Archive for December, 2009
While recently in a local retail store, I overheard several people asking for the “Fun Shape” Silly Bandz. The retailer was out of stock and I wondered why the Fun shapes were still in such high demand. I asked a friend why the Fun shape was so special and she replied, “Oh, all the kids want the sun shape in the Fun pack because it can be a necklace and a bracelet.”
What will these kids think of next?
In true Shakespeare fashion, “Would a band by any other name not smell as sweet?” Is a specific Band brand that important? Other than packaging, can children truly recognize a specific Band brand by color and feel? All very good questions. The rubber brand bracelet is broadening its horizons via brand names, shapes, colors, glow in the dark, etc. The options are becoming limitless.
“I don’t care what brand a band is. I don’t keep the [package] anyway.” My ten year old son tells me, “I just want new shapes!” I’m assuming this is the general consensus of most children out there. If band brand is an issue among children, I’ve yet to hear a young person comment on Band brand loyalty.
The Bands craze has now reached biblical proportions. Yes, there is a pun intended, however, many churches and outreach ministries have joined in the Bands frenzy by developing their own “Believer Bands”. Believer Bands come in shapes that reflect the Christian faith such as a cross, fish, Bible, etc.
By wearing a symbol of Christ on one’s wrist, ministries feel this constant reminder will help guide young people in their daily walk with Jesus. Is this the end of the “WWJD?” bands and bracelets? Not likely. Whether it be a Believer Band or some other form of jewely (I’m still partial to the cross pendant) Christians will continue to wear their favorite symbol of God’s everlasting love.
Madonna wore them. So did Debbie Gibson and Cyndi Lauper. I even wore them in junior high school. Back then, black was the color of choice and, from wrist to elbow, young girls layered on the bracelets. I was reminded of the nostalgia of this fad at a recent family function when I noticed my 8 year old cousin wearing Silly Bandz by the hundreds. Isn’t it great when history AND fashion can repeat itself in multiple shapes and colors? Are Silly Bandz the new jelly bracelet? Share your thoughts and memories!
It appears that Silly Bandz have been banned in some area schools. This is not a new thing as this has already happened in some other areas in the southeast already. They have been labeled a distraction due to children fighting over them or paying more attention to their Silly Bandz than they do their class work. For more information, you can refer to this segment on Silly Bandz being banned. What do you think about Silly Bandz not being allowed in school?
This news segment about Silly Bandz in Birmingham, Alabama was aired a couple of months ago.
Welcome to the new Wacky Shapes Blog, your resource for Silly Bandz, animal rubber bands and rubber band bracelets! Thank you for participating and let’s have fun!
