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Michael Jordan changed the way professional athletes were marketed. He wasn't just a spokesperson. He was a brand. We've seen Jordan in magazines, newspapers, and on television. If there is something to be sold, he will have his name or face on it.
But the one place you won't find Jordan's fingerprints is on social issues. He never spoke out on hot button issues, addressed problems facing his fellow athlete or even the general public.
Fellow NBA icon Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, believes this was one of Jordan's major missteps, that he failed to properly utilize his voice for the greater good by choosing shoes of social issues.
Abdul-Jabbar was recently the guest of NPR's Michael Martin at a live event in Washington, D.C., and the basketball legend had some interesting thoughts about Jordan's famous quote in regards to political association, that he chose commerce over conscience.
"You can't be afraid of losing shoe sales if you're worried about your civil and human rights. He took commerce over conscience. It's unfortunate for him, but he's gotta live with it."
Abdul-Jabbar also spoke about the repercussions of speaking out.
"I did. But sometimes you can't pick or choose. When something happens, it doesn't matter if it's convenient or not — if it's time to speak up, you have to speak up. You can't be afraid. When Dr. King was assassinated, within a couple of days I was involved at UCLA. We had a demonstration ... People were telling me, "Hey, you're going to get a chance to play in the NBA and make a lot of money, you shouldn't be out here protesting like this."
Jordan was not required to be a voice for change. It was his right to use his time towards marketing and business, just as it was Abdul-Jabbar's decision to use his voice to make a difference.
Source: National Public Radio
But the one place you won't find Jordan's fingerprints is on social issues. He never spoke out on hot button issues, addressed problems facing his fellow athlete or even the general public.
Fellow NBA icon Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, believes this was one of Jordan's major missteps, that he failed to properly utilize his voice for the greater good by choosing shoes of social issues.
Abdul-Jabbar was recently the guest of NPR's Michael Martin at a live event in Washington, D.C., and the basketball legend had some interesting thoughts about Jordan's famous quote in regards to political association, that he chose commerce over conscience.
"You can't be afraid of losing shoe sales if you're worried about your civil and human rights. He took commerce over conscience. It's unfortunate for him, but he's gotta live with it."
Abdul-Jabbar also spoke about the repercussions of speaking out.
"I did. But sometimes you can't pick or choose. When something happens, it doesn't matter if it's convenient or not — if it's time to speak up, you have to speak up. You can't be afraid. When Dr. King was assassinated, within a couple of days I was involved at UCLA. We had a demonstration ... People were telling me, "Hey, you're going to get a chance to play in the NBA and make a lot of money, you shouldn't be out here protesting like this."
Jordan was not required to be a voice for change. It was his right to use his time towards marketing and business, just as it was Abdul-Jabbar's decision to use his voice to make a difference.
Source: National Public Radio
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