i am also a soccer fan. Yes, i seem to be drawn to things that people hate in America, like environmentalism. A few years ago Nike decided they wanted in on the 'world's favorite sport' so they set their sites on soccer. Since then i have seen them produce incredibly shitty boots, start a trend of increasingly uglier and uglier uniforms, and have witnessed some of my favorite teams switching over to the big money of Nike and leaving their previous long term relationships with companies that started out as soccer companies (why Man. U. why?).
Nike now, however, have taken things to such an incredibly unacceptable level that words and emotions just get bottlenecked up in any attempts to escape by mind. A condition has been created that goes beyond my mear boycotting of product due to their starting of the child enslavement in overseas shoe production which now has become an industry norm.
Nike has taken the iconic picture of Ian Mckaye's brother taken by Susie Horgan featured on several Minor Threat albums (including the complete discography) and turned it into a campaign to promote their attempt to become a player in the skate-shoe market.
Nike bows to no one... or maybe they do. Appearing to quickly realize the kind of dedication to ideals that this icon and band represent Nike has already issued a public apology and immediate removal of this campaign before Minor Threat, Ian, or Discord (the label) had time to formally react to said campaign.
Ian McKaye (vocals for Minor Threat) has publicly commented on his disgust over the campaign and Discord has announced that the band will meet to discuss actions, if any, to be taken. i wait with baited breath.
Knee-jerk reaction, of course, is to sue over use without permission. Once you have ejaculated that thought out, however, you are able to think about what that band means and represents. The integrity. The moral fortitude. The thoughtfulness. What Will Ian (and Minor Threat) Do?
Suing would almost seem to go against all that they stand for. So many of our country's ails and corporate rapings are in some way a result of the uncontrolled exploitation of the ability to sue in our legal system. In fact, just the other day i heard of a citizen of my town's intent to sue the local government because someone was swearing in the street. i hardly believe that this same avenue will be the type of action that Minor Threat will take.
So what now then? Obviously Nike is benefiting from any publicity is good publicity (and Minor Threat may to some extent as well) and money is really not much of a penalty for Nike. This is a company after all who can charge over one hundred dollars for sneaker made for less than ten dollars overseas. A lawsuit will mean little to this corporate giant. A lawsuit could greatly effect the small, do it yourself Discord record label.
The Campaign has stopped. Is this enough then? Is Nike knowing and admitting they did wrong enough of a victory?
Minor Threat fans buying Nike products is about as likely as Ireland changing it's adult beverage of choice from Guinness to Budweiser. So what was their motivation then? Is someone in Nike's ad department a Minor Threat fan? If so they need to have their music collection taken away. As with the sweat shop controversy Nike is claiming degrees of removal from the situation by stating how they contract the work out. If i were to 'contract the work out' to have my spouse killed i'm pretty sure i'd still go to jail (don't worry hun).
What is the right thing to do? Where is the moral high ground here? Is there a moral high ground anymore or are we all just being dragged down into the quicksand? What Will Ian Do?
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