The top dogs at Adidas just cancelled production on a Jeremy Scott sneaker equipped with a shackle like attachment after “critics” claimed it resembled a “symbol of slavery.”
Jeremy Scott, who is known for his animal collaborations with Adidas, is a fashion designer renowned for basing his designs on his childhood memories. In this particular case, the design is based off of an old school furry doll called “My Pet Monster.” I personally don’t wear any of his sneakers – I’m an adult and I feel that once you leave the third grade, your kicks shouldn’t have tails and animal heads on the tongue.
I have a problem, however, with Adidas not having the courage to stand up for artistic creation and expression. I can name about four sneakers they should have cancelled before this one (namely the Black History Month EQTs). Outside sources, however, shouldn’t dictate the fate of fashion.
These critics that made this discovery don’t even wear sneakers. They’re nothing but Internet watchdogs looking for a cause and when they see a chain and cuff they blow their whistle. Art and fashion are based on interpretation and each individual/consumer has a unique viewpoint and, thus, the right to purchase these items. Cancelling an artist’s take on a childhood memory due to “critics” is called censorship. But – even worse – where I’m from, it’s called “playing yourself.”
