I saw a CNN headline on Dec. 8 that said "Does speaking out hurt an athlete's brand?".
The question begs an answer that addresses a far larger problem than that being focused on by the "I can't breathe" meme currently galvanizing protests.
By asking about potential damage to a "brand" when taking a position on a social injustice the question points to a problem rooted in values. To even be able to equate the tragic loss of a man's life (Eric Garner) with marketing and financial concerns, the question needs to be sourced from a presumption that value is measured by money. It's a presumption rooted in a business philosophy of scarcity that devalues integrity and that fosters the poverty of meaning that is so prevalent in today's society. It's this presumption that contributed, in large part, to the death of Mr. Garner who was simply, albeit unlawfully, selling cigarettes. We can't continue to conduct "business as usual"...it's killing us.
"I can't breathe" says the planet as CO2 chokes it.
"I can't breathe" says the family that requires two incomes to barely stay afloat.
"I can't breathe" says the single parent working for a "minimum wage" that is below the poverty line.
"I can't breathe" says the oceans as they heat up and become more acidic.
"I can't breathe" says the giraffe as it slowly becomes extinct.
"I can't breathe" says the immigrant who is told who they are is a problem.
"I can't breathe" says the college graduate buried by student loans.
"I can't breathe" says the Wall Street banker whose life is empty.
"I can't breathe" says the disinfranchised voter.
"I can't breathe" says the safe energy entrepreneur constrained by regulations imposed by legislators conspiring with oil and gas interests.
"I can't breathe" says the family that lost their home to predatory lending practices.
"I can't breathe" is not a way to live.