Posted on 06/18/2012 3:08:03 PM PDT by DogByte6RER
Adidas Blasted Over New 'Shackle' Sneaker
Critics are fit to be tied over footwear giant Adidas' latest sneakers, which feature what looks like shackles attached to them.
The JS Roundhouse Mids, which are due to be released in August, were previewed on the Adidas Originals Facebook page in a photo posted on June 14. Although the German company insists the design has nothing to do with slavery, its own promotional material isn't likely to quell criticism.
“Got a sneaker game so hot you lock your kicks to your ankles?” reads a tagline posted beneath the picture.
Many users left comments on the page’s bulletin board ripping the day-glo orange shackles, saying they are particularly offensive to African-Americans because they evoke imagery of slavery and prisoners on the chain gang.
“Adidas, you should be ashamed of yourselves. The mockery of oppression that has not been overcome,” posted Facebook user Dace Moore on the photo’s bulletin board.
Many users were calling for a boycott of the sneaker company.
“Slavery isn’t a fashion example,” posted user Antonio Leche. “Everyone involved in this show should be fired ASAP! This is the new reason I won’t buy any Adidas anymore!”
User Kay Tee added: “It’s offensive and inappropriate in many ways. Not to mention ugly.”
"How would a Jewish person feel if Nike decided to have a shoe with a swastika on it and tried to claim it was OK in the name of fashion?"
Many also took to the blogosphere to express their disdain for Adidas’ new product.
Syracuse University economics professor Boyce Watkins wrote on Your Black World : "Shackles... the stuff that our ancestors wore for 400 years while experiencing the most horrific atrocities imaginable, ..."
(Excerpt) Read more at foxnews.com ...
“Got a sneaker game so hot you lock your kicks to your ankles?” - Tagline for Adidas' new sneaker
Does it have built in reporting to the criminal courts?
No, I go to a government school.
“Many users left comments on the page’s bulletin board ripping the day-glo orange shackles, saying they are particularly offensive to African-Americans because they evoke imagery of slavery and prisoners on the chain gang.”
There isn’t a blessed thing that does not offend this group. If this is a valid complaint, then I’m sure that many tats could be considered offensive to Jewish people. ut I don’t here them whining.
Adidas is going to make $ off the same morons who wear their pants around their knees.
That look originated in prisons. (ill-fitting prison- issued clothes)
It’s probably to protect kids from getting killed by their homies who want to steal their sneakers. Seriously.
If it evokes images of Slavery ... then perhaps Blacks shouldn’t buy this shoe. Vote with your pocketbook.
omne would think that the blacks were th eonly people to have ever hung in history the way some of these idiots and race baiting turd shout and act.
No, that look came from inmates looking for some "romancing", and offered "quick access" pants to any and all inmates who may also have a hankering for some "loving". This was a sign that you were willing and eager to be a "bottom".
Seriously? 400 years?
That's for sure. However, it's frustrating that the targets of these complaints so often cave. For example, at the annual pep rally on the USC campus prior to the game with the UCLA Bruins, Trojan fans used to hang a teddy bear from a noose. This has since been banned as racist--apparently the only ones ever to use nooses in all of history were white mobs out to lynch blacks.
It's a safe bet that this product will probably be pulled.
Holder’s people can’t count...........unless it is how many weeks/days/hours/minutes left until their handout, (Take your pick of the type), arrives in the mail. That the freakin’ T.C.B.E.M.B savages kill over shoes is just par for the course.
Perfect gift for weddings...
Yeah, from 1619 to 1865, that's 400 years according to the author. She should demand reparations from her math professor.
Not only can Holders people not count, but they so obviously forgot that it was their DEMOCRATIC party who are the founders of such a wonderful group like the KKK. And were so opposed to the civil rights legislation back in the 60’s. I would love to see a current day republican throw that one in their faces - on national TV.
When the Jews riot, and loot to get them we'll let you know.
When you pants are down below your but cheeks something like that would be useful to keep your pants legs from dragging on the floor.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.