Is Nike Tapping Into Our Hopes… or Our Fears? 

Take a look at this Nike commercial:

A colleague sent it in, saying:

The tone and content speaks directly to their key audience of children/ teens (and the parents of children and teens), but the message itself is that there is nothing to fear about failure. We all have imperfect moments – even embarrassing or physically painful – when we’re learning a new sport or activity.  And it’s our perspective in those moments that will dictate who goes on to become stronger,  develop their skill, and discover a love for the game… and who finds a shady seat in the stands.

Is this interesting to you? Or just me?

My response:

The commercial is well done. Cute. Correct. Inclusive. Nike is adjusting to the emerging American zeitgeist…

As a culture, we are rejecting meritocracy in favor of equity, so Nike has no choice but to adapt by celebrating mediocrity over excellence…

And that’s where we are heading – a country of smug and self-satisfied mediocrity.