Adidas is making waves with a controversial pair of shoes that they've not even released to the public. They've also stopped plans of releasing the shoes, so don't expect these puppies to be a part of your wardrobe of sick kicks. The question here is simple: Are they racist?
To be honest, it's a stretch to consider a pair of shoes like this racist because there is really no blatant speech or imagery that alludes to racial stereotypes or hate speech. Nonetheless, the sheer design of these things have triggered emotional responses from many people who all seem to agree that they do not speak well for the creators.
Adidas claims that the design was supposed to be nothing more than reboot of a classic design for hightop sneakers. However, the shackle-like cuffs attached to chains on these ugly things just screams out "slavery," to some. Naturally there are sensitive feelings about this kind of imagery since it's only been around 147 years since black slavery ended in the United States. To some people that's long enough, but to others the wounds are still quite fresh. Perhaps that is why the popular fashion company decided to pull the plug on the design. Do you think they're racist? Take the poll here.
Whether you think they're racist or not, one thing is for sure. These have got to be the ugliest shoes around. The colors are hideous and the cuff and chain design look like cheap toy plastic, especially with the atrocious tone of orange that further makes these things look like they came from a cheap claw machine.
Crime analyst and profiler Chelsea Hoffman can be found on The Huffington Post, Chelsea Hoffman: Case to Case and many other outlets. Follow @TheRealChelseaH on Twitter or click here to contact Chelsea directly.
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Comments: 25
I just shot soda out of my nose....
Whatev...they are just plain fugly.