Nike Apologizes for Controversial “Puerto Rico” Themed Sneaker
Whether you’re a sneaker collector or not, if you’re a Latino/Latina, then his story is worth listening to. Just recently, Nike revealed a “Puerto Rico-Themed” design of the signature Air Force One Low model to celebrate the annual Puerto Rican Day Parade. The sneaker featuring a colorful design supposedly inspired by the “street-art of Puerto Rico.” However, sneaker-heads around the world quickly became furious, because the design was actually a traditional Panamanian Art Form, called a “Mola”, and Nike had mistaken the culture/art of Panama for that of Puerto Rico. “Mola” is a sacred art form to the indigenous Guna people of Panama, and typically features bright colors outlining unique and intricate patterns. So, one could see why this mistake in design could be seen as disrespectful to both the people of Panama, and to all Latinx individuals around the country.
Hip-hop producer DJ Clark Kent, who is originally from Panama brought major awareness to the issue by posting on Instagram saying “Respectfully, this is not a part of Puerto Rico’s rich culture. Though we are both Spanish Speaking people, we have different traditions, art & cultural expressions. When celebrating one, please do proper research. These things should not be confused.”
Nike may have had good intentions when they tried to pay homage to Puerto Rico, but they accidentally enraged multiple Latin communities. They decided to cancel the release, and made an announcement apologizing for the “inaccurate representation of the design origin” of the product. However, at the end of the day, everything works out. More people now know that every single Latin culture is unique, and Nike has learned its lesson and will hopefully be more careful. And this may have even been a unique way for the Latin American communities to bond over a common issue.
Do you think Nike learned their lesson? Are you or anyone you know from Puerto Rico or Panama? What did you/they think? Let us know in the comments below! And for the hottest and most recent Latin entertainment news, follow us on all social medias and subscribe to our newsletter by scrolling to the bottom of this page.
