Last year during Thanksgiving, after hearing an uncle’s comment that was clearly a rant against kneeling—”shouldn’t employees be fired if they don’t follow their bosses’ request?”, I was incensed. Before I could start an all-out debate, my mom unknowningly intervened with some obtuse topic. The conversation was forgotten, but I didn’t forget.

For this year’s Thanksgiving, my aunt sent an email requesting a list of dishes that each family would bring (as it was always potluck style) and a suggestion that we share a 2 minute video of what happened in the last year.

That was my chance to flex my creative muscle. AND speak to the unspoken topic of last year. People should disobey their employer if it doesn’t fit their moral standards and build up a movement within. Because that’s how society changes.

With a subtle nod to the recent Nike commercial, I created a 2 minute video of snapshots from Chris’ life and my life in the last few years where we defied expectations and most importantly, spoke up against hate in a way we never had. Beyond the fact that it was particularly self-serving, I wanted to send a message: I disagree with what you’re saying about Kap.

Then time came to present it as each family cast through the Apple TV. First my uncle and aunt showcased their recent experiences through a photo slideshow—people they met, being grandchildren, and everything else. Then my cousin did a photo slideshow of his kids and wife all against a default Apple music. Then my dad showed photos from his trip to China, highlighting the photos he took of his childhood home and his father’s home. Then I offered to show ours. Sensing the atmosphere in the room and a slight tinge of regret, but an urge to make a stand, I said, “My video is a bit different. So be prepared.”

In silence, my family watched my video (albeit with one buffering issue). When the last screen fading to a “Just do it”, my mom declared that the theme of videos should be “just do it” without being aware that was Nike’s catchphrase. My cousin declared that I got an A for the effort in the vieo.

In the moments that followed, I realized that nobody got the reference. I felt disappointed, but almost partially relieved. I wasn’t sure how I would respond to people disagreeing with the sentiment.

But in the following days, perhaps in an attempt to get approval, I showed it to trusted friends. People who would know the Nike commercial. To my surprise, most people didn’t even know. I showed it at work while I described why I did it. To which end, I received a reply that probably validated everything with a “You’re spicy!”