Business

Activists Blame Nike Shoes for Rising Crime, Demand Company Lower Prices to ‘Meet Customer Demand’

Houston activists and ministers are calling on Nike and Michael Jordan to change the way they sell the highly-coveted Air Jordan sneakers.

(Related: Cops have to use pepper spray to control crowds trying to get Nikes)

In case you haven’t heard what happened when Nike released the latest edition of the shoe, there were multiple arrests:

Activists Blame Nike for Fights and Arrests Over Shoes, Demand They Lower Prices to Meet Customer DemandAnd in several cases, the police had to be called in to control near-rioting crowds:

Activists Blame Nike for Fights and Arrests Over Shoes, Demand They Lower Prices to Meet Customer DemandAfter the various violent mishaps that followed the release of the shoes, community leaders claim the people at the top should take responsibility.

My FOX Houston has the story, in which multiple local activists are pointing fingers at Nike, not the shoppers:

Why would people get violent over $200 shoes?

“I’ve never seen anybody be killed or jumped over a TV. For some reason it’s the shoes,” said Maria Hernandez in the My FOX Houston report.

One local tried to explain the mad, and oftentimes violent, dash to get the much sought-after shoes.

“These shoes have always had a place of value in Black life,” said Malik Ingram.

Outside Greenspoint Mall on Wednesday activist Quanell X (yes, that Quanell X) and ministers demanded that Michael Jordan and Nike founder Phil Knight “lower the price of the shoes and meet customer demand,” reports FOX.

“It is the responsibility of Michael Jordan and Nike to stand up and be part of the solution. Right now it’s a public safety issue with children wearing those sneakers,” said Quanell X.

“The people that can least afford these shoes are buying them, and what happens as a result of that? Well there’s more crime,” said Ben Mendez, a Hispanic business leader.

Nike responded:

Consumer safety and security is of paramount importance. We encourage anyone wishing to purchase our product to do so in a respectful and safe manner.

“We’re not trying to make it logical. We‘re simply saying it’s going to take all of us collectively to take responsibility for making a change,” said Bishop James Dixon, Community of Faith Church.

But does basic economics agree with the leaders’ calls for Nike to lower the price to meet customer demand? Do they believe that a lower price would really fix the violence associated with these shoes?

First, if Nike were to adjust anything to “meet customer demand,” they would increase the price of the shoe. If customers are willing to face arrests for a $200 shoe, then they would probably be willing to spend an extra $50 if Nike increased the price. And if Nike continued to increase the price, that would mean more people would not be able to afford the shoes, thus lowering the amount of people busting down the doors to get them.

However, that’s probably not what Quanell X had in mind when he referenced “customer demand.” He probably meant that Nike should lower the price so all people who want them can get them.

And that‘s where this really doesn’t make sense. If Nike lowered the price so that everyone could afford them, and these shoes have been described as being an integral part of the community life, do these community activists really think that there will be a decline in violence in the immediate future?

Consider this: take the violence that has erupted over these shoes, not because they are expensive but because they are prestigious, and multiply that number by the amount of people who can now afford the shoe.

If Nike were to lower the price of the shoe, the stores selling them would most likely see an exponential increase in short-term violence as people rush to get the shoes.

Problem not solved.

As far as that “not trying to make it logical” part is concerned, some would say they are doing a pretty good job.

Comments (433)

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  • texasfireguy
    Posted on December 29, 2011 at 1:13pm

    Typical of our nation these days. Don’t blame a lack or respect or personal responsibility on the part of the few that are acting like idiots. Just blame the easy target. It’s the same as the “blame the victim” mentality.

    Report Post » texasfireguy  
    • Ruler4You
      Posted on December 29, 2011 at 1:20pm

      PLEASE!

      Supply and demand, ever hear of it? It’s a concept based in capitalism. 3rd grade economics describes it pretty clearly. If only you had been in class that day instead of out looting, shooting, robing, mugging, smoking blunts, or just hanging with those really smart homies.

      Apparently, MJ understands it pretty well.

      Report Post » Ruler4You  
    • commonsenseguy
      Posted on December 29, 2011 at 1:22pm

      you got that right, blame everyone but the ones who are the problem, these uncivilized animals have been taught not respect anyone,and that everyone owns them some thing for free, what i don‘t understand is most of the ones who destroyed or hurt some one don’t have a job,so our taxpayer money goes to feed their need for greed, i would be willing to bet a years pay that if one of these idiots would have had a business and someone came in and destroyed it,they would be screaming to the top of their lungs about how bad people are,and if one of their relatives got hurt they would be hell bent on revenge.but being they don’t own anything or give a crap about themselves or anyone they just do as they have been taught.to blame someone for their complete disrespect and lack of morals is just typical.

      Report Post »  
    • DrFrost
      Posted on December 29, 2011 at 1:40pm

      I wholeheartedly agree. This is what comes of not stressing personal responsibility.

      Report Post »  
    • lukerw
      Posted on December 29, 2011 at 1:41pm

      Ah, finally… Lemming Bait: throw a pile of Nikes off a Cliff!

      Report Post » lukerw  
    • Virginia Joe
      Posted on December 29, 2011 at 1:44pm

      If people are willing to riot over a pair of sneakers, what will they do if there was a disaster and there were no utilities or public services? If the unthinkable were to happen, we’re 72 hours from barbarism.

      I’m going to keep quietly building my stockpile of ammunition.

      Report Post »  
    • Ari Ben TZion
      Posted on December 29, 2011 at 1:53pm

      Yes – that’s right.

      Encourage African American teens to get the latest pair of Nike shoes instead of encouraging them to get a degree in Engineering.

      This is why the African American communities in America are doing so well these days.

      Report Post » Ari Ben TZion  
    • Ari Ben TZion
      Posted on December 29, 2011 at 1:55pm

      Now, the only other thing America needs to be complete is an ignorant indian like Hugo Chavez as president.

      Report Post » Ari Ben TZion  
    • Yeah_Buddy
      Posted on December 29, 2011 at 2:00pm

      Obummer should immediatly outlaw Air Jorden’s or include a voucher for pair with every welfare check. Anything less would imperile the general public!

      Report Post »  
    • Annette
      Posted on December 29, 2011 at 2:04pm

      I went to an outdoor mall in Texas the day they were released and I thought there was an entire school on a field trip. but the only thing that was odd was there was not one white kid in a dominantly white neighborhood. All of the kids were very respectful, but what I was amazed at is the shoe wasn’t coming out until the next day. Soooo I guess parents let them sleep out on the sidewalk until the next day? These kids were not old enough to do that.

      The mall/police basically said no way and forced the store to do a lottery based on the inventory and gave kids their winning ticket to go home and pick them up the next day.

      Report Post »  
    • Ballot_Box_Revolution
      Posted on December 29, 2011 at 2:05pm

      Lower the prices to meet demand??

      That doesn’t even makes sense….If demand is high supply is low, therefor prices will be higher…

      If no one wanted the shoes…lowering the price to meet demand would make sense.

      I’m not supporting the idiots who do stupid things for a pair of shoes, but to demand that a manufacturer lower their price because demand is high does not make one lick of economical sense.

      Report Post » Ballot_Box_Revolution  
    • 4truth2all
      Posted on December 29, 2011 at 2:31pm

      I’m waiting and wondering why Micheal Jordon has not come out and spoken againt this violence that “HIS” shoes are in part responsible for… come on mike step up..

      Report Post »  
    • GardenoftheGods
      Posted on December 29, 2011 at 2:38pm

      A line from Forest Gump comes to mind…. STUPID IS AS STUPID DOES. I’m so tired of seeing black people acting like animals. Where is their pride? Where is their sense of self worth? It’s in a pair of Nike shoes? That’s a sad commentary on their communities, culture & the democrats that encourage this behavior. I pray the Hispanics have more sense; and don’t fall for the democrat bs.

      Report Post » GardenoftheGods  
    • kaydeebeau
      Posted on December 29, 2011 at 2:52pm

      It is all the product of the demoncrats “great society” the left couldn’t control the minorities in the face of equal rights but by golly they could continue the meme that “the darkies are inferior and incapable of fending for themselves” Everything the demoncrats do says the black man is not as capable as any other and must be afforded special accommodations – just a “legal” way to keep “us darkies” in our place. The demoncrats espouse every day that blacks can’t be expected to acheive at the same level as whites, hispanics, asians, gays, because the blacks are not as capable as the whites, hispanics, asians and gays. And that isn’t racist how? The klan is alive and well in the demoncrats party. And dare a black try to escape the plantation, ie Starr Parker, Allen West, Herman Cain, Alan Keyes, Clarence Thomas, Me……

      Report Post » kaydeebeau  
    • scheduler
      Posted on December 29, 2011 at 3:02pm

      Typical to blame the corporation for your problems.

      http://politicalbowl.com – Political Videos

      Report Post »  
    • Paul -Indiana
      Posted on December 29, 2011 at 3:09pm

      “the few that are acting like idiots” aren’t acting.

      Report Post »  
    • turkey13
      Posted on December 29, 2011 at 3:20pm

      Niki uses child labor! Since they pay these kids about $3.00 a day and then take $2.50 for room and board I had already refused to by their shoes.

      Report Post »  
    • ChiefGeorge
      Posted on December 29, 2011 at 3:29pm

      Nike cannot help it if a subgroup of the culture pinpoint their products as gangsta footwear.

      Report Post » ChiefGeorge  
    • ProbIemSoIver
      Posted on December 29, 2011 at 3:33pm

      If you can’t afford the shoes, you can’t afford the shoes.

      Is that too much logic?

      Report Post » ProbIemSoIver  
    • ChiefGeorge
      Posted on December 29, 2011 at 3:36pm

      Another reason for government to step in and make mandates of said companies like NIKE. Right? Crime results from the sale so therefore Michael Jordan and NIKE are responsible????? What???? This particular community never takes responsibility for anything it does, this pastor just did a huge diservice to his community by stating we all need to take collective responsibility in solving this problem…lowering the price of the shoes so everyone gets a pair makes the shoes of no value at all. These shoes were designed for a champion, not the wannabees who believe if they have a pair then they are somehow equal to the champ who wore them.

      Report Post » ChiefGeorge  
    • ProbIemSoIver
      Posted on December 29, 2011 at 3:38pm

      If they are in high demand, then that means you RAISE the PRICE !!!!

      I can’t afford $200 sneakers anyway, so I would love to see them rise to 1000 dollars !!!!!

      This is one reason our country is in trouble, Ignorant, Pathetic, entitled mentality people on the government dole, concerned with $200 shoes.

      Report Post » ProbIemSoIver  
    • smithclar3nc3
      Posted on December 29, 2011 at 3:42pm

      Exactly, if they want to play that then Blame the man at the center of it how dare Michael Jordan become an iconic figure and put his name on a shoe…IT ALL HIS FAULT….LOL

      Report Post »  
    • ProbIemSoIver
      Posted on December 29, 2011 at 3:43pm

      Yeah !!!
      Maybe People don’t kill people, after all !!!!
      Maybe SHOES and GUNS do kill people !!!!

      Report Post » ProbIemSoIver  
    • smithclar3nc3
      Posted on December 29, 2011 at 3:47pm

      If people are willing to riot over a pair of sneakers, what will they do if there was a disaster and there were no utilities or public services? If the unthinkable were to happen, we’re 72 hours from barbarism
      Rob rape and kill each other then blame it own Bush.

      Report Post »  
    • tralee011
      Posted on December 29, 2011 at 3:58pm

      Yes, and it’s going to take ALL of us collectively to make the changes necessary to prevent this from happening again…..BS…..The shoes cost what they cost and no one should be able to force this co. to lower their prices….

      Report Post »  
    • CobraBill
      Posted on December 29, 2011 at 4:12pm

      How the heck can they afford 180$ shoes to begin with?
      They better be 24K gold plated for that price.

      Report Post »  
    • Liberty_Hound
      Posted on December 29, 2011 at 4:19pm

      Don’t worry, Some liberal in congress will propose or introduce in a bill that states under privileged kids deserve a free pair of Air Jordon shoes and the federal will just send them in the mail so they can be safe and content knowing they don’t have to face the violence at their local shoe store. Come on Harry Reid, step up to the plate. These shoes must be a necessity the poor can not do without and it is heartless to deny poor shoeless kids Air Jordon shoes. I mean what is the country coming to if we as a people can‘t pay a little more taxes to provide shoeless poor kids a pair of free Air Jordan shoe via he US Postal Service so they and their parents don’t get mad and start hitting on each other.

      Report Post » Liberty_Hound  
    • dragonasbreath
      Posted on December 29, 2011 at 4:37pm

      Really to bad supply and demand doesn’t work the way the economist proclaim. Should everybody refuse to purchase _________ until the price comes down… they will discontinue that product and replace it with something else.
      Refuse to buy gas? Well, they know they have you over the barrel with that one, they can wait you out.
      The only thing that prevents this type of ….. lunacy… is education. Starting with the moment of birth. Individuality, Personal Responsibility, Pride of having EARNED what you own.
      Thieves will ALWAYS find something to steal.

      Report Post »  
    • ProbIemSoIver
      Posted on December 29, 2011 at 4:48pm

      The federal government could seize the Nike factories, like they did with Gibson guitars.
      This time claiming some of the rubber used was from an exotic, rare and protected rubber plant found in madagascar.
      Then could slowly take it over as they did with General Motors.
      They Could then create a bill to mandate that you purchase and wear these shoes under the commerce clause. Stating that it stimulates the economy, and the new Military / Industrial complex designed insole, cuts down on health care costs by decreasing the need for chiropractic care.
      In addition to those reasons to mandate ALL Americans purchase and wear Nike shoes, it discourages riots and a declaration of martial law. So it would be considered a National Security threat if we didn’t appease the entitled.

      Report Post » ProbIemSoIver  
    • theaveng
      Posted on December 29, 2011 at 5:20pm

      I blame BOTH parties.

      I blame the people for acting like children instead of adults. AND I blame Nike for releasing the shoes the day before Christmas, because they KNEW it would create a high-demand situation (everybody scrambling to buy before December 24). They should have released the shoes sometime in February, and with an adequate supply for all

      .

      Report Post »  
    • TH30PH1LUS
      Posted on December 29, 2011 at 5:27pm

      Nancy Pelosi,

      we need you to enact a ban on these “assault shoes” to protect the children!

      Report Post » TH30PH1LUS  
    • Wolf
      Posted on December 29, 2011 at 5:30pm

      Why don’t they just get a job and earn the money to buy a pair rather than wait for their gov-tit money to rise?

      Report Post »  
    • Mommy_of_3
      Posted on December 29, 2011 at 5:47pm

      Exactly! Personal responsibility, self control & work ethic are quickly fading characteristics in today’s society. When I was younger and wanted something my parents wouldn’t buy, I went out and…..wait for it……WORKED FOR THE MONEY! I didn’t beat up the kid who had what I wanted.
      Good Lord, I would kick my children’s a$$ with that shoe if they did that to someone but they wouldn‘t because they’re being raised to work for what they want.

      Report Post »  
    • Rightsofman
      Posted on December 29, 2011 at 6:59pm

      TEXASFIREGUY – only too true buddy.

      Report Post »  
    • ACLUHater
      Posted on December 29, 2011 at 7:28pm

      Well we all know that family responsibility has no value in “Black life”.

      Animals will always be animals. Brain-dead “communities” are growing. Scary.

      Report Post »  
    • rlg1212
      Posted on December 29, 2011 at 7:42pm

      Who is John Galt?

      Report Post »  
    • TomFerrari
      Posted on December 29, 2011 at 8:00pm

      Ah, socialism – DICTATE what a company can charge.
      Yep, that’s a real winning business model.
      Do these yahoos not realize that they have chased nearly ALL of the nation’s manufacturing outside the U.S.?
      Now, if they get to start dictating prices like communist Russia, you will see EVERY remaining company FLEE These United States of America!

      Report Post » TomFerrari  
    • 1proud_Texan
      Posted on December 29, 2011 at 8:43pm

      When you don’t have to pay for your housing, food, medical, cell phone and whatever else the government provides, what else do you spend your money on? $ 200 shoes!

      Report Post »  
    • smithclar3nc3
      Posted on December 30, 2011 at 8:46am

      Here‘s a crazy idea but I’ll float it out there how if you can‘t afford 200 dollars shoes don’t by 200 dollar shoes. This why Liberal progressive love black people so much because they can be lead around by something as simple as shoes. They are a great example Karl’s useful idiots.
      And He77 even if I could afford 200 doolars shoes I’ld buy 50 dollars shoes and save 150 dollars for a rainy day. This why liberal progressives hate conservatives We can’t be lead.
      Here an idea that someone should float out in black communities

      http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wo-wkv8gW6k

      Report Post »  
    • WHEREHASUSAGONE
      Posted on December 30, 2011 at 8:46am

      We all understand Supply and Demand, but this Jordan thing is out of hand. There were 2 stories out of Boston, MA in the last week where someone stepped on another kids JORDANS and got shot, another stepped on someones JORDANS and was later attacked by mechette. SO, is this a problem with the shoes/people/society? Or this is just supply and demand like RULER4U says.

      Report Post »  
    • Leader1776
      Posted on December 30, 2011 at 9:51am

      @kaydeebeau
      Well said.

      Report Post » Leader1776  
    • cgnick
      Posted on December 31, 2011 at 2:30pm

      The only reason these idiots want them is because they cost $200. I’ve heard these foools bragging about their clothes before. “Man, dog deez pants costed me 100 dollas dog.” Their idiot friends are envious. “Man dog I gots to get me one of dem 200 dolla shirts dog and some a dem 200 dolla kicks yo.” If Nike was to drop the price to a resonable amount these fools wouldn’t want anything to do with them. It is materialism at it’s finest.

      Report Post »  
    • Ready2Rumble
      Posted on December 31, 2011 at 6:35pm

      Nearly 50 years after, and over $7,000,000,000,000.00 later, yet another example of what the Great Society has done to the black community. Who needs enemies like the Klan when you have a great friend in Government????

      Report Post » Ready2Rumble  
  • ThePostman
    Posted on December 29, 2011 at 1:13pm

    What Quannell 10 really means is that violence is an integral part of the lives of those he represents.

    Report Post »  
    • JACKW33
      Posted on December 29, 2011 at 1:32pm

      We don’t get Channel 10 where I live

      Report Post »  
    • ShyLow
      Posted on December 29, 2011 at 1:43pm

      Now I know why white women like black men so much…their shoes are delightful… http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eiAwT6WpzB4

      Report Post » ShyLow  
    • Detroit paperboy
      Posted on December 29, 2011 at 1:49pm

      I think Obama will now issue air Jordan Stamps to all of his ghetto thug supporters…… For social justice, and spreading the wealth !!!!!

      Report Post »  
    • SREGN
      Posted on December 29, 2011 at 3:51pm

      Check out the informative Quannell article on wiki.

      Report Post »  
    • whosafraidofspookydude1
      Posted on December 29, 2011 at 5:25pm

      i have bought these shoes since 1989 people have been shooting each other before and since but in Lincoln park outside if detroit we were beaten up or shot for Jordans and Flight leather jacket…funny how m

      Report Post »  
  • J_Ruben_Kincaid
    Posted on December 29, 2011 at 1:13pm

    “You have no personal responsibility for your actions or your situation”. “Its somebody else’s fault”.
    That is the message preached in far too many black churches. It is the same message taught by Godless marxists.

    Report Post » J_Ruben_Kincaid  
    • ShyLow
      Posted on December 29, 2011 at 1:57pm

      just do it…

      Report Post » ShyLow  
    • Bill Rowland
      Posted on December 29, 2011 at 4:40pm

      Remember what Lyndon Johnson said when he signed the legislation that made it all right for the Government to hand out welfare and food stamps “I’ll have these ni**ers voting democrat for the next 200 years”
      What he started has led to a society within our society that thinks the government (and world) owe them anything they want and if “Uncle Sugar‘ doesn’t give it to them then they should take it.

      OMG

      Report Post »  
    • Komponist-ZAH
      Posted on December 30, 2011 at 3:24am

      “Where justice is denied, where poverty is enforced, where ignorance prevails, and where any one class is made to feel that society is an organized conspiracy to oppress, rob and degrade them, neither persons nor property will be safe.”
      –Frederick Douglass, Speech on the twenty-fourth anniversary of Emancipation in the District of Columbia, Washington, D.C. (April 1886)

      Report Post »  
    • mauler43
      Posted on December 30, 2011 at 7:58am

      Don’t forget Ben Mendez very racist statement….I think he implied that poo blacks would be committing more crimes because they can’t afford these shoes without committing crimes?

      Report Post » mauler43  
  • jakartaman
    Posted on December 29, 2011 at 1:12pm

    Its all Nike’s fault – No its the ***** leadership and the white lefty loonies who excuse and apologize for the animal behavior of their ill raised non fathers welfare supported brats

    Report Post »  
    • Detroit paperboy
      Posted on December 29, 2011 at 1:59pm

      Thank you Democrat party for completely ruining the heart and soul of an entire race of people…. And to the blacks who traded their dignity and their fathers in the home for a welfare check…. Shame on you….. I beg the hardworking hispanics , please do not let the Democrats do to you, what they did to the Blacks…… Please, keep working hard and resist the crack cocaine of Democrat welfare……. Please !

      Report Post »  
    • jakartaman
      Posted on December 29, 2011 at 2:05pm

      @ Detroit
      Well said and heart felt!

      Report Post »  
    • ThemDemsLie2much
      Posted on December 29, 2011 at 3:40pm

      Detroit, you sure your from Detroit? You having been making way to much sense ! Stop it before I get second thoughts about the Motor City. :-)

      Report Post » ThemDemsLie2much  
    • mairbair
      Posted on December 29, 2011 at 7:58pm

      How do you think the demoncrats keep their army of supporters Keep them believing they are victims of everything and they will blindly follow do you see the ring in their noses? what a shame. The black patriots in early America would be so ashamed of these people. They understood the promise of America was the opportunity to suceed not the promise of everything everybody else has. Now everyone must get a trophy whether they worked for it or not. sad bad and totally destructive

      Report Post »  
  • W@nd@
    Posted on December 29, 2011 at 1:12pm

    so the shoes make the man….?
    s-o-r-r-y
    they couldn’t fill those shoes if they cost $10.00!
    If you have a heart of a thief and
    you wear those shoes
    YOU are a Mockery of the prestiege you are trying to gain…
    wearing that pair of shoes! Hello….gained by theft ?
    That is NUTS!
    makes me think
    How does that garner even “self ” respect as a human being!
    Every time you put them on
    you will know how you got them!
    That does not engender prestiege, even self-respect
    or pride in oneself or any sense of acomplishment
    for it took nothing on your part to gain the prestiege you so desparately want….
    it is an illusion! a mirage…and you know it!
    Shallow..
    stop making excuses for for bad behavior!

    Report Post »  
    • Ed Brown
      Posted on December 29, 2011 at 1:31pm

      Anything over the cost of $20 for shoes, and I scratch my chin over it, because it better be worth it if I’m going to spend it.

      Nike/Michael Jorden shoes @ $180 is beyond the pale.

      Report Post » Ed Brown  
    • ChiefGeorge
      Posted on December 29, 2011 at 3:44pm

      VERY insightful and right on the money. Prestige but through theft? Makes no sense but when your moral compass has no needle then it makes perfect sense.

      Report Post » ChiefGeorge  
    • mrfunn
      Posted on December 30, 2011 at 10:03am

      .
      shoes

      What is the daily rate for a Chinese factory worker these days?

      shoes
      I don’t get it.

      Report Post »  
    • His_Way
      Posted on December 31, 2011 at 6:21am

      Mens shoes alway remind me of my old Uncle Jack’s great stories, when he lived during the rough times of great depression. He was just happy that he could scrape together some used materials, like floor linoleum to repair his own old worn out shoes for a few miles more. But those must have been different times, when people had some common sense and decency, bought what they could afford, and knew the difference between right and wrong.

      Report Post » His_Way  
  • BOUGHT YOUR SILO YET?
    Posted on December 29, 2011 at 1:12pm

    Have you seen Nike’s new lable for the Air Jordans?

    “Nike: please purchase responsibly”

    Report Post » BOUGHT YOUR SILO YET?  
  • briylaln
    Posted on December 29, 2011 at 1:12pm

    Whenever I finally see the pictures of all these riots and fights, they seem to always (for the most part) be black people. I really don’t want to sound racist because I AM NOT A RACIST, but what gives????

    Report Post » briylaln  
    • JACKW33
      Posted on December 29, 2011 at 1:31pm

      They (and I don’t mean just blacks) aren‘t expected to conform to society and it’s laws anymore. They have been given a waiver for the last 40 years

      Report Post »  
  • neillwd
    Posted on December 29, 2011 at 1:11pm

    Give me. Give me! GIVE ME! GIV ME! GI ME! GIME! GIME! GIME! G! G! G! It is all we hear. Since their release, to obtain these shoes, members of The Community have always hurt other members of The Community.

    Report Post »  
  • PurrrpleMtnMajesty
    Posted on December 29, 2011 at 1:09pm

    And then they can attack Mercedes and Tiffany diamonds and all the other “luxurious” items.
    Years ago people would not have tolerated anyone “blaming” anyone else for their actions.
    That was considered to be a lame-as# response & while it’s now acceptable, even fashionable, thanks
    to our prez, it’s still lame in my book.

    Report Post »  
  • Jenny Lind
    Posted on December 29, 2011 at 1:09pm

    He’s right about one thing, shoes have been a big deal amoung black kids. Alot of them have very little in their life-but shoes? Yep. I get that. When their PARENTS steal and cause riots to buy them, they are setting the example that whatever you have to do to get them, it’ all right. That‘s the part I don’t get. It is a unique statis symbol amoung them, seen from grade school on up. I don’t think lowering the price will help. What would help is if these good preachers would start preaching the ten commandments.Next thing you know these shoes will be a “right”

    Report Post »  
  • ThePostman
    Posted on December 29, 2011 at 1:09pm

    These people are fighting to get these shoes because the shoes and TOO CHEAP. Nike needs to raise the price until the riots stop.

    Quannell 10 does this all the time in Houston – he shakes down a money tree. You can bet he will howl and howl until he gets his million dollar check. Then one day, you will suddenly not hear a word from him about anything related to Nike. He will at that time be moving on to his next mark. Just watch. We’ve seen this over and over in Houston.

    Report Post »  
    • oldguy49
      Posted on December 29, 2011 at 1:14pm

      just when you thought they coundn’t spew anything dunber…..!!!!!!!!! its call personal responsibility for you actions not what a retailer does

      Report Post »  
    • BeyondFedup
      Posted on December 29, 2011 at 2:33pm

      He must be. Jesse Jackson protege.

      Report Post » BeyondFedup  
    • Dinkiecb
      Posted on December 30, 2011 at 12:16am

      Got Mob Mentality??? How about be BEAT THE CRAP out of the mob and throw em all in jail .. break some night sticks over their heads. There’s NO EXCUSE to go STUPID over a pair of shoes.

      Report Post »  
  • jado1981
    Posted on December 29, 2011 at 1:08pm

    If this works, can i count on yall to help me protest for chevy to bring the price of a new ZR-1 down to about 10K?

    Report Post »  
    • biohazard23
      Posted on December 29, 2011 at 1:25pm

      I‘d like to add a few other retailers we can protest to get those price reductions these heathens think they’re entitled to, but I only want them for me :)

      Christian Louboutin
      Chanel
      Dior
      Tods
      Prada
      Roberto Cavalli
      Dolce and Gabbana
      Mercedes Benz
      Hermes
      Jimmy Choo
      Stuart Weitzman
      Bottega Veneta
      Bugatti

      Report Post » biohazard23  
  • doubletap357
    Posted on December 29, 2011 at 1:08pm

    They are just shoes people..there is nothing magical or mystical about them. Don’t fight over them ..go buy another pair. You can buy them all day long on the internet. Those fools deserve to be pepper sprayed.

    Report Post »  
    • Jenny Lind
      Posted on December 29, 2011 at 1:22pm

      To you and me , yes they are just shoes. To my daughter’s students in the inner city, they are something much more. It is something I don’t even think they can explain very well, but they are very important to these kids. (don’t have experience with the older kids, but for sure in middle school.)

      Report Post »  
    • Livia
      Posted on December 29, 2011 at 5:05pm

      I reckon I will be snubbed for this but the only shoes I have cost $4.00 a pair. Cheap? Yeah, but they feel so good on my poor feet. No way in the universe would I buy a pair of shoes for that price. They’d probably make my feet look much bigger than what they are already.

      Report Post »  
    • His_Way
      Posted on December 29, 2011 at 6:19pm

      Jenny Lind, I hoped for a little better explanation of this pernicious childish mentality you see. Now even among adults I hear, “Oh I have to have that!! It’s just is soooo cool!!” ie then, I will be sooo cool, I will be the great one. I understand that small children become enamored with possessions, but this sick selfishness is continuing into adulthood. What we actually only have now is a great financial disaster for wanting too much, too many toys, possessions, nonsense, we can’t afford, didn‘t work for and can’t pay for.
      The future generation is looking so bright.

      Report Post » His_Way  
  • georgepatton
    Posted on December 29, 2011 at 1:08pm

    How about those who want, but are unwilling to work get NOTHING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    Report Post »  
  • hauschild
    Posted on December 29, 2011 at 1:07pm

    Yet another classic from ENCINOM’s crowd.

    Report Post »  
  • ZAP
    Posted on December 29, 2011 at 1:06pm

    I`m getting ready to riot.So,could you lower the price on a Mercedes-Benz. I want one

    Report Post » ZAP  
  • V-MAN MACE
    Posted on December 29, 2011 at 1:06pm

    And…here comes the racists spewing their stench…

    Anyone ever think to blame the Federal Reserve for inflation?

    Report Post » V-MAN MACE  
    • thegreatcarnac
      Posted on December 29, 2011 at 1:54pm

      Truth is not racism.

      Report Post »  
    • John1863
      Posted on December 29, 2011 at 2:00pm

      V-Man this article is not about the Fed, it‘s about idoits who have no respect for anything but I wouldn’t expect you to understand because you are so blinded by race yourself. I’d be willing to bet you were in line with them.

      Report Post »  
    • Leopold
      Posted on December 29, 2011 at 2:12pm

      V So you also blame others. I did not expect anything different from you. Only losers blame others. They will always loose because if you do not take responsibility, you will not learn and therefore never get ahead.

      Report Post »  
    • Leopold
      Posted on December 29, 2011 at 2:23pm

      V So, you also can only blame others. I did not expect anything different from you. Only losers blame others. If you do not take responsibility you will never learn anything from your mistakes and therefore never get ahead. Blamers are usually greedy and envious people It is greed and envy that motivates the occupiers. That is a human condition. We all have it. But most of us can control these impulses and losers can’t.

      Report Post »  
    • V-MAN MACE
      Posted on December 29, 2011 at 2:34pm

      Yea, Carnac, truth is not racism. Racism is racism.

      John1863

      This article is about the Federal Reserve. If it wasn’t for their inflation, Jordans would cost a few dollars. Instead they cost hundreds. Get a clue, idiot, everything is tied back to the Federal Reserve.

      I don’t blame others for anything. Inflation is the FAULT of the Federal Reserve. Period. The cost of those shoes are the FAULT of the Federal Reserve. One day you idiots will understand that FACT.

      Today apparently is not that day.

      Now the actions of those individuals are the fault of those individuals, but I’m talking about the cost aspect, you folks are talking about a cultural/behavioral aspect. Two different things.

      I order my Jordans online. I don’t go into a frenzy over some shoes.

      BTW, check out my Retro 13s. YEAAAaaaAAaaaaAaAAAAaaaaaaa

      http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CBVVfed4cpA

      Report Post » V-MAN MACE  
    • dangarh01
      Posted on December 29, 2011 at 3:28pm

      I find it hilarious when liberals call other whites racist when stating the obvious. The truth isn’t always pretty, but ignoring the problems with the black community just contributes to the problem. So a pant wetting white guilt liberal says “you’re racist” when the liberal lives in a white neighborhood with all white friends, goes to white restaurants, and other mostly white places (art museums and coffee shops), yet Im the racist….

      Report Post »  
    • V-MAN MACE
      Posted on December 29, 2011 at 3:38pm

      Where are you when the predominantly white police force is abusing the citizenry?

      What about when there’s a group young white males tasering homeless and beating them to death with baseball bats and stuff like that?

      BTW, I’m a Black Conservative Libertarian, not a white liberal.

      Report Post » V-MAN MACE  
    • Conservative_Atheist
      Posted on December 29, 2011 at 4:49pm

      It‘s not racist when it’s true. I thought it was worth saying again. Yes the Fed Reserve does cause inflation, but the last time I bought shoes they cost me $35 at Payless. I think you can blame the cost of these particular shoes on the fact that there are people willing to fight over them, willing to get arrested over them and willing to catch an a&b charge over them. I don’t think the Fed Reserve caused a small percentage of, yes, black people to act like animals over a shoe. I‘ve owned a pair of Jordan’s. However, they cost less in the 90‘s and I was young teenager that didn’t really have his priorities straight. Now that I think about it they were probably an out dated issue too. I know my mom would not spend $80 for me to look cool. Furthermore, I had the shoes in the area that Jordan actually played ball and you wanted to be like Mike. What, do a lot of people want to be in Hanes commercials now?

      Let’s wait for the Fed Reserve to cause inflation that leads to bread costing $200 before the angry mobs come out.

      Report Post »  
    • SgtB
      Posted on December 29, 2011 at 9:19pm

      V, you are letting yourself become blinded by race. The reality is that these shoes cost no more to produce than any other pair of Nike brand shoes stitched together by Chinese and Taiwanese children. The reason that these shoes cost hundreds of dollars is because idiots put a value on them as a status symbol. It has nothing to do with the Federal Reserve.

      In fact, monetary inflation doesn’t hurt the indebted and poor nearly as much as the old and retired. So these young hooligans who haven’t saved a single red cent in their short work history stand only to gain from inflation as their debts decrease in comparison to the minimum wage and their earnings. The Fed does need to be stopped, but you need to make sound logical arguments and not racially charged and ignorant statements.

      Oh, and in case you read my post on this already, the word niggardly comes from an entirely different origin than what you think and is merely a synonym to idiotic. For some reason, these peoples’ actions seemed to fit better with that adjective.

      Report Post » SgtB  
    • V-MAN MACE
      Posted on December 29, 2011 at 11:04pm

      Conservative_Atheist

      What exactly are you asserting is “true”? The color of the people don’t matter, did you see what happened on Black Friday? People of all colors trampled each other for cheap items. It takes a racist to point out the color of the people and focus on that and dwell on that as if the color is the source of the problem. People revert to uncivilized, primal behavior when society breaks down. It isn’t color specific.

      Comparing Payless and Jordans is hilarious. The quality is simply in separate dimensions. I never blamed their individual behavior on the inflation caused by the Federal Reserve.

      SgtB

      I’m not blinded by anything. I made a comment about how people focus on the racial aspect of the issue instead of the inflated price of the shoes. I made no comment condoning the behavior of those individuals.

      The price of a pair of Nikes is inflated, period… not just Jordans. Monetary inflation hurts everyone because paper money is debt.

      A pair of Jordans would cost 64 CENTS without the Fed’s inflation. Gold has a face value of $50 per coin (one ounce). An ounce of gold costs $1,550+ because of the Fed’s inflation.

      I don’t need any excuses for your racist pejoratives. It is what it is.

      Report Post » V-MAN MACE  
    • Komponist-ZAH
      Posted on December 30, 2011 at 3:50am

      Actually, one of my first thoughts was that, if they’re going to to blame someone, it should be the Fed. But inflation isn’t quite bad enough to make a pair of shoes cost almost $200…yet.

      If they want the shoes, they should either a) go do something to earn the money, or b) choose to spend less on something they value less than the shoes.

      Or they could do what I do and not care about what kind of shoe they wear as long as it’s comfortable.

      Report Post »  
    • V-MAN MACE
      Posted on December 30, 2011 at 7:29am

      As long as they keep censoring my comments, this discussion is over.

      Otherwise, the truth is that a gold coin has a face value of $50 and it actually costs $1,550. There’s your inflation from the Fed printing dollars, increasing the money supply. So…a pair of Jordans really cost about 64 cents. It just takes more dollars to buy it because of INFLATION FROM THE FEDERAL RESERVE.

      Report Post » V-MAN MACE  
    • Conservative_Atheist
      Posted on December 30, 2011 at 6:42pm

      Come on V-MAN…Let’s not forget what this acrticle is about. It is about community leaders calling for Nike and MJ to reduce the price of a shoe because their community it is has created a public saftey issue. And I quote “These shoes have always had a place of value in Black life,” said Malik Ingram. So, the community they are representing is not white, not Asian, not Arab, and not Hispanic communities. It’s the black community. This issue unlike the Black Friday nonsense can be narrowed down to one group or race as described by the leaders/activists for that race. I just don’t like when something is clearly an issue with a particular group and we are afraid to call out that group even when the leaders admit it.

      Payless shoes and Jordans have one thing in common, they cover your feet. I understand that a Honda Civic is hardly comparable in style and luxury to a Porsche, but I don’t try to make the case that I need a Porsche. The Honda Civic gets me from A to B just fine. That is exactly what the Payless shoes would do for these idiots fighting, stealing, and acting a fool for a pair of Jordan’s. It is style and luxury that makes the Porsche more expensive than the Civic. The same goes for the Jordans. Jordans are a luxury item. If you can’t afford the luxury sneakers go to Payless, they will get the job done.

      Report Post »  
    • V-MAN MACE
      Posted on December 30, 2011 at 11:02pm

      Conservative_Atheist

      You’re simply inclined to believe that these clowns speak for the black community in general at all. The assert that they speak for someone, the media runs with it, you eat the bait, and now you think, well, this is how the black community feels.

      I reject that false reality and substitute my own. They speak for THEMSELVES. They don’t speak for any group. They’re focusing on the price problem with the wrong people anyway. Try the people who print and devalue currency.

      BTW, I want a lifetime supply of Jordans and that two-seater 911. Not a pair of Payless shoes and a Honda. And I’m willing to work and pay for it.

      Report Post » V-MAN MACE  
  • barber2
    Posted on December 29, 2011 at 1:05pm

    Oh, Lord. Now it’s Occupy Nike ??

    Report Post »  
  • Echelon
    Posted on December 29, 2011 at 1:01pm

    Nike Jordon Shoes equals the new fried chicken! Its the ignorant black people that are at issue here. Just like there’s white trash, and Korean trash, its the few that sets the image. These ******* are out of control :-)

    Report Post » Echelon  
    • Dan_o
      Posted on December 29, 2011 at 5:55pm

      Agreed. Case in point, Cabbage Patch Kids. Nothing made white parents more crazy than those butt-ugly dolls.

      “We’re not trying to make it logical. We‘re simply saying it’s going to take all of us collectively to take responsibility for making a change.”

      Now it takes a village to buy shoes. Black people sure like bureaucracy.

      Report Post » Dan_o  
  • your sensei
    Posted on December 29, 2011 at 1:01pm

    NIKE is EKIN spelled backwards!

    Report Post » your sensei  
  • randy
    Posted on December 29, 2011 at 1:00pm

    “These shoes have always had a place of value in Black life,”
    and
    “Tickle me Elmo’s always had a place on value in White Life”

    So, what’s your point idiot?

    Report Post » randy  
    • JLGunner
      Posted on December 29, 2011 at 1:06pm

      What in the wide wide world of sports is a tickle me elmo? That sounds dirty. I‘m white and don’t understand.

      Report Post » JLGunner  
    • MuyLoco
      Posted on December 29, 2011 at 1:32pm

      You’re an idiot and your comparison is flaccid at best. While Tickle Me Elmo dolls were popular and hard to find at Xmas, people weren’t robbing, shooting, stabbing people for them.

      It’s a cold hard fact that many black people are living in a rampant hip hop culture that puts personal possession ahead of morals and regard for life and personal property rights.

      Obviously, there are examples of whites doing the same thing, but those occasions are the exception, not the norm. I don’t believe race is the factor, but the differences in the cultures certainly are.

      Report Post » MuyLoco  
    • JLGunner
      Posted on December 29, 2011 at 2:05pm

      uuuuhhhh, seriously guys, whats a tickle me elmo?

      Report Post » JLGunner  
    • AmericanBumpkin
      Posted on December 29, 2011 at 2:11pm

      @Randy omg thats funny and so true XD

      Report Post »  
    • randy
      Posted on December 29, 2011 at 3:05pm

      Tickle me Elmo
      http://mattalltrades.files.wordpress.com/2010/03/elmo.jpg

      Can’t remember seeing the thousands of white people standing in line killing each
      other over one of these a few years ago when they were so popular.

      You can take a back out of the Ghetto, but you’ll never take the Ghetto out of a black.

      Report Post » randy  
    • deth
      Posted on December 29, 2011 at 4:48pm

      a black man is the voice of elmo.

      Report Post »  
  • teddrunk
    Posted on December 29, 2011 at 12:59pm

    Simply outlaw Micheal Jordan. He’s to blame for all of this. It isn’t the innocent thieves fault.

    Report Post »  
    • His_Way
      Posted on December 29, 2011 at 5:45pm

      It‘s Bushe’s fault I suppose. But isn’t free medical services, free cell phones, free drugs, free abortions, free school breakfasts, free lunches, free shoes now their right in their selfish, entitled, foolish little minds?

      Report Post » His_Way  
    • Gonzo
      Posted on December 30, 2011 at 9:19am

      That would still leave a race people who value basketball shoes over education.

      Report Post » Gonzo  
  • Charity101
    Posted on December 29, 2011 at 12:59pm

    Maybe, just maybe, if these radical peeps had some values, principles and morals to begin with, there would not be such despicable acts of violence.

    As for these “activists” – STOP this entitlement attitude.

    Report Post » Charity101  
  • broker0101
    Posted on December 29, 2011 at 12:58pm

    Hey, when people are so ignorant that “Demand” in “Supply and Demand” comes to mean that which a Mob “Demands”, this is the only logical outcome. Liberalism and Progressivism aren’t the problems in America, Ignorance is.

    Report Post » broker0101  
    • HuckleberryFriend
      Posted on December 29, 2011 at 1:46pm

      Cost is a function of supply and demand in a free market system. What they are asking for is socialism plain and simple. Socialism derives its roots from people coveting what they have not earned themselves and wish to take from others..

      Report Post » HuckleberryFriend  
  • JLGunner
    Posted on December 29, 2011 at 12:57pm

    If they were cheaper, nobody would want them. They all chatted it up one night while smokin and playin xbox and convinced themselves that these shoes were something special.

    Report Post » JLGunner  
    • lynda1276
      Posted on December 29, 2011 at 1:16pm

      exactly right!!! if they were cheaper and EVERYBODY had them then nobody would want them. i am so sick of these people who think they are entitled! if you can’t afford it- don’t buy it. Hey, that’s what i do!

      Report Post »  
    • JLGunner
      Posted on December 29, 2011 at 2:11pm

      Put out a line of jordans cleverly named “Personal Responsibility Jordans” and watch sales plumet.

      Report Post » JLGunner  
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