Black And Tan Shoe Drama: Nike Issues An Apology For The Naming Slip-Up

Nike’s new Black and Tan sneakers have stirred up controversy as the name of the shoes is, to the general Irish population familiar with 1920s Ireland, a reference to the British forces who have been accused of mistreating the Irish citizens. To offer perspective, this would be similar to naming a pair of shoes Nazi or Al-Qaeda.

After the Black and Tan shoe-naming fiasco, it comes as no surprise to find the athletic apparel and shoe manufacturing giant issuing an apology. Nike said in a statement to Fox News:

“We apologize. No offense was intended.”

Nike went onto acknowledge that the unofficially named Nike SB Dunk Low “Black & Tan” sneakers had a name which they said:

“…can be viewed as inappropriate and insensitive.”

While most Americans that are familiar with the phrase “black and tan” believe it to be a reference to the delicious alcohol concoction which incorporates a creamy stout beer (such as Guinness) and a pale ale, the Irish take on the phrase is completely different. This has not resulted in a unanimously opposed Irish population as one online news commenter posted a response to the news of Nike’s Black and Tan shoes on IrishCentral.com which read:

“I say wear them proudly! The only black a ‘Black and Tan’ belongs is underfoot! Every time you kick a ball or pound them down by dancing them into the ground, hold that vision of divine retribution finally have its day!”

Black and Tans received their nickname from the black and tan colored uniforms which they wore during the escalation of violence against the Irish during the 1920s. HistoryIreland.com claims that the British black and tans are “remembered for brutality” and a “systematic reprisal of policy.”

What do you think of the unofficially named new Nike Black and Tan kicks?

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