‘Satan Shoes’ Outrage Conservative Community
Lil Nas X sparks controversy over evil imagery in shoe line
Each pair of the avant-garde footwear sold for $1,018. “Although I would never buy these because they’re expensive and do not fit my style, I think the concept is really creative and the shoes look good,” senior Cam Kasmiersky said.
“Blood, sweat, and tears”—an expression taken more literally by Lil Nas X and the MSCHF team than most. Rapper Lil Nas X collaborated with Brooklyn startup company MSCHF to create “Satan Shoes,” modified Nike Air Max 97s with satanic imagery, the inscription “Luke 10:18” and one drop of human blood in each sole of the shoes. All 666 pairs of these sneakers were sold out in under a minute March 29.
“I think the shoes are dumb and unnecessary,” sophomore Elizabeth Kaidasz said. “I don’t understand why any artist would want to promote and associate themself with something that represents evil.”
These exclusive shoes are an accompaniment to Lil Nas X’s new song, “MONTERO (Call Me by Your Name).” The music video uses biblical symbols and imagery to make artistic social commentary on the homophobia that Lil Nas X has faced from some in the Christian community.
“The music video was fantastic,” sophomore Madeline Aulbert said. “I really enjoyed the visuals, its use of religious elements, and how subtle it was in shutting down homophobia in the Christian community. I’m so proud of his work and how well thought out it is.”
The rapper dances with the devil in the explicit video, playing on the notion of LGBTQ+ people being told they are going to hell. The Satan Shoes and the surrounding controversy have propelled Lil Nas X’s video to have more than 81 million views on YouTube.
“I think it’s really funny and I love that he’s embracing who he is as a person,” freshman Reagan Massey said. “A lot of people make it a religious controversy, but the music video is about him accepting who he is, and if he has to go to hell for it, he doesn’t care.”
Despite some students admiring the idea and message behind the shoes and music video, many are finding the shoes and music video to be offensive.
“The Bible says Satan is there only to ‘kill, steal, and destroy’,” junior Malachi Perez said. “I’m just extremely confused as to why someone would want to embrace the idea of the most evil thing in the universe.”
While students’ views are split on the Satan Shoes, there is no doubt that the scandal surrounding the product and music video use outrage culture to their advantage, amplifying Lil Nas X’s sales and relevance.
“Lil Nas X is living the life he wants to live,” sophomore Boston Warren said. “The shoes should be allowed to be sold because we live in a free market country.”
