Olympic sponsor scraps ‘slave shoes’

Adidas announced on June 14 that it is prepared to release trainers fit with “shackles” that fit around the wearer’s ankles but the unveiled design was condemned by many commentators on Adidas Originals Facebook page and internet blogs as reminiscent of chains formerly worn by black slaves in the 19th century United States.

One internet user, identifying himself as Kay Tee said the offensiveness of Adidas’s new design to black people would be similar to producing a “shoe with a [Nazi symbol of] swastika on it” and see how Jewish people like it.

Meanwhile, Boyce Watkins, a Syracuse University professor wrote on Your Black World weblog that he is “offended by these shoes” as “shackles” were worn by black people for 400 years “while experiencing the most horrific atrocities imaginable.”

Adidas has now cancelled the launch of the “JS Roundhouse Mids” and apologized for causing any offence in an apparent attempt to prevent the racism row blow into another “sweatshop” scandal and endanger its Olympic goldmine.

British media reported earlier this month that the German sportswear manufacturer which is given the contract for making the official clothing for the London 2012 Olympics and the British athletes during the Games has been slaving Indonesian workers.

The reports said the clothing are being manufactured for Adidas in “sweatshop conditions” in Indonesia, making a mockery of claims by London 2012 organizers that this summer’s Games will be the most ethical ever.

The revelations forced reaction from London Organizing Committee of the Olympic and Paralympic Games (LOCOG) which called on Adidas to investigate the issue.

LOCOG is already under pressure for accepting Dow Chemical as the sponsor for the £7 million decorative wrap that will sheathe London’s Olympic Stadium.

Dow Chemical faces a £1.1 billion compensation lawsuit by the Indian Supreme Court over the 1984 Bhopal gas leak disaster that killed up to 25,000 people in India.

Source: PressTV

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