Colin Kaepernick & the Nike Ad: How Will You Explain the Hate to Your Kids? by Mike Prochaska


Colin Kaepernick & the Nike Ad: How Will You Explain the Hate to Your Kids?

Today I was reading an article about people who are burning their Nike shoes because Colin Kaepernick just signed a deal with Nike. Kaepernick is the football player who started the NFL players taking a knee in protest. The new Nike ad has inspired some people to post videos and photos of them destroying their Nike apparel, something I just don’t understand.

It makes me sad that in 2018 we are still a divided country. I just want to say to someone who is thinking about burning their shoes: How would you explain that hate to your children? When your children play with other kids at the park, they don’t see race or color, they just see another kid who wants to play. Can’t adults just see another adult trying to make life better?

I don’t understand how people can even justify burning their shoes like that in protest to a man who is just, in my eyes, trying to stand up for what he believes in. In America sport stars have so much power and influence to change the world. I wish more sport stars would publicly stand up for their beliefs.

What do you think?

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Mike Prochaska
What does everyone else think?
Cheryl Nolan
These people are teaching their kids to hate. They don’t care about explaining it. It’s very sad and dangerous.
Erin Basford
I understand the reasoning behind his actions, but he should have put more thought into his approach. Simply put, he is being insensitive and disrespectful to those who served (and continue to serve) our country. There are better ways to build awareness than disrespecting our hard-working veterans. He needs to be reminded that millions of individuals gave their lives fighting for the freedom he takes for granted each day. I can think of more worthy individuals that NIKE should be featuring. Now, to answer the initial question...I think it's important to teach children to view both sides of the debate. It teaches them empathy and compassion while exposing them to real world issues.
Mike Prochaska
@stacyrobberts I send everyday working with kids at head start who don’t know how to play. I love your comment you should turn Into your own tip. Donna John
Elisa Schmitz, 30Seconds
Thank you for starting this discussion, Mike Prochaska . I really appreciate the way you are not afraid to share your views, and yet you are open to other perspectives as well. That’s what positive dialogue is all about: respecting each other’s views and sometimes agreeing to disagree. Thank you for encouraging others to share their perspectives as standalone tips. Better than heated debates, I think. That way, everyone gets their own forum to share their perspective!
Mike Prochaska
I just don’t want people to NOT be afraid to share there views even if I disagree Elisa All Schmitz 30Seconds and I think the
More people share there views the more we understand there perspective even if we don’t agree. Then can agree to disagree but then get clear picture of there views

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