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Nike unveils shoe just for American Indians


GamblersGrin

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you would think the $$$ from casinos would go to help their own people, but the alcoholism, and even meth use, among 'native americans' is ridiculously astounding. i dont want to cite the wronf number, its extremely high. plus, the living conditions on many of the reservation sis byond shit. the us govt. put homes out there in the 1970s as a part of some plan, and the things turned to shit shortly thereafter bc they were shit. its very similar to the trailers that were supposed to go new orlean after the katrina disaster, but instead sunk into the mud in mississippi where they were being stored. there was also chemical problems associated with the trailers and they had to be decontaminated. guess where those trailers were sent, to indian reservations aroun dthe country.

we took their land, and are still fucking them any which way but loose. [i just wanted to throw that movie reference in there.]

 

i live around natives and a lot of my friends are natives. what you said are pretty true what you said but where im from, i don't think it is as bad as katrina. at least around here, the tribe just don't know how to manage its resource and govern its own people. i saw the news about this shoes just like an hour ago, it was pretty stupid. Make a shoes to fit natives foot print will help them be in better shape or just make it that much more comfortable to walk down the block to get a ball?

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Nike Opportunism: Turning Native Plight Into Profit?

 

Nike has introduced what it is calling the "Air Native N7", a shoe designed especially for us Natives. Not only is Nike proud in producing its first shoe for a "specific" ethnic group, the company is also hoping that this product will help cure diabetes!

 

Before we all start praising this multinational corporation for its recognition and attempt to promote wellness for our Indigenous communities, we should critically question the meaning of this gesture, look beyond their slick marketing scheme, and take a look at Nike's business practices.

 

A recent AP article states that the shoe "will be distributed solely to American Indians; tribal wellness programs and tribal schools nationwide will be able to purchase the shoe at wholesale price and then pass it along to individuals, often at no cost."

 

At no cost? Sounds like a deal too good to be true.

The AP article further states that "[Nike] anticipates selling at least 10,000 pairs and raising $200,000 for tribal programs." The article acknowledges that "At $42.80 wholesale, it represents less of a financial opportunity than a goodwill and branding effort."

 

Aside from making its corporate image look better, what direct and meaningful benefits will we see in our communities? I certainly know that $200,000 can go a long ways on any Rez, but when we look at a corporation that reported $15 Billion dollars in revenue in 2006 and $1.392 Billion in net income, you think that they could do a little better. Reportedly the CEO of Nike, Philip Knight is worth more than 5 Billion dollars.

If Nike was donating donating directly to health services on our 560+ Nations, then I may be able to believe the hype.

 

According to Nike "N7" is derived from the Seventh Generation belief that many of our Nations hold as guidance towards ensuring that we make responsible choices today because our actions will impact future generations.

In a recent news release Nike states that the shoe "honors the traditional Native American Seventh Generation philosophy, an approach that respects the impact of decisions made today on seven generations. The shoe’s design draws inspiration directly from Native American culture."

As Indigenous Peoples we have to ask ourselves if Nike is sincerely recognizing and honoring our traditional cultural beliefs? Could this just be a marketing opportunity to mask Nike's unethical and sometimes illegal labor practices?

 

A 2000 Corpwatch press release, which was signed by numerous Human Rights advocates and submitted to the United Nations, stated "Nike, one of the Global Compact partners and an international symbol of sweatshops and corporate greed, is the target of one of the most active global campaigns for corporate accountability. The company has made announcements of changes to its behavior only after enormous public pressure. It has also aggressively opposed the only union and human rights-group supported independent monitoring program--the Worker Rights Consortium (WRC)."

Nonetheless Nike also aims to "...elevate the issue of Native American health and wellness."

Does Nike think that they'll help bring meaningful and active awareness to our social/cultural issues or will their actions just pave the way for other corporations to profit off of spiritual appropriation masked as cultural recognition and community service? This message makes me very concerned.

 

Dr. Rodney Stapp, Chief Executive Officer for the Urban Inter-Tribal Center of Texas and consultant for Nike says that the shoe “comes at a critical time for the health and well-being of the Native American population.” He further states “Today, more than ever, we are faced with rising rates of chronic diseases brought on in large part by overweight and inactivity and for which physical activity is a noted step in the prevention of such diseases."

“Nike is aware of the growing health issues facing Native Americans,” explained Sam McCracken, Manager of Nike’s Native American Business program in the same release.

 

Im sure they don't really think that these shoes are going to save us, but if they are taking such a conscious stance then why aren't they promoting and supporting other Tribal programs, organizations or services?

It further amazes me (doesn't surprise me though) that they can make these statements but continue to seemingly be unconcerned with the ongoing and dire issues facing the workers in their sweatshops.

 

Although Nike has made moves to improve its corporate image and distance itself from the sweatshop reputation, to this day Nike still refuses to pay a living wage, allow independent monitoring in its factories, and ensure that worker's rights to organize unions.

 

In the context of sports teams perpetuating and profiting off of racist depictions of our peoples, could any kind of appropriation add insult to injury more than this?

If Nike really wanted to honor Indigenous peoples and the Seven Generations then they would stand with us and work to ban racist mascots in the industry that they definitely have the most impact on and they would immediately end their deplorable labor practices.

 

In a recent release, Mark Parker the President and CEO of Nike says that his corporation wants to "...improve Native American communities.” Parker later states, “The Nike Air Native N7 marks an important moment for us and is a great example of what can be achieved when we challenge ourselves to innovate for a better world”.

 

Our Indigenous communities should challenge Nike to have fair & just labor practices if they truly desire "a better world". At least that would be a step in the right direction for the Seven Generations.

 

Klee Benally

Indigenous Action Media

indigenousaction.org

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Nike Opportunism: Turning Native Plight Into Profit?

At no cost? Sounds like a deal too good to be true.

The AP article further states that "[Nike] anticipates selling at least 10,000 pairs and raising $200,000 for tribal programs." The article acknowledges that "At $42.80 wholesale, it represents less of a financial opportunity than a goodwill and branding effort."

 

Aside from making its corporate image look better, what direct and meaningful benefits will we see in our communities? I certainly know that $200,000 can go a long ways on any Rez, but when we look at a corporation that reported $15 Billion dollars in revenue in 2006 and $1.392 Billion in net income, you think that they could do a little better. Reportedly the CEO of Nike, Philip Knight is worth more than 5 Billion dollars.

If Nike was donating donating directly to health services on our 560+ Nations, then I may be able to believe the hype.

 

We are talking about Nike here, not Greenpeace. Be thankful they are donating anything at all, instead of bitching about how they could do more. We could all do more. Nike could've just shined Native Americans all together and not gave or recognized them for shit.

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