The phrase, “I can’t breathe” is
usually a cry for help in American culture. In most circumstances, after that
phrase is used, medical attention is sought for the person that is struggling
to breathe. Unfortunately, Eric Gardner cannot say the same thing.
In July 2014, Gardner, a 43 year old, 350 pound African-American man was approached by undercover officers. Which began what Gardner felt as harassment. The police knew him to sale individual untaxed cigarettes. When one of the officers approached Gardner, he pleaded that he did nothing wrong. Following Gardner’s request to be left alone, the officer attempted to subdue the “suspect” and Gardner swiped his hands away. This gesture led to additional officers taking physical action and eventually putting Gardner in a chokehold. Chokeholds have been prohibited by New York City Police since 1993.
While all of this was captured on video, you can hear Eric Gardner repeating his last words “I can’t breathe” before his body was left on the pavement, motionless and unresponsive. This tragedy has garnered nationwide attention.
In July 2014, Gardner, a 43 year old, 350 pound African-American man was approached by undercover officers. Which began what Gardner felt as harassment. The police knew him to sale individual untaxed cigarettes. When one of the officers approached Gardner, he pleaded that he did nothing wrong. Following Gardner’s request to be left alone, the officer attempted to subdue the “suspect” and Gardner swiped his hands away. This gesture led to additional officers taking physical action and eventually putting Gardner in a chokehold. Chokeholds have been prohibited by New York City Police since 1993.
While all of this was captured on video, you can hear Eric Gardner repeating his last words “I can’t breathe” before his body was left on the pavement, motionless and unresponsive. This tragedy has garnered nationwide attention.
The video of the officer choking Eric
Gardner, which led to his death, went viral, and many “famous” people have chimed
in to bring awareness to this terrible issue. For example some professional
athletes have worn “I can’t breathe” t-shirts such as LeBron James of the
Cleveland Cavaliers, Kobe Bryant of the Los Angeles Lakers, Kevin Garnett of
the Brooklyn Nets, and other NBA stars. The most recent outcry is by Samuel L. Jackson, a famous actor. He
encourages everyone that participated in the Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)
Ice Bucket challenge to participate in his challenge as well. He asks people to
sing the 'We Ain't Gonna Stop til People are Free'
song." This challenge not only brings awareness to the Eric Gardner
tragedy, but sheds light on some police officers abuse of their power without
receiving any reprimand. Of course,
people die every day but not usually by the hand of a person sworn to protect
the public and keep the peace.
After reading this blog you might ask yourself; what does
this have to do with marketing? This matter is relevant to marketers because
the “I can’t breathe” phenomenon is not a multi-cultural issue, but rather a
Millennials matter. Individuals that are around my age, 23 years old, whether
they are Caucasian, African-American, Hispanic, or Asian are coming together
and again speaking out for what could be considered right or wrong in America. As a marketer, what can you do to help the
voice of millennials be heard? What can you do to bring awareness to this issue
and other issues like it? What will you
do to take a stand?
Written by Michael Frank Steele, Marketing Intern, Advantage Communications, Inc.
