Dear Nike, I’m not changing anything
Nike is a brand that is well known for making cool sneakers and some pretty epic ads, but this time, something has definitely gone wrong.
Their recent ad, “You can’t stop us” gained mixed reviews. From praise for their creative editing to accusations of hypocrisy being a leading brand accused of using forced Uyghur labor in China.
Now on the outset, this appears to be an incredible ad that gives us all kinds of inspirational feels, the music, the transitions, it’s incredibly captivating… that is of course until this happens.
A Muslim woman skateboarding in a Niqab transitioning into a woman skateboarder waving a smoked out LGBT flag.
Now a message to the Stallions of Capitalist Wokeness at Nike, with all those millions of dollars spent on perfecting your marketing campaigns and advertising strategies, did you not think for a second that this was just a tad bit inappropriate?
See I’m not sure exactly what you’re trying to suggest we should change, but if you’re trying to suggest that Muslims should somehow change our long-standing Islamic values to conform to today’s liberal standards, you might be a little off.
Or if you’re trying to suggest that Muslims are one in the same with the LGBT cause, you might be just a little off there too.
No matter what way you look at it, it’s problematic.
And this isn’t coming from a place of homophobia nor am intolerance towards the LGBT community, but to specifically tie the two groups together just doesn’t make any sense. The scene stands out like a sore thumb.
But in all honesty, I’m not surprised. Liberal media has long had an agenda of targeting the minds of impressionable young Muslims to be in line with the values of the progressive left.
And the irony amidst it all, is the fact that all this is being done in the name of freedom of expression and embracing one’s individuality. Pretty hypocritical if you ask me. I mean how can one honestly be preaching freedom of expression while insidiously be alluding Muslims to reform their religion? Not allowing Muslims to be who they are, Muslims.
Yet the sad truth is, in the eyes of the corporate giants, Muslims, in particular Muslim women, are no more than a market and a means of profit. And big brands will do whatever it takes to maximise on this. As such, we are constantly barraged with advertising that idealises a Muslim that looks, acts, thinks and behaves a certain way. A model Muslim that will serve the corporation’s liberal ideals and help them reach their marketing goals, even if it means giving up their values.
They will encourage you to go against the grain, to be bold, to be different. To be a model Muslim that suits them. They will define to you what it means to be great. And they will confine your understanding of greatness to your physical being. Your athleticism, your speed, your agility, your strength or even your wokeness.
Now I’m not trying to say, we shouldn’t be Muslim women that are fit, active and healthy. For all of this is no doubt commendable when it’s done the right way. We have no issue with that.
But what I am trying to say, is don’t let these corporate giants define what it means to be you, a Muslim. Don’t let them delude you away from knowing that your greatness is in obtaining the pleasure of Allah. Living a life that is in line with your religion and a life whereby you uphold your values – Islam.
Your values have been set. Your religion is complete. No matter how many people will tell us it’s outdated, needs reformation and needs to change – That’s just not the case. Our religion is perfect and Allah has affirmed this in the Quran.
When Allah states “Today I have perfected for you your religion and completed My favor upon you and have approved for you Islam as your religion.”
So to my dear Muslims, and of course my sisters, be strong, be brave, and don’t let them take away from your greatness in being a true Muslim.
