Kareem Abdul-Jabbar on Michael Jordan: ‘He Took Commerce Over Conscience’

[Soon]

You dudes out here actually arguing that social activism and business don't mix??

You dumb mufukkas.

Social activism putting pressure on business is THE FUKKING BASIS THAT MAKES SOCIAL ACTIVISM WORK!

Jordan never used social causes to sell his products. He knew not to mix social causes and business.

What social activism is Apple doing now?

I'm all for businesses for doing social activism,but using it to sell a product is not good that is why I feel business and social causes should not mix.

Kareem doesn't even care how many people Jordan has helped, that's not even his issue with Jordan. He wants Jordan to talk about social issues, even though most athletes don't talk about social issues. Sadly, our community are moved by people who are all talk, but quick to downplay people who are all action.

 

[RTF]

Jordan has always been about basketball and business. I agree with Kareem, and I don't admire or respect Jordan.

But to attack Jordan's reputation and even question his integrity cause he is making money is a move black people will do to each other.

After all is said and done, we are very selective in our criticism. Folks won't talk about the people who actually poisons the minds of our youths, we will actually celebrate them, but turn around and question Jordan's integrity.

If we made any progress in correcting the ills in our community, I would take you social justice warriors seriously.

Basketball, business, culture, society, fashion, art - are all intertwined. You can't separate this out. well you can - but it's because you've ignored it purposely. Put it this way - if black men suddenly decided to stop buying Jordan Brand - the brand would commission research into why the brand has lost social capital among that demographic instantly. It would be panic. It wouldn't just be - "why did 15% of our base leave us - they would have to look at the broader picture. Because.... business isn't just business.

Basketball is only successful with social importance. With social importance comes $$.
Sneakers especially - are tied closely to cultural significance. You can't separate Vans from skateboarding and the rebellious culture that comes from. You can't separate Ralph from the sport of Polo and the affluent people that play it. You can't separate Jordan sneakers from the young black children that look up to these stars.

As for the bolded, those people are often faceless to the broad public (the execs). Individual characters are normally deeply flawed victims themselves (Floyd, Lil Wayne, DMX etc.).

The last sentence is imo narrow minded. Men lead communities. Successful men have the most ability to lead and influence the communities. When you hit big, you bring your people with you - cool. But you also go back and invest in the community. Improve 1 school department. Then perhaps a whole school.. or 3. Improve facilities at local hospitals.. etc. This is what successful immigrants do or even the Jewish community. in fact... any community. That's why you're encouraged to donate to your University - to make the community that made you - stronger.

If you don't do that and you're from an oppressed community. And only concerned about yourself and immediate family - your integrity is going to be questioned.

 

[Remote]

Jordan never used social causes to sell his products. He knew not to mix social causes and business.

What social activism is Apple doing now?

I'm all for businesses for doing social activism,but using it to sell a product is not good that is why I feel business and social causes should not mix.

Kareem doesn't even care how many people Jordan has helped, that's not even his issue with Jordan. He wants Jordan to talk about social issues, even though most athletes don't talk about social issues. Sadly, our community are moved by people who are all talk, but quick to downplay people who are all action.

You guys talk about how black empowerment starts with building wealth in your communities.

And yet the second someone of color is in a position to spearhead such empowerment, you're quick to give them a pass and hop on that "everyone is out for themselves" argument.

And the way you justify this is to point at other white rich people and say that they don't get caught up in social issues or "white empowerment".

As if the black experience/predicament is anything like the white one.

 

[Soon]

Basketball, business, culture, society, fashion, art - are all intertwined. You can't separate this out. well you can - but it's because you've ignored it purposely. Put it this way - if black men suddenly decided to stop buying Jordan Brand - the brand would commission research into why the brand has lost social capital among that demographic instantly. It would be panic. It wouldn't just be - "why did 15% of our base leave us - they would have to look at the broader picture. Because.... business isn't just business.

Basketball is only successful with social importance. With social importance comes $$.
Sneakers especially - are tied closely to cultural significance. You can't separate Vans from skateboarding and the rebellious culture that comes from. You can't separate Ralph from the sport of Polo and the affluent people that play it. You can't separate Jordan sneakers from the young black children that look up to these stars.

As for the bolded, those people are often faceless to the broad public (the execs). Individual characters are normally deeply flawed victims themselves (Floyd, Lil Wayne, DMX etc.).

The last sentence is imo narrow minded. Men lead communities. Successful men have the most ability to lead and influence the communities. When you hit big, you bring your people with you - cool. But you also go back and invest in the community. Improve 1 school department. Then perhaps a whole school.. or 3. Improve facilities at local hospitals.. etc. This is what successful immigrants do or even the Jewish community. in fact... any community. That's why you're encouraged to donate to your University - to make the community that made you - stronger.

If you don't do that and you're from an oppressed community. And only concerned about yourself and immediate family - your integrity is going to be questioned.

I guarantee you Kareem doesn't know and doesn't care about all the concrete stuff Jordan has done. You are arguing points which is not the issue Kareem has with Jordan.

I repeat, Kareem is not saying Jordan has not done enough with his money, and he probably doesn't care.

And you think Jordan never gave back to the community. I know you know he did, you just don't care.

Black folks for some reason are more moved by talk then action or results.

 

[loyola llothta]

Be like mike I wonder why