Abstract
There are few better ways to acquire the attention & money from consumers than to present to them controversial images and advertisements. The purpose of this study was to analyze Nike’s “Equality” (2017), and “Just Do It” (2018) advertising campaigns, for strategies in an effort to commodify racial equity and inclusion. Several themes were uncovered and discussed throughout this research, such as the use of notable bodies, the cultivation of neoliberal advertisements through neoliberal rhetoric, and the amplification of popular advertising strategy. Because of this, this research expands the growing area of research on commodified social issues, as well as contributing to the growing area of study on the influence of modern capitalism on society and consumer culture. This research utilized a visual ideological analysis, which aims to identify the ways in which Nike intervenes in a social controversy and converts racial equity and inclusion into a consumable good, or commodity.
Advisor
Atay, Ahmet
Department
Communication Studies
Recommended Citation
Ferling, Ben, "Cashing In On Kaepernick: A Visual Ideological Analysis of the Commodification of Racial Equity and Inclusion in Nike's "Equality" and "Just Do It" Advertising Campaigns" (2020). Senior Independent Study Theses. Paper 9125.
https://openworks.wooster.edu/independentstudy/9125
Disciplines
Critical and Cultural Studies | Gender, Race, Sexuality, and Ethnicity in Communication | Public Relations and Advertising
Keywords
advertising, capitalism, commodification, consumer culture, Colin Kaepernick, neoliberalism, Nike, racial equity, racial inclusion
Publication Date
2020
Degree Granted
Bachelor of Arts
Document Type
Senior Independent Study Thesis
© Copyright 2020 Ben Ferling