Viral image mocks Kaepernick campaign, causes outrage

On September 3, Nike celebrated its 30th anniversary of their ‘Just Do It’ campaign. They kicked off the celebration by running a new ad campaign with Colin Kaepernick as the face of Nike. This has been a controversial move for the brand, receiving protests and support.

Along with the burning of various merchandise, as well as a ban of the brand altogether, came viral memes of different celebrities following the same look of Kaepernick’s ad. For example, there has been a black and white picture of Bill Cosby’s face with an obscene message written across in all white text, the same as Kaepernick’s, that reads: “Get the p*ssy. By any means necessary.” At the bottom is the Nike swoosh and the tag line ‘Just Do It’.

The message refers to Cosby’s arrests earlier this year. The picture is viral because some find it humorous, but it mocks not only Cosby but Kaepernick as well.

Kaepernick began his crusade for justice during a football game in 2016 and has been working diligently since for social reform. His act has cost him his job and many sponsorships, except for Nike. He has worked too hard for his new ad to become a mockery.

If the people creating these memes spent as much time on social issues as they do trying to go viral, maybe the world would be a better place.