Nike’s Series on Greatness
I’ve appreciated Nike’s series of ads exploring “greatness”—what it is, how it’s achieved, why it comes—and by and large I’ve appreciated it.
With the stipulation that I think what they’re talking about is actually “character” and “striving for excellence” I can agree with their general theme, although I also don’t believe everybody can achieve “greatness” in all things. For example, I will never achieve “excellence” as an Olympic athlete, and my huffing and puffing around a track or down a trail within the context of the Olympics—no matter how hard I try and how much character I show—does not mean that I achieve “excellence” within that context. Hard work will never lead to Sarah experiencing “excellence as an Olympic athlete.” So “trying hard” and “sincerity” doesn’t necessarily mean that one is a “great singer” for instance, or a “great runner” except in so far as one’s context is one’s own limitations and individual person.
But . . . within contexts and taking into account . . . me . . . yes, I and others can achieve “greatness” [character] which has little to do with the intrinsic worth and value of human beings, and little to do also with the justification of sinners.
With the above being said—I like this ad.
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4 comments
Sarah, I saw the young man in this ad on tv this morning and he’s a great kid. As I listened to him speak I thought that he seemed very mature in the way he was handling his new found celebrity status. I kept thinking, “You go, kid!”
[1] Posted by michaelc on 8-13-2012 at 11:47 AM · [top]
You didn’t do that. The government built the track you trained on. The government built the swimming pool you practiced in.
[2] Posted by B. Hunter on 8-13-2012 at 01:35 PM · [top]
Nike cannot speak to character as long as they are paying Michael Vick to endorse their products. If you’re not sure that what he did was all that bad, search “Michael Vick dogfight videos”. Until they repudiate the likes of him, they cannot speak about character.
[3] Posted by Lakewood on 8-13-2012 at 06:10 PM · [top]
Oh, Lakewood, you’re so harsh. Nike immediately dismissed Michael Vick as a spokesman when the allegations came about. Vick apologized post-conviction, accepted complete personal responsibility for his actions, and vowed to work on making Michael Vick the best Michael Vick possible. He pointed out that he would have the time to work on that. When Nike re-signed him four years later, they pointed out they were not condoning his behavior and that they felt he would be a great representative for their company. No doubt the crime was heinous but as the church shouldn’t we cheer Michael Vick for making a change in his life rather than condemning him and all who do business with him?
It’s a good video. I hope it inspires people to get off the couch and active. (Think I’ll go for a run right now.)
[4] Posted by gregshore on 8-14-2012 at 03:07 PM · [top]
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