Sneakers to some may just be what are thrown on their feet on the way out of their home. However, to others sneakers are an everyday part of their life and even dictate their actions. Some people, called “sneaker heads”, possess massive collections of sneakers that rival the inventories that shoe stores have in stock. The fact that there are many people who have such collections, explain the power that sneakers have in our society.
One of the most influential people that sparked the love that so many people share for sneakers is none other than Michael Jordan. The real king of basketball set in motion, through his shoes, a feeding frenzy with a bottomless appetite. In the mid 1980s, when Air Jordans first were released, youths went as far as shooting and killing their peers to obtain these sneakers. (*) Although it may seem that Jordans were creating criminals, these sneakers were instead simply creating an extreme passion through the beautiful art on the shoes. The Air Jordans are just one example of how important sneakers are too many people in our society. People’s expression through sneakers can be found in numerous aspects of world culture. Two areas where sneakers are a constant element, among many others, are sports and the rap industry. For instance, Nelly created a song called “Air Force Ones” that spoke about one shoe and all its aspects: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BfzsMQGqrt0
The reason for mediums such as sneakers to have such an immense following is described by Croteau and Hoynes when they write “Mass media messages do not allow for the intimate interaction of sender and receiver that characterizes personal communication” (24). Due to the fact that sneakers are so personal, because they are almost exclusively seen on someone’s feet, a connection is made between the sneakers and the person wearing them. This may be the reason why so many sneaker heads congregate on blog sites and conventions held specifically for those who love sneakers. *From article: http://www.nydailynews.com/opinions/2010/04/02/2010-04-02_25_years_later_the_air_jordans_footprint_remains.html
Also, check out a teaser for an upcoming movie called "Jordan Heads", a film that's all about Air Jordans:
I can relate with this entry in so many ways. Growing up in NYC and going to high school there, sneakers were at the forefront of high school life. Your social status was determined by the sneakers you wore, and people loved to flaunt them. I even knew kids who kept several pairs in their lockers and would change them every couple of periods. Although it sounds extreme, it was just a way of life. The sneakerhead culture has become so pervasive around the world, and provides a venue for people to connect with each other. I knew kids who would fight over stepping on each others shoes, and although it sounds ridiculous, to some people it was their livelihood.
ReplyDeleteI agree sneakers are much more than just footwear for some. Living in India I do not see this. In fact I think america is one of the few countries where sneakers are used to express a culture
ReplyDeleteGood blog interesting subject.
Great topic and a fine essay. It is amazing how people fetishize Jordan's shoes more than the legs that actually used to do the jumping. Many imaging that if they were put in Jordan's shoes they can jump just as high, without equal amount of practice and perspiration. Great example of consumer fetishism.
ReplyDeleteNice job.
Cam i completely agree with the fact that sneakers kind of define a person. With every attribute a person has, sneakers are one that people can always relate with. Having a nice pair of sneakers or having the new pair of Jordans relates with status. If you have a new pair of shoes or always keep yours clean you can be diferentiated with that of someone who has an old pair. Its so funny how sneakers can decide social status in so many ways.
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