Nike Commercial Just Doesn't Do It
Dr. Lee Cronk, an anthropologist at the University of Cincinnatti who spent two years in Kenya studying the Samburu tribe, took particular note when he saw a new commercial for Nike running shoes. The comercial depicts Samburu tribesmen running in northern Kenya. The camera slowly pans down to show them wearing new Nikes. One of the tribesmen speaks in the Maa language, and a subtitle flashes Nike's latest slogan: "Just do it." Not exactly a literal translation, said Cronk, who knows the language. "What he is really saying is, 'I don't want these. Give me big shoes.'"
"I don't think he had anything against Nikes. I'm sure he thought they were great shoes. I don't see why they should change it. It is really kind of harmless."
--from the Funny Times "Monthly Newspaper of Humor, Politics & Fun" Cleveland Heights, OH