The Minor Threat, The Major Lift

I admit, my gut reaction to Nike's, shall-we-say, "citation" of the iconic Minor Threat album cover was negative—Minor Threat inspiring nostalgia in me in a way that Nike does not, memories of dedication to Dischord Records's trademark abstinence regarding image-based commodity (t-shirts, etc.). Yet I read the apology issued by Nike—make that "Nike SB," which I take means "Nike Skateboarding," the division created to take this hit—and of course it's entirely reasonable. It's corporate wisdom and an eye toward the demographic that has the mega multinational pleading for mercy from mom and pop, but the letter is smart; I might entertain a Rove-ian interpretation of the homage-cum-scandal as a clever way to force the brand into a pretty insular niche market.

On another note, as Christopher Lynn observes, the no-doubt supremely offended reaction among any number of punk ethos/DIY adherents is a bit much: A robust appreciation for intellectual property rights has never exactly been a central feature of the punk platform. Frankly I think it would be inspired if every company whose logo has been molested by a rock band were to feature their music in an ad—unattributed, even! Teach you damn punks a lesson! Get outta my flowerbeds! You kids are on thin ice with me, thin, thin ice!

I used to have a t-shirt for a band called Seaweed—I think it was a play on a Motel 6 ad? This post is making me feel so old.