The Shoes You Wear

During my high school years, the Reagan administration, my family fell on hard times. Laid off, my father was desperately looking for work and we were stretching nickels. As the school year started, we weren’t shopping for new school clothes at our regular go-tos, ergo I was not sporting the most in-fashion items, including my highly judgmental Nike knock-offs. 

Although my friends still connected with me, their deafening whispers made a point to call out my shoes. I felt repudiated, rejected, and reclused – all because of shoes. Those shoes sent a signal and yelled, “I’m not like you!” 

WAS I NO LONGER RELATABLE?

Today, we’ve expanded our social ties. From St. Pete to Sydney and beyond, we easily connect with the world. It’s fascinating! And while the vicarious view of others is intriguing, it does have its flaws. 

Now, I work on social media and I’ve encountered quite a bit...so far. I’ve seen the inspirational stories of mentally disabled persons beating the odds to the daft teenage influencer licking a public toilet seat for the Covid challenge. Remember that? What I’ve seen most, though, are the strings of like dialogues between various social groups.

With social media, we reach, reflect, and relate to those who are like us. The connected group dynamic insists we adhere to their belief system. Straying from the sewing circle’s ideologies is regarded as highly toxic to a perceived school of thought. And when that happens – the feared cancel culture appears.

Without regard to context, facts, or simply that others have educated opinions, civil discourse is kicked off the bus. We need to believe we are correct and calibrated. With a button click, we propagate our assumed correctness to our connections, be it the truth or not, but at what cost?

Across the great data buffet, we are being fed more information than ever. Misinformation is now a weapon. Dog whistle phrases appeal to our beliefs. Heavily plated and repeated, these messages we reconcile without concern for hidden agenda.

So ask yourself, am I dishing truthful nutrition or poison?

THE REALITY IS – WE’VE ALL BEEN CANCELLED 

Social thought is changing. Enter the new wave of accountability culture. We are obliged to take responsibility for our actions and words. If you put it out there, via social media or other venues, you better have the facts, Jack.

Designing and wearing the truth is our future. We’ve a long way to go to reach that point and yes, there will be those who never reach the summit. As we demand more facts to discern truth, donning an outfit contrived of convoluted crap and untruths will be seen as stylish – just LESS THAN. 

WHAT WILL YOU WEAR?

Looking back, I strived to make great first impressions regardless of my shoes. I wore my story well and it was the truth. I made good grades, was respectful to others, and was honest...well as much as a stinky teen could be.

Today, my shoes may not be the most expensive, comfortable, or trendy, but they are styled with truth. So keep in mind, it’s not just the shoes, it’s the whole story and what’s in the shoes that counts. 

Patrick Baxter

— Chief Creative Officer at Baxter Christenson inc.