TODAY’s Craig Melvin goes to Atlanta to delve into America’s obsession with sneakers and how the rise of their popularity has turned the sneaker business into a growing $80 billion industry. He speaks with rapper and sneaker collector Killer Mike about the community and culture that surrounds the popular shoe.
Click here to read the story at today.com.
Discussion Questions:
- What is fandom?
- How might sneaker culture represent the concept of fandom?
- What are industry segments?
- How might this story represent an example of an industry segment?
- How have celebrities help to drive the popularity of sneakers?
- What is a brand?
- Which sneaker brands are most popular?
- How much do you think marketing influences the popularity of these brands?
- How much do you think athlete and celebrity endorsement influences the popularity of these brands?
- What else might influence which sneaker brands are most popular? Be prepared to discuss your answers in class.