The NBA Strike: Courage, cascades and what people are willing to sacrifice

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I've been incredibly impressed and inspired by the NBA (and subsequently other leagues) strike over the last 2 days to protest the shooting of Jacob Blake. Partially, it's because I'm an NBA fan and because I was moved by these incredibly personal and heartfelt takes from Doc Rivers and Chris Webber, but I realized it was a few other things as well. 

The first was that this strike seemed to start with just a few people on a single team that cared enough and were brave enough: the Milwaukee Bucks. Their act seemed to give impetus and courage to everyone else who otherwise would have tried to carry on as usual. Protesting matters - it may not be sufficient to drive change, but it's the only way to drive forward...and it generally takes just a few, committed people. 

This cascade, and how fast it spread - the other teams in a few hours and other leagues and atheletes within the day - was inspiring. All driven by (probably, I don't know for sure) a few folks on a single team supported by teammates and staff.

The third, was what people were willing to sacrifice. You could argue, as unfortunately a lot of cynical people have, that NBA athletes are in a position of privilege and so their protests carry less meaning. I find this incredibly annoying. To me the measure is what you're willing to sacrifice as part of your protest.

Each of the players (particularly the ones that started it) took a risk by deciding not to play. The Bucks clearly were ready to take a loss to mark their protest. They were up 3-1 in the series and heavy favorites, but still this was incredible risk. In a different league or circumstances, it may have had much more severe consequences. 

The even more remarkable sacrifice was apparently in the players meeting where the Lakers and Clippers in an informal poll voted to discontinue the season. Given how consumed and vocal Lebron has been about trying to win a championship this season (and the Clippers too), it's remarkable that he was willing (even if he changed his mind later) to walk way from it all. They may be in positions of privilege, but I'd venture most people in the world wouldn't come close to sacrificing as much in their position. It's a remarkable demonstration of character. 

It takes conviction and sacrifice to do that. I've been so impressed by how specific the NBA Players asks have been since then - they've taken direct action and don't seem to be satisfied by just expressing anger and a desire for change, but are trying to figure out what they can directly do to drive it.

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