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A farce or a rite of passage
Not all hanging shoes are dangerous. In many cases, it’s just a game between friends or an initiation rite.
- Some young people have fun throwing sneakers at the cables for the challenge.
- This can mark the end of a period of life ( high school, military service, etc. ).
- In some schools, this is becoming a fun tradition.
If you see sneakers hanging near a school or park, chances are it’s just a joke.
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A symbol of a drug trafficking area
In some cities, especially in North and Latin America, hanging sneakers are a secret code between traffickers and buyers.
- They report that someone is selling drugs in the area.
- The color and type of shoes can indicate the type of drug available.
- This practice has been confirmed by several law enforcement agencies.
However, this symbol is not universal and does not automatically mean the presence of traffic. The neighborhood context is a key element to consider.
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A form of street art and protest
In some cases, shoefiti is used as an artistic expression or a means of social protest.
- Urban artists use these sneakers to deliver messages.
- Some pairs are decorated and painted to draw attention to a cause.
- This can represent social inequalities or youth in difficulty.
This form of street art is sometimes highlighted in exhibitions or urban art festivals.
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