Nike Takes Heat Over SB Dunk Nickname
March 14th, 2012 by John K. | 32 comments
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Sneakers have become a mainstream topic of conversation, but is it for the right reason? Recent stories involving the releases of high-profile items like the Air Jordan XI ‘Concord’ and the Nike Air Foamposite One ‘Galaxy’ have generated quite a bit of controversy, but this latest headline that has been swirling around goes beyond the simple desire of a shoe into an area where ‘controversial’ becomes ‘offensive’ to some. The recently released Nike SB Dunk Low ‘Black & Tan’ was originally intended to help commemorate St. Patrick’s Day with an inspiration from the popularized alcoholic beverage that mixes a dark beer and a pale ale (typically Guinness and Harp), but it has since come to light that ‘Black And Tans’ also signifies a military group from the early 1900′s that became notorious for attacks on Irish civilian populations.
According to Yahoo, Nike has since issued an apology, but it must be made clear that Nike had no hand in the naming of the ‘Black & Tan’ and that these nicknames (particularly with SB Dunks) are usually generated outside Nike walls. Not since the Nike Air Bakin’ controversy with the ‘Air’ logo has a sneaker caused a level of uproar in a cultural demographic, but it certainly raises awareness on the issue, while inadvertently and inevitably giving the SB Dunks ‘Black & Tan’ a sexier appeal. Your thoughts on the matter? Let us know in the comments area below and cop your own pair from select SB retailers like DQM or on eBay.
Even the dumb and uninitiated are smart enough to check on wiki first, before making a fool of themselves. To quote a famous dumb person " It's better for dumb people to be slient and to let others think your stupid, than it is to open your mouth and remove all doubt" Which ever advertising firm got this project didn't think it would be they're last, but me thinks it is. How stupid can you be as a company director than to go and insult the Irish world-wide on St. Patrick's Day.
Got my pair yesterday, really nice shoe and the concept is pretty rad. If you live in the Seattle area hit up 35th AVE in Federal Way they have a few pairs left. Awesome store and awesome customer service always treat their customers with respect.
Regardless if its negative or positive attention. all this controversy makes the shoes more valuable and sought after
Actually Nike's apology made no sense. It's obvious by the insole and cw of the shoe itself that they wanted called Black and Tan and was determined inside the walls of Nike even if they didn't technically give it the name. It's a drink though and Nike's intent was clear and should've never been taken out of context.
Seriously... the insole has a glass of beer on it. People are too sensitive these days. Dope CW.
Someone should sue Nike. This is ridiculous. The shoes shouldn't be called this because its not like the shoe is black and tan. Well, ok. But the insole isn't black and tan. Well.....just gimme a tissue.
not even tht good of a shoe, and yea i thought big companies had ppl tht looked at names and stuff..... i hope nike comes back with something better thou
Um, because it's a Drink and not a terrorist group?? I see beer, Not Soldiers burning houses and killing people. BEER. C'mon, man... People.. THINK!!
i know its supposed to be that way, but the swoosh and the sole just look like a super yellowed white. easy pass.
these r sum of the best dunks ever. That's really fcked up doe with all the racism that was involved. I mean that's like namin a shoe after a terrorist.
i guess you have to be irish to understand...make an osama bin laden inspired nike and then the shit will be offensive.
Ben and Jerry ice cream made the same mistake several years ago with a black and tan ice cream. "Black and tans" were a nickname given to returning British solider that were employed by the Royal Irish Constabulary as temporary constables from 1920-21 to suppress the revolution in Ireland. The black and tans were known to target civilians for attacks.
Yeah, its the r U c, or royal ULSTER constabulary, don't know much about Ireland considering your called irish.
I can understand why they would get mad but really...it's a shoe. Not that serious. That's not even their official name anyways.
All i want to know is when do these drop cause I'm thinking this going to be one of the last top SB releases ever and I need to get a pair or two
Same goes to you. no hypebeast here, most of my SB boxes are silver and pink you nerd and half of them have actually been skated. you probably wear SBs and never owned a board in your life posing ass nikka. Raise up off my cack
gotta skate to wear sb gotta ball to wear lebrons and jays...or else your a poser. these crackers always wanna put a label on something.
I thought i read that nike was killing SB, maybe I got the story twisted. Either way, raise up off my scrotum f@ggot
damn fighting over these dunks...come on just because someone doesnt skate sbs doesnt mean anything you own a pair of ones or threes? I dont see you dunking from the foul line youre gonna cop two because its the last big release? Id rather cop two on a lowkey release that I like. again disengage the hate and advocate what you like
