In U.S. protests, brands stand against racism

Protests against police violence and racism in the United States, which have been gaining traction in several cities across the country in recent days, have won the endorsement of major global brands this weekend. The wave of popular dissatisfaction began last week, due to the death of George Floyd, former black security guard, in a police action. Footage showing a white police officer kneeling over Floyd's neck prompted protests in Minneapolis, where the police approach took place, and in the following days broke out in several other locations in the United States. On Friday, 29, Nike published a manifesto on their social networks in which they turned their traditional slogan "Just Do It" into "Don ́t Do It". "Don't pretend there's not a problem in America. Don't turn your back on racism. Don't accept innocent lives being taken from us. Don't make excuses anymore. Don't think it doesn't affect you. Don't sit down and be silent. Don't think you can't be part of the change," says the sports goods brand's manifesto. The Nike video was shared by competitor Adidas, who used Twitter to repost the message with the phrases "Together we go forward. Together we make the change." Like the two companies, several other brands in the sports universe are also using their social media profiles to bolster their stance against racism, such as Reebok and the NFL have also taken a stand against the violence it is affecting and the black community. Major media companies and content producers have also endorsed demonstrations against racism and violence. YouTube has used its social media profiles to support the cause and account for what it has been doing to help reduce social inequality. "We stand in solidarity against racism and violence. When members of our community get hurt, we're all wounded. We're committing $1 million to support social justice efforts," google's video platform said. Netflix's international profile also came out through Twitter. "To be silent is to be complicit. Black lives matter. We have a platform and a duty to highlight our members, employees, creatives and black talents," the company wrote. The Brazilian version of Netflix reposted the message, endorsing the cause. Twitter also spoke out through a message that racism does not adhere to social distancing and has changed the color of its traditional blue symbol to black. Disney has also positioned itself in favor of inclusion and its members, employees and black community, as well as the social network Tik Tok and MTV.