There are those who say they support human rights, and then make a fortune off of the claim without much sacrifice. Celtics’ center, Enes Kanter, is not one of those people. Lacking superstar status, the NBA players is risking everything by making claims against the Chinese Communist Party and the abuses against humanity in that country. In doing so, Kanter not only risks his own future in the NBA, but also threatens to throw the entire entertainment industry into chaos.
It’s interesting watching mega entertainment corporations participating in criticism of America past, present, and future. They take on social causes so long as it stands to make them more money. But the moment that criticism of the Chinese government becomes a possibility, they flee. Who can forget Lebron James and his defense of China? This is the same Chinese government that continues to employ real slavery, forced labor, genocide, and organ harvesting on massive scales. This is the same China that has concentration camps currently running. This is the same China that The Walt Disney Company thanks for allowing them to film near said concentration camps where Uighur Muslims are held against their will.
So when Enes Kanter speaks out against the communist power of Xi Jinping, he’s taking a stand against all of those who participate in modern-day slavery that lines their pockets with money. When he wears shoes made by a Chinese ex pat, and those shoes speak out against human slavery, he’s taking on Nike and all the vast money it has. When he speaks out against the NBA ignoring China’s human rights abuses, he’s not only causing China to boycott Celtics games, but also risk the entire NBA relationship with the Chinese market.
Image Courtesy: CNN
There are consequences for Enes Kanter… real consequences. He’s replaceable. And vast amounts of money are on the line across many corporations and multiple industries. What if Kanter inspires celebrities to join his cause? What if NBA fans take notice and start participating in displays in arenas? What if kids start boycotting Nike?
That’s unallowable in the corporate powers that be.
That’s why good people everywhere should be supporting Kanter. Because this is a man who is willing to take the risks associated with telling the truth and calling out those who harm innocent people. Colin Kaepernick only wishes he had the bravery of Enes Kanter. While Kap is getting financial endorsements from the corporations that support modern day slavery, Kanter is out there ready to sacrifice it all to just tell the truth. He can’t even return to Europe for fear the Turkish government will attempt to arrest him or assassinate him. His family is essentially on house arrest in Turkey, and has been forced to verbally denounce him. Turkey has ten arrest warrants out for him… for just telling the truth.
"In the almost quarter-century since Brad Pitt’s 'Seven Years in Tibet' and Richard Gere’s 'Red Corner,' no major Hollywood release has portrayed the Communist regime in a substantially negative light," writes @DouthatNYT. https://t.co/5dRKxvbgo0
— New York Times Opinion (@nytopinion) October 18, 2021
That’s how you can know who the real heroes are. Real heroes risk something real. Like heroes before him, Enes Kanter is taking a stand by standing up for those who honestly cannot defend themselves. And he knows there may not be accolades or money awaiting him. Instead, it may be incarceration, torture, assassination, separation from family, and loss of all wealth. But Kanter keeps telling the truth, speaking out about those who cannot speak for themselves.
The world needs more Enes Kanters. And we can only hope that he does, indeed, turn over the entertainment industry. After all, the only way to make the world a better place is to help those who live where it is worse.