John Kim 
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.
