, Kevin Durant, Serena Williams, and Megan Rapinoe.
While actor Michael B. Jordan narrated and Alicia Keys sang Sam Cooke’s “A Change is Gonna Come” in the background, Nike set out to make a bold statement with its latest ad campaign.
Watch the ad here: http://www.popsugar.com/fitness/Nike-Equality-Commercial-43158877
The opening narration leaves an image in your head — “Is this the land history promised?”
Is this what our founding fathers would’ve wanted for our country? One that is divided over issues seeded in the Oval Office?
Nike’s message in this ad is clear. Inequality should not be tolerated. With the package coming in black and white instead of color, it further helps demonstrate what the company is trying to get across.
“Within these lines, you’re defined by your actions, not your looks or your beliefs.”
So within the lines of a court, or a field, or wherever sport takes place, equal opportunities are provided. Whether you’re white or black, whether you are Christian or Muslim, how good you are is determined by skill. And nothing else.
Next, images are shown of Durant and other athletes expanding the lines of courts past their boundaries. Painting the three-point line, going up a flight of stairs. Four cars covered in paint, driving along, leaving eight lanes for runners in their wake.
What this shows is that equality seen in sports should spread past the lines on a field. That equality should have no boundaries.
“Opportunity should not discriminate. The ball should bounce the same for everyone.”
As the music comes to full volume, and Keys’ heavenly voice rang through my speakers, goosebumps appeared on my arms and the back of my neck.
As the commercial comes to a close, Jordan is joined by James in proclaiming, “if we can be equals here, we can be equals everywhere.”
The closing shot is a pickup basketball game being played on a court painted in the middle of a city block.
With spectators springing up to watch, a message fades into the middle of the frame. “Equality has no boundaries.”
Once again, Nike drives home its point that if our country wants to thrive and continue to succeed, the hate must stop. The discrimination must stop. Opportunity must not be dealt to people just because of their skin or their religious beliefs.
Featured in the commercial: LeBron James, Serena Williams, Megan Rapinoe, Kevin Durant, Victor Cruz, Gabby Douglas, Dalilah Muhammad, singer Alicia Keys, and actor Michael B Jordan.