A New Celebrity Endorsement | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Politics and Activism

A New Celebrity Endorsement

Drug Kingpin infuses interest in shirts.

33
A New Celebrity Endorsement
CNBC

About two weeks ago a photo surfaced of “El Chapo,” a major drug kingpin, wearing a Barabas shirt. The shirt is a good look; a dark purple with a sort of emerald green blend. Now the story should end with just questions of why a drug kingpin would wear a shirt like that. But it doesn’t. In fact, the heart of this story is that Barabas has begun to receive an influx of orders for the exact shirt that “El Chapo” is pictured modeling. Everyone is familiar with celebrity endorsements. Get Peyton Manning and a catchy jingle and your product will likely see an increase in sales. But no has ever come up with the idea of having a notorious criminal incidentally endorse their product. However, like most great ideas, Barabas managed to stumble upon this one by accident. The company used to receive an average of 10-20 shirt sales a day. Now it sells hundreds a day. In fact, it has sold out of the design that “El Chapo” modeled so graciously.

Now, what does this have to tell us about what our culture values? It seems that something in us is attracted to the wildness and notoriety of a criminal like a drug kingpin. Maybe it's because we all feel like we live such boring inconsequential lives that we are drawn to the allure of glory that “El Chapo” seems to represent. If we could just wear the same clothes, maybe we would get a taste of that glory and fame. But in reality, it’s just a shirt. There is nothing sacred or special about wearing the same shirt as anybody else. You are not going to turn into a famous drug lord by just wearing his shirt. I think the increase in orders reflects both a yearning in our culture to taste fame and our horribly deficient measures of attaining to it. Nonetheless, companies should learn from Barabas and start getting more notorious publicity.

When asked why they would want to buy the shirt, consumers answer with replies not saying they commend what he does, but that they simply like the shirt design, and it has cool colors. But if a photo surfaced of me, an average joe nobody with no notorious criminal track record, people would not say “Wow look at that shirt; let’s all go order it”. No, people would probably look at me funny wondering why a young white kid would wear an outfit as ridiculous as that. People say like the shirt, but they really don’t. They like the image that the shirt gives them. They feel more connected to a wilder side of themselves which is something many of us crave, even if we are not willing to admit it. So I think we should also look inwardly at ourselves and evaluate the choices we make every day to give off our desired image. What are we really dressing for? Or better yet, for whom are we dressing up ourselves? These are important questions to consider, and I think this news story sheds some light on the commonplace decisions we make unconsciously in our lives every day.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Sorority
Rebekah Lee

I remember my freshman year oh so well. I remember feeling terrified the night before orientation. The one thing that I dreaded the most was not the new people, the new environment, or even the academic pressure. I was dreading having to talk to sorority girls about Recruitment. I remember cutting off and avoiding any Rho Gamma/Panhellenic Officer that came my way during First Week. I looked at them like they had asked me to cut my arm off whenever they asked me if I wanted to rush. To be honest, I did not even know what rush was, but I knew that I did NOT want to be a part of it. To me, it was dumb. It was a waste of money. It was a waste of my time.

And guess what? I did not rush my freshman year. I spent the first half of my freshman year isolating myself from everyone on campus. I spent all of my time in the library, and then (since I was a commuter) went back home once my work was finished.

Keep Reading...Show less
10 Must Watch Shows During Winter Break
Netflix

Now that the semester is over, you are probably wondering what your purpose of life is beside writing essays and constantly studying. Breaks give you time for some rest and relaxation, and what better way to relax than cuddling with some hot cocoa and some Netflix. Here is a list compiled of shows that must make it into your binge watching sessions, with the website in which you can find it. Enjoy!

Keep Reading...Show less
Disney Princesses
The Odyssey
Tiana would no doubt be disappointed in the food our cafeteria has to offer.

And hopefully she would cook for everyone in her dorm.

She definitley would not take any 8:00 am classes because she would be up late baking and cleaning up the communal kitchen that are available in every dorm.

Keep Reading...Show less
Adulting

The Struggles of Being A Last Semester Senior, As Told By Michael Scott

25 reasons your last semester in college is the best and worst time of your life

1253
Michael Scott

The day you walked onto your school's campus for the first time you were scared, excited, and unsure of how the next four years of your life were going to turn out. You doubted it would go fast and even though you weren't positive about what your future plans would hold, you had plenty of time. You figured out your major, added a minor or two, joined a handful of organizations and all of the sudden you're here. Your final semester of undergrad. Now you've got 25 problems and graduation is only one.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Syllabus Week At UD Explained By "The Office"

"The Office" understands the struggle of the first week back from winter break.

1036
the office

January 19th is the first day of the second semester at the University of Dayton, and students couldn't be more excited. However, the excitement that students are experiencing may be short-lived once they see what this semester's courses will entail. Although students will be happy to be back at Dayton, they may realize this semester will be more difficult than they predicted. Here are some things that happen during syllabus week explained by " The Office."

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments