i saw this on adbusters.org and thought of weston's brandless new balance [ie the "N" has been removed]. then i see this cute lil brandless boot & think "weston" would like this. aside from style & all, this thing is really cool. but i wonder how much the production really cost. is adbuster selling an idea, meaning, or concept or are they selling an alternative? i guess i'm going back to baudrillard...is that the use value, exchange value, symbolic value, or sign value? i think that my worst fear is that i've been duped again, and that they're selling me this "idea" of conservatism & anti-consumerism & making a killer off of our good intentions.
i mean, when walmart is even strategizing about how to "get" the frugal, conservation-minded consumers to think that they also support frugality & want them to save their $$$ instead of spend it, a ridiculous contradiction that is playing on our basic intelligence levels--and we fall for it--then how can i believe that there is any wholesome intention in our market?
check out adbusters.org & soothe my paranoia: this org is well known for delivering media with content, where the reader is the customer & not the advertiser. how do they do this? are you convinced? is this concept "strange"? what would baudrillard do? w.w.v.d (veblen)? w.w.m.d (marx)?
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ReplyDeleteLet's all pitch in $5 and buy a pair of these boots, take them to my yard--with a camera--and light them on fire!!! We can send adbusters some artistic angles of their ignorance engulfed in contradiction.
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ReplyDeleteWhy isn't there a more involved local process functioning to provide clothing? Each county should set up a system where raw materials (cottons, leathers, etc.) are delivered to a central location where willing and artistically driven designers work to fulfill the local population's clothing needs (there's plenty of them out there). Such could be achieved in a truly unique and individualistic manner. For those who want something plain and simple, a department of less than creative and less skilled workers (everyone needs to make a living) could assess and deliver upon their specific needs; all while providing them with clothing that fits to the individuals unique physical make up. Hmmmmm...didn't there use to be tailors at one point in history? Typically a male job, now clothing design is stereotyped as feminine. And whatever happened to the seamstress, who's employment opportunities are now limited to stores selling wedding dresses and prom gowns. Why is it that the services these two jobs offer, services which use to be found in most up and coming cities and towns in the U.S., have become yet another luxury for the affluent members of a society; while being unattainable by the majority? A system that functions effectively in supplying an area designated to it, seems sensible enough doesn't it? Perhaps your thinking it sounds an awful like communism or socialism. Well I say no... not with a focus on individual wants and desires, which would only be limited to the talents and means for which those producing the clothing were acquainted and those willing to partake in their services offered. There is no mass groupings and limits; the "capitalist" who typically would receive the profits, would simply be replaced by local individuals who's focus is the betterment of the human experience for everyone. This new system would be further from the translucent destructive version of communism we currently find hidding amidst the illusion of democracy that systematically controls those choices being offered to the majority in America. The current system of "everyone has the same choices so long as they're not of the upper class," has somehow managed to blindly lead the majority into feeling a sense of choice and option, while most continue to believe in the possiblity of their advancing in social status through hard work and a willingness to consume; all of which are characteristics needed for a society to function in a capitalistic manner. Sure one has the choice not to embrace the norms of this society, but this would simply be one ignoring the fact that the system itself is still undoubtedly corrupt in every faucet of its consumer sense and social make up. It seems an idealistic fascist state of mind has conquered the spirit of a once willful populous. We've driven ourselves to a point of self exploitation; the outcome being a lack of sensible reasoning and logic. Even the nonconformists are conforming to something; creating their own ways of exploiting one another. The selfish drive that has continued since the embodiment of imperialistic poison and the protestant sacrifice of pleasure and happiness needs to be acknowledged, not dissipated, but acknowledged. Only then will we be able, as an entire people, to recognize the true essence of our capabilities to love and live in a respectful and harmonious, individualistic yet collective, manner.
ReplyDeleteFirst thing I really noticed when I looked at the ad buster page was that the shoe was called the "un swoosher" as in a play on Nike's trademark swoosh. They are creating an "image" or "identity" by playing to peoples dislike of big corporations. But, by doing so, they are in effect creating exactly what they "claim" to be against. They certainly are not significantly cheaper than Nikes of similar style. This is nothing more than a tactic that plays on peoples emotions and gives consumers of their product a feeling of defiance-defiance in the face of the corporate machine that is exploiting the world and yada, yada, yada.... These shitty shoes are nothing special and certainly not any different than their Nike counterparts. If they are so grassroots and high and mighty, why are they made in Pakistan? Why are they not made in America? We have plenty of old tires laying around in addition to plenty of people sitting around jobless. So instead of charging 100$ for some recycled goodyears made in Pakistan, really step up and be grassroots. Open a factory in the hard-hit rust belt.. Open one up in Ohio, they have lots of tires and even more unemployment. But no, this company will continue to be a feel good product for the uninformed, the too lazy to be informed and the strait up posers that want to be tourists in the world of the green movement. James
ReplyDeletethat's an awesome post James!!! you hit the nail on the head.
ReplyDeleteweston
I am 50/50 on this issue. The white dot is obviously a sign of branding, but you guys are just assuming this is another corporation trying to get consumers to "buy in to the trend" so they could merely profit off it.
ReplyDeleteJames, how many people in Ohio are going to sit in a factory stitching shoes for $7.50 an hour? Say these U.S corporations are saying that a fair min. wage in Pakistan is $4-5.00 an hour compared to a couple cents they'd get anywhere else, they'd surely be more dedicated than any lazy ass unemployed worker here in the U.S. They'd rather stay without a job and live off welfare, other countries don't have those benefits. If you don't work, you don't eat..end of story. These corporations would be saving $2-4 an hour on this labor, so there is something in it for them also.
Of course we all are a little sketchy on any corporation, but impoverished foreign countries rely on the north to continue importing in order to provide employment. How do you know this isn't the start of something good? Once wages rise for these workers, they'd be able to produce for their own domestic markets.
Surveys indicate that most American consumers are willing to pay somewhat more to achieve the goal of fair wage to those exploited foreign workers. Research also shows people's attitudes towards environmental issues don't match their actions. Which statistic are you?
Weston, thank you.. Chelsea, I do in fact, believe that people in Ohio Would sit around an stitch for 7.50 an hour. That also goes for the Detroit/Flint areas of Michigan, and parts of Indiana. Not all people qualify for welfare, and unemployment compensation runs out. Moreover, not all people are lazy. Yes there are a few bad apples that spoil the bunch but for the majority of hard-working, under educated family orientated men and women, they would surely welcome any jobs that provided security and a steady pay check.. even if it was at a reduced rate. Several years ago this may have not been the case but today it most certainly rings true.
ReplyDeleteAs far as the last part and which category do I fall into, I would have to say that I fall into the "I don't give a shit" category. I honestly do not care about the working conditions of foreign workers. If it could be changed then great, if not then I'm fine with that too. I did not invent this system, I merely live in it. As do all of us. And really what would that accomplish for us? If they pay workers more and "clean up" their factories then our prices as consumers go up and if they are willing to drive our prices up to pay fair wages to foreigners then they might as well just make the products at home in the U.S of A because the end result will be higher prices anyway. James
The solution is the elimination of capitalistic based manufacturing on a global and multi-national scale. Localized efforts enforced by local governments funding local and national efforts all while functioning with federal agents in all global nations could rectify the entire populous into an increased work-ethic based system. Employing such ideals would likely lead to increases in moral for individuals while eliminating a need for one to label oneself as an "I give a fuck" or "I don't give a fuck" individual (James is right in that when analyzing the blue collar work force of America, the majority are willing to work. And with the persistent increase of fear due to a lack of opportunity constantly battering the minds of those laborers, their willingness to adapt to the challenges of employment increase while their levels of happiness decrease). Breaking down each area--on a national scale--based upon their raw material make up, and incorporating a trade system based on those materials--providing a network of local based fully sustainable entities that rely on one another like the good neighbor-system of long ago, could provide a basis for change. Areas where raw materials that can be utilized are none existent could be focused on as environmental projects, where scientists work together in developing ecosystems instead of arms--remember, the Middle East use to be lush forests and I believe if humans can accidentally and mindlessly fuck up things in nature, then they are more than capable of figuring out solutions that can be incorporated into fixing it. If we focused our energies on the betterment of society as a whole, instead of the entitlement of a minority and war efforts, we may get some where. Try thinking of the world as one individual walking about or what not. Now think about all the turmoil going on in this individuals head. Correct me if I'm wrong but this individual needs some fucking medication or some intense therapy if you ask me. Perhaps a moment of silence would help...TIMEOUT!!!!!! weston
ReplyDeleteChelsea, James, Weston--
ReplyDeleteGreat responses. I think we're ready for some Idiocracy now:)
i don't know...I just think Blackspot is just one more company no different than any other company trying to get you to buy their product. Every company is going to tell you that their product is the best. They are going to tell you that they do everything to be as "green" as possible. Blackspot is no different. They are targeting the right group of people selling the the right product to them.
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ReplyDeleteI believe that websites that try to make people aware of where their products are coming from can be a positive thing. However, I do not feel like this concept is realistic. I believe that the bigger the company gets the more likely that company is too have corruption within. Even if the company says they advocate fair trade there can still be parts of it that exploit workers. The diffusion of labor in the company can also make it harder for them regulate their ideals. I also believe that this concept is strange. Not because of what it is trying to do but because there are not many companies and organizations dedicated to this concept of making the consumer more aware about the products they by and where they come from.
ReplyDeleteFurthermore, what is considered fair to one country may be different to another. A poor country may not be able to pay out as much as a post-industrial society. They may not be able to provide the same quality of work enviroment as another. So what may seem unfair to us may seem normal and accepted in another society.
ReplyDeleteThe Blackspot BRAND, like any othe brand, has it's own gimmick it uses to try and get people to buy its stuff. I feel it's unrealistic to believe anything else, and by doing so one puts themselves right where the company wants them.
ReplyDeleteThe reality is manufacturing is probably never going to come back in the U.S. We've become a service economy, get used to it. We just have to face the fact that some underpaid, overworked teanager in a developing nation is going to make our shoes. In my opinion,ethical treatment of workers in the countries where products are made, and companies respect for the consumers buying their products should be the focus of responsible consumerism. Tearing down the system that affords us the lifestyle to which we're accustomed is not the answer.
-Shaun
I Agree, its just another company with their own angle. They're trying to make themselves appear as the "good guys" in the shoe industry but I'm not convinced. They claim to be brandless but the giant spot on the side of the shoe creates the brand. By describing the shoe as recycled, made with hemp and vegan leather, they try to make us feel better about spending 100+ dollars on a pair of shoes
ReplyDelete-Rick
Exactly, just like Rick said. It's a hideous contradiciton what this company is promoting. The idea of an "enviornmentally safe shoe" is just another gimmick to attract the growing population of those who are on board with the the Enviornmental Movement, which itself has become Branded. It's alomost like Seventh Generation products, where everything they sell is what they consider "eco-smart." If you have ever seen any of thier commercials, they use children as a target aim approach,for why mothers and fathers should purchase thier toxin free soap, detergent, diapers etc..After watching thier commercials you almost feel like a "bad Parent" if you dont purchase thier High Priced "environmentally safe" line of products. -Felicia
ReplyDeleteThis so called "brandless" boot is obviously not brandless. The fact that it appears to be free of branding gives it its own style that could be eventually just as recognizable as nike. The sort of worn down wrinkled way that the boot is made reminds me of a style of jeans that came into the market not so long ago. The makers of this product are simply hoping to get thier product recognized in that same way. The fact that it is made in America is awesome. However, i find it hard to believe this boot is really better for the environment than others are. Maybe if your comparing it to fireman boots. -Will-
ReplyDeleteI also agree with Rick in regards to how the company tries to make themseleves look good by selling and using "environmentally friendly' materials. People are pursuaded to consume this product becauase it is protrayed as being "envrionmentally safe". The shoes are ridiculously priced and I feel that the companies goals is to try and make you feel like you spent your money on something worthwhile. I personally have no interest in supporting nor ever buying this product!- Katie R.
ReplyDeleteIf one really wants to have an affect on their environment by buying environmentally conscious items, then go to the goodwill and seek out your piece of mind. By not supporting the production of new products--bowing out of the consumer circle--one can gain quite the environmentally sound status as a true radical. Stupid boots!!! I swear I'm going to kick the first person I see wearing these...not hard...but a kick none-the-less. weston
ReplyDeleteThis is a hoax. The shoes are made in Pakistan, they cost $100.... Where does the difference of what the employees actually make and what the shoes actually cost go? To this company. Another question, why are they made overseas? What does this company have to hide? For me this is similiar to the how some consider atheism a religion or a belief system. Even by refusing to conform to an idea, the fact that you have decided to not believe, or in this case, consume product A but not product B, you are still playing the game.
ReplyDeleteAlso, this whole "Grassroots Capitalism" is BS. I think some people incorrectly assume that grassroots means eco or consumerism friendly, and thats just not true.
I agree with Weston, buy used items or wear the ones you already have for longer periods of time.
I personally feel that these shoes are not brandless. They still have a logo which is a white circle. I feel that companies are starting to develop new products based around what is safe for our environment because we have moved into a green society. What I mean by green society is that many individuals are trying to save our plant by being more effective with their purchases. However, this just gave capitalist a new idea on how to sell more products by slapping on labels saying environmental friendly. These shoes at made out of hemp, are they really safe for the environment? The shoes need to be shipped and packaged so where does all the packing go after the consumer receives the shoes? Are you really saving the environment by buying these shoes? I really do not know what to think.
ReplyDeleteI dont get this whole blog thing...why doesnt my picture come up??? I have a picture... Im starting to hate computers.
ReplyDeleteLmao, gee there weston you sound angry. But im down!
ReplyDeleteSO NOT ON TOPIC...BUT!
ReplyDeleteMe and steph went to Washington DC and went into the most enchanting Mcdonalds ever. It was like a grocery store, you stood in what looked like a checkout line, received a number, and went to a round platform to pick up your order. There were separate stations for coffee and "McCafe" such beverages and an individual station to order dessert and ice creams. I was taken back...(its WAY better than the Mcdonalds I work at). There was two floors and they also had ordering stations. everything was different down to the menu, they had items I've never seen, you could also buy pizza and Boston market in the same lines. *Please stay tuned for photos*
Idiocrazy?!?
ReplyDelete-Next time you go down main street, take some time to visit your local dollar general.
There you'll find many useful and tasty items including formula with what babies need.
Yep, when you walk in to the right there is a baby section with formula that has ELECTROLITES!!
--It's true... It's what babies need--
that mcdonalds was probably bigger than the commons we took some pics... hopefully they came out good, they were on disposable cams
ReplyDelete@katie l: probably because you're using bebo. for easier functionality i suggest creating a blogspot or gmail account & linking it that way...believe me, its much easier...
ReplyDeletestephanie y eona: where are the pictures? didn't you just finish watching idiocracy?! skip the words and show us pictures!!!:)
ReplyDelete