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Kenneth Cole Made Dumb Syria Joke to ‘Provoke Dialogue’

Many found Kenneth Cole’s tweet, “‘Boots on the ground’ or not, let’s not forget about sandals, pumps and loafers. #Footwear” crass, but a few hours later he explained the shoe quip was his way of encouraging people to think about the consequences of sending soldiers to war. “I’ve always used my platform to provoke dialogue about important issues including HIV/AIDS, war, and homelessness,” he said in an Instagram video. “I’m well aware of the risks that come with this approach, and if this encourages further awareness and discussion of critical issues, then all the better.” If only more designers would come up with ways to jokingly link products they sell to a bloody civil war, then Americans might finally start talking about this Syria thing.

Kenneth Cole: Syria Joke Will ‘Provoke Dialogue’