Do you dare to dream? Dream of being a star? A champion? Do you dream of being great? At some point in our lives, we all try to achieve greatness. Whether it be at a sport, at work, at school, even at friendship. When you are filled with passion for something it is human nature to want to be great at it. No one wants to be a mediocre football player or cellist. You put your heart and soul into this thing in hopes of changing lives, whether it be yours or others. Nike claims we are all capable of greatness. That greatness is not defined by gold medals or trophies, but rather by that little voice in our heads that tell us to "Just do it. They show this message in a "stripped down to nothing " advertisement that is sure to get your attention.
A young boy, maybe 11 or 12 years old, is on a deserted road. He is dressed in a drab, dingy white t-shirt that is a bit too long for him, black basketball shorts, and white tennis shoes. He is jogging very slowly, one step at a time, one foot in front of the other. There is not a single car or person in sight. 3 lone mailboxes are there on the side of the road with him. The sun is mid-rise and the sky is partly cloudy. He does not look side to side, but instead focuses straight ahead on the road in front of him. "Greatness is not rare " the voice says. It is merely something we invented and it is, in reality, as common as breathing. .
The appeal in this ad is that anyone is capable of getting "on the road " that leads to greatness. You don't have to be an athlete or prodigy, nor does it require you to be a "super star." Running is something anyone can just go out and do. You don't have to be wealthy, or fit, a certain age, or a certain size. We can all relate to the boy in the ad because he does not fit the stereotype that society has formed about "greatness " only being attainable in those who are fit, athletic, or talented. In one way or another, we all feel inadequate or not good enough in some area of our lives.