Shoeless students stir debate

by Katie McConnell

On April 10, Marian student took off their shoes to take a stand.

Know as the Day without Shoes, TOMS, a one for one shoe company, challenged people from across the nation to go barefoot in an effort to raise awareness about children living in poverty who can’t afford shoes. By going barefoot,
participants hoped that it would strike conversations among their classmates about poverty in other nations.

Participants also got to experience what it would be like if they didn’t own shoes.

“I can’t believe what some kids have to go through because they don’t have shoes. My feet were cold and sore for one day and I was on nice paved roads and sidewalks. I can’t imagine what they go though. It makes me very aware of how blessed I am and renews my desire to help.” Said Sophomore Katie Groves.

TOMS is a one for one organization that has been gaining popularity since it’s beginning in 2006. According to Toms.com, for every shoe purchased, Toms will donate a pair to a child in need. As of September 2010, Toms has given over 1,000,000 pairs of shoes.

Toms has done more than just popularize their shoes; They’ve also popularized their business model. Although Tom’s are a popular trend, freshman and Marian speech team member, Jael Sailor speaks out about the flaws she’s found in the one for one business model.

“One for one organizations market themselves as charities as a marketing ploy. These companies are not really helping people, they are damaging economies and further aiding in third world poverty.” Sailor won the Indiana Novice
State Championship with her speech about the negative effects of one for one business models

“As the November 10th, 2011 issue of The Diamondback Newspaper argues, companies like TOMS Shoes tend to ‘crush small
businesses and create monopolies in poorer countries.’ Shipment after shipment of shoes and t-shirts may sound like a blessing, but in reality, it is a curse.”

Sailor’s speech goes on to propose a solution that could help consumers be more aware of the organizations they are buying from.

“Congress should pass a Benefit Corporation legislation. A Benefit Corporation, or B Corp, is a forprofit business whose mission explicitly including serving the public good. Congress should follow the lead of the state of Maryland. The Las Vegas Review Journal explains in their December 4th, 2011 issue that Maryland’s law specifically requires that B Corps satisfy certain tests of transparency and accountability.”

Groves disagrees with the criticism given to Toms.

“In most countries where TOMS are delivered, the children can’t go to school without shoes. These shoes are providing kids an opportunity to go to school. This might hurt the economy because higher education leads to more jobs, but is that really something to criticize? Shoes are also a status symbol in countries like Ethiopia. Children dream of owning shoes.” Said Groves.

The date for the 2013 Day Without Shoes has not been set.