Peace brothers and sisters…
It’s been too long…but the Queen is back!
So recently…I’m reading through my aol emails and as I’m signing off, I notice there is a story titled, “New Adidas ‘Shackle Sneaker’ Inspired By ‘Toy’ Not Slavery Says Jeremy Scott”.
Excuse me…. hold up for a second… I know I’m reading this wrong.
The article is dated June 19, 2012 but yall know I still have to say my piece… so I go to the Adidas website for further info… no archives.
According to CNN.com, German sports apparel maker Adidas had withdrawn its plans to sell a controversial sneaker featuring affixed rubber shackles after the company generated significant criticism when advertising the shoe on its Facebook page.
According to the Adidas Originals Facebook page, the high-top sneakers, dubbed the “JS Roundhouse Mids”, were expected to be released in August and retail at $350.
WTF?? Seriously??
How could this sneaker have even gotten the okay for production?
As I have researched, Beverly Hills Designer Jeremy Scott is well known for creating outrageous and “out-of-the-box” shoe designs for Adidas; however, Mr Scott was definitely off his box with this latest design… to put it respectfully.
I mean… Were there any people of color present at that initial marketing meeting?? WAKE UP.
The Boston Herald reported that Scott said on Twitter (around June 20th) that his inspiration for the shoes were a cartoon and toy called “My Pet Monster.”
Yall… I had my very own Pet Monster as a kid and seeing this shoe definitely does not bring back any fond memories of “Rufus”.
In fact, when I first saw the sneaker, with the caption, “coming to your local hoods”, my mouth dropped open and I really had to pinch myself, like “is this for real??” “Would people really rock this shoe??
According to Cnn.com, one of Adidas’ most high-profile condemnations came from the Rev. Jesse Jackson, ”The attempt to commercialize and make popular more than 200 years of human degradation, where blacks were considered three-fifths human by our Constitution is offensive, appalling and insensitive.”
America the beautiful.
Although the campaign was cancelled and production halted for this shoe, it lets me know that society has gotten way too comfortable!!
“Coming to your local hoods???” Which hoods would those be??
Garveyites please stand up!
The Black Power Movement was prominent in the late ’60s and early ’70s, emphasizing racial pride and the creation of black political and cultural institutions to nurture and promote black collective interests and advance black values. “Black Power” expresses a range of political goals, from defense against racial oppression, to the establishment of social institutions and a self-sufficient economy.
It’s time to get back the basics of self love and self pride.
My people…. release the shackles from your minds!
If we don’t stand for something, we’re going to fall for anything.
You can’t cover up the pain and hurt of yesterday with today’s fashion colors and designs and high-end marketing, repackage and then shove to the masses like nothing happened. That was already done when they came into our land and stole our culture, religion, family and pride.
“There is no future when we disregard the past” – Dead Prez
Stay informed. Liberation through education.
Know thyself. Love thyself.
Black Power
Uhuru (freedom)
Queen Rai Jas-Min
