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Originally Posted by MaZeDOwNeR
Via: KixandtheCity.com
More Pics/Info [HERE]
In the midst of Black History Month and with the 2008 Olympics approaching this Summer, Nike recently created a pack dedicated to the poignant memory of a historical Black Olympic moment. Inspired by Tommie Smith and John Carlos' "Silent Gesture" of raising their black gloved fists in the air as a sign of Black Power during 1968 Summer Olympics' 200 meter award ceremony (Smith won Gold, John Carlos won Bronze), the "Silent Gesture" carries on the memory of their, at the time controversial, yet heroic act.
With this in mind, Nike utilized a mix of Black (for their glove) and Metallic Gold and Bronze (for their medals) onto the upper of the 95 360. The upper is fused onto a Black/Team Red Air Max 360 sole.
The "Silent Gesture" Nike Air Max 95 360 is available now at select Nike accounts.
So, are they actually going to donate to a worthy cause in honor of this - or is this just another crass attempt to exploit and commercialize somethingNike doesn't own the rights to? That's just a DISGUSTING marketing tactic. Seriously, how is it supposed to be an "honor" to have someonecreate a for-profit product and make money off of your back without compensation?
Why do sneaker news sites fall for this garbage? Nike CAN'T publicly say "these are transformers shoes," "this is the Homer Simpsondunk" etc. because they'd get sued. They don't have the rights. So, what do they do? Oh hey news blog that'll print whatever our publicistforwards you, oh hey shoe store employee who'll post whatever our Ekin tells you on NikeTalk, oh hey retailer who needs an angle to move this crap, justbetween you and me *wink wink* this shoe is based on a VERY popular license.... that we haven't secured and refuse to pay for. So, you know, spread theword. STOP THAT.
If Nike wants to make a shoe in honor of Tommie Smith and John Carlos - make them do so LEGITIMATELY, not under the table.
We seriously need to take a stand on this. Don't be surprised if we start blacking this garbage out on NikeTalk. Post pics of the shoes if you want,but the illegitimate "nickname" marketing has GOT to stop. It's BEYOND classless and unethical - but then this IS Nike we're talking about.
This whole silly product idea is beyond ironic to begin with, because both Tommie Smith and John Carlos wore Pumas during the '68 games - though obviouslythey took them off for the medal stand protest.