Designer shoes

For some reason, this little story about Judi Werthein’s designer shoes for undocumented migrants is generating some press (AP, WashPost, etc.).  It’s also being cross-posted on various websites.  Predictably, on certain websites, it is generating overtly racist commentary.  The little flurry of interest in the story has left me wondering about the utility/futility of these these larger-than-life, but ultimately substance-free gestures to “assist” migrants.  Do they undercut more serious efforts at reform, and make work harder for those working on behalf of noncitizens through law and policy channels?  Or do they spark helpful discussion about immigration and generate positive sentiment toward immigrants?  My initial sense is that the former is probably more likely.  Of course, it is equally likely that they have no real effect one way or the other….

-jmc