What Air Jordan Says About Capitalism

There is no need for a spoiler alert because we all know how Air ends.

But there is so much more.

Air Jordan Capitalism

Today, our story starts with an Elizabeth Gilbert (Eat Pray Love author) New Yorker magazine interview. Explaining why she will be postponing her newest book’s publication date, she discussed the impact of a novel’s nuance. As a result, a minor character can convey a memorable accomplishment. Correspondingly, even a place might create a good or bad feeling that we take with us.

Air has a similar impact. But during its 112 minutes, the message is about capitalism.

The film starts in 1984 with a Nike executive (Matt Damon) spearheading a campaign to snag Michael Jordan as a Nike client. The goal is to base a new sneaker on a young, unusually talented player. But first, they have to get him as a client. So, they offer Michael Jordan a traditionally lucrative signing deal. Instead, entering new signing territory, Mrs. Jordan wants a percent of the shoe’s sales.

As viewers, we hope Nike says yes. Then, seeing them capitulate, we feel good that capitalism did what we wanted. Furthermore, the market system provides a new reference point. By elevating the pay for a sneaker deal, they’ve created a new standard. So, not only does the film demonstrate the power of negotiating (happily from a mother), it also shows the hard work, the optimism, and the perseverance of a Nike executive. Meanwhile, from a CEO, we see good decision-making and an appealing personality.

Some Air Jordans:

Our Bottom Line: The Market System

Combined, the film gives us a package called capitalism. It is about self-interest, competition, and property. But, if I had to select one idea, the film reflects the value of the price system. To function successfully, our market system needs prices that send signals about value. Certainly, with Michael Jordan, the $1.3 billion he has so far gotten from Nike shows his value.

My sources and more: In its film review, Newsweek details Air’s connection to capitalism. But this post all began with this interview.