File Photo – LeBron James
Dear Reader, I have been remiss in my support of the Hong Kong protestors.
I am typing this today to admit that after hearing LeBron James explain it all to me I have changed my mind. We have all been there… when confronted with a superior argument one has no other recourse but to admit one’s error and adopt a new position. So you can understand what I’m talking about, Mr. James’ explanation regarding His and the NBA’s position on not supporting the Hong Kong protestors is below. (Full link here.)
“I don’t want to get into a [verbal] feud with Daryl Morey, but I believe he wasn’t educated on the situation at hand, and he spoke,” James said before the Los Angeles Lakers played the Golden State Warriors in a preseason game at Staples Center. “And so many people could have been harmed not only financially, physically, emotionally, spiritually. So just be careful what we tweet and say and we do, even though, yes, we do have freedom of speech, but there can be a lot of negative that comes with that, too.”
– LeBron James
It’s fair to say that I occasionally fall on my sword for Freedom, Free Speech and Individual Diversity when I should be more considerate when it comes to profiting off of the systematic oppression of others. After hearing LeBron, I realize I am the problem. I am insensitive. I lack empathy.
I apologize.
With that in mind, compounded with my desire to repent my uneducated, naive and misguided ways, I will capitalize on my extensive background in media and marketing. I would like to offer the NBA coaches and players a few tag lines they can apply while speaking/tweeting on this issue.
1. Assimilate Hong Kong!
2. Oppress Hong Kong!
3. Enslave Hong Kong!
(Runner up: 4. Shut up and Buy Our Shoes!)
All of the above meet the “Simple, Powerful, Direct” requirement of a solid information campaign meant to clearly communicate intent and purpose. All three may be employed so long as they are repeated at least once at every given opportunity. You’re welcome.
I also have a few suggestions for Tibet… but it involves renaming the region and some of it’s inhabitants “Nike”. The Nike Lama… The Dalai Addidas… seriously… it could work. This pitch could also be applied to Taiwan and the Senkaku islands with minor adjustments saving China the cost of creating a fresh new campaign. Kerrwan and the Popovich Islands has a nice ring to it…
makeaneffort 