The "Ghost Dance Sneaker"

Concessions and CompromiseAsk my elders about all the false claims, hopes, dreams and all them feel good propositions offered by corporate America AND politicians over the last 90 years. And they will tell you that these so called donations and give aways never seem to make it to most reservations including ours. And there is a vast majority of Natives who’ve not seen any of this poppy cock corporate America spouts with their feel good ads patting themselves on the back. Sometimes we actually hear about some philanthropist giving out candy, trinkets and beads to the Natives, but as usual Na Da. Like the others we never seem to make the loop. So before you wave the flag of corporate love and generosity just look at how many people will actually be helped by Nike’s “ACT” of kindness. For all the pomp and ceremony these corporations use to tell the world about their “Good Deed” their words fall short for the vast majority of us. And of course, the media will tell the world how lucky we are to have such generous capitalists sharing their wealth with us unfortunate souls, the poor Indian. It’s all a lie for those who never see all the feel good crappola and it’s the vast majority of us period.

They should call it the “Ghost Dance Sneaker” since it offers false hope to a desperate people who are suffering the effects of diabetes. We did not have sneakers back in the day and we did not have diabetes either. Science knew the world was flat, science knew Natives were subhuman and science could cure diabetes with a sneaker. Timing is everything or is it just coincidence that this miraculous discovery came on the heels of the “Longest Walk 2008.” What a publicity coup that will be and you better believe Madison Avenue will be watching. Maybe they will come up with a shoe that cures cirrhosis or PTSD’s. Its sort of exciting in a way, I look forward to “Boxers cut for the Native Man in mind.” But if they come up with a sneaker that returns the buffalo to the Great Plains, that will be something eh.Comment:  Nike hasn't said its sneakers would cure diabetes. It has said the sneakers would motivate Indians to exercise more, and the exercise would help them avoid diabetes.

I don't know if Carlos wrote this essay in response to my critique of his previous essay. Since he didn't address any of my points, perhaps not.

Pictured below:  Ghost dancers (wearing Nike shoes?).