As the backlash to Nike’s decision to abandon its limited-edition Betsy Ross flag-themed sneakers grows, another company has released a set of sneakers featuring the Betsy Ross flag-themed design, the Daily Caller reports.
The company ‘Out of Line’ apparently scrambled to release its “Boss Like Ross” sneakers on Tuesday following reports that Nike had recalled a shoe with a similar design after brand ambassador Colin Kaepernick, famous for taking a knee during the National Anthem, reportedly told Nike that the Betsy Ross flag was offensive because it was a relic from the ‘slavery’ era of the US’s history, and because it has become associated with ‘White Nationalist’ groups (remember: so have polo shirts, allegedly).
Nike’s decision immediately elicited a backlash, and even prompted the governor of Arizona to pull the state’s financial support for the company.
The company’s founder, Carly Reed, said her shoe is intended to spark a conversation about Ross’s contribution to American history.
“She [Betsy] did it and that’s my point to Nike,” she told the Daily Caller. “Their [motto] is just do it, but Betsy did it. She did it all on her own. In a time where it wasn’t easy, as well.”
The company that released the shoes said they weren’t intended as a ‘political statement’, but as a way to change peoples’ perspective on Ross.
“These shoes aren’t about knocking Nike or Kaepernick,” Reed told the DCNF. “It was a great idea by Nike, and I respect anyone who stands up for what they believe in. I believe in women. Women that are getting ‘Out of Line’ and paving their own path, just like Betsy Ross.”
“…They were made to change people’s perspective,” Reed continued. “A perspective that is built around hate and is now erasing a key figure in American history. You can be patriotic and support equality. That is the foundation of America.”
Reed started Out of Line two years ago when she was a 22-years-old who had recently graduated as a student-athlete from the University of North Carolina. Again, she insisted that the shoes are not “about” Kaepernick.”
She hopes that the “Boss Like Ross” sneakers will put the focus back on Betsy Ross and show people that this flag can be viewed in a positive way.
“Colin Kaepernick’s name is everywhere,” Reed told the Daily Caller. “As much as I respect him and everything, this isn’t really about him. You can take something and see it however you want, and I’m choosing to see this flag in a positive way.”
Anybody who wants a pair can order them here.
via ZeroHedge News https://ift.tt/30ibYbX Tyler Durden