SWOOSHTIKA EYES

Surely Nike aren't going to try and pass off an advertising campaign as a parody, are they? That would seem to be the only, slim defence they'd have for stealing the imagery and artwork from Minor Threat to push some sort of plimsole-sales drive. This is the original:



And this is the Nike ad:



A pair of shoes stitched together by a thirsty twelve-year if you can spot three differences.

You might have though Nike would have at least got in touch before doing this, wouldn't you? But apparently not. Dischord records aren't happy:

Many people have now noticed that Nike has appropriated the Minor Threat artwork and logo for a new skateboard demo / ad campaign. To set the record straight -- Nike never contacted Dischord to obtain permission to use this imagery, nor was any permission granted. Simply put, Nike stole it and we're not happy about it. We are not yet sure what options, if any, we have to stop Nike from using our images to sell their shoes, but if you would like to direct your complaints to Nike that would be a good place to start.

To longtime fans and supporters of Minor Threat and Dischord this must seem like just another familiar example of mainstream corporations attempting to to assimilate underground culture to turn a buck. However it is more disheartening to us to think that Nike may be successful in using this imagery to fool kids, just beginning to becoming familiar with skate culture, underground music and DIY ideals, into thinking that the general ethos of this label, and Minor Threat in particular, can somehow be linked to Nike's mission. In any regard, we would like to thank the many people who have written to us in the last several days to express their outrage, support and encouragement.

There's an easy-to-use Contact Nike page on the shoe company's website. On the other hand, you might just want to make a pair of shoes with a stylised tick on them. Seems to be what Nike would do.

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