A note from our co-founder, Mark X. Cronin.
At John’s Crazy Socks, we are driven by a mission: to spread happiness and show what people with differing abilities can do. This mission informs every decision we make, from how we answer the phone to the products we sell to our packaging.
Our mission compels us to create an inclusive work environment. We focus on people’s strengths, not their faults. More generally, that means we pursue inclusion by seeking common ground with everyone we meet.
Recently, a loyal customer reached out, upset about John and me appearing on Fox News. In our nation at this time, some love Fox News (or MSNBC) and others despise them. We are sharply divided and often passionate or angry about that divide.
That email prompted a thoughtful conversation, and we want to share our perspective on why we make decisions like this and how it connects to our larger purpose.
Staying True to Our Mission
Our commitment to advocating for people with differing abilities has taken us to incredible places—testifying before Congress, speaking at the United Nations, and meeting with elected officials from all points along the political spectrum. Each appearance is an opportunity to change hearts and minds. When John, an entrepreneur with Down syndrome, appears in front of an audience, when people hear about our colleagues with differing abilities, it challenges assumptions and breaks down barriers.
Our mission has made John and me evangelists for the ideal of inclusion. At the same time, our business, due to its success and recognition, has created a platform where people will listen to us. That creates an obligation on our part to speak up.
We have appeared on over 300 podcasts, traveled the country giving keynote speeches and presentations and have been fortunate to appear on every major TV network and many local news and interview shows.
We live in a frequently divided country and our efforts to speak to as many people as possible to promote inclusion and the rights of people with differing abilities has led us to speak to some highly partisan groups. Some have advised us to stay away from these opportunities in fear of offending customers. We choose not to do so.
While we acknowledge the valid concerns about the partisan nature of some groups and media outlets, we approach such platforms as a means to amplify our message, not as an endorsement of their views. By sharing our story, we hope to inspire viewers and demonstrate the value and abilities of people with differing abilities.
Advocacy in Action: Finding Common Ground
Advocacy is essential to our mission. We meet with policymakers and decision-makers regularly, regardless of their political affiliation, to champion issues that matter to our community. For example, we’ve worked to eliminate the subminimum wage, a practice that allows employers to pay people with disabilities far below the federal minimum wage, as little as $0.05 per hour. This work often means collaborating with individuals whose broader political stances we might strongly disagree with, but we believe progress on specific issues can outweigh personal differences.
One such encounter involved securing support from a senator whose other political views we personally find troubling. By engaging with this individual, we gained critical backing for legislation to protect the rights of people with differing abilities. Advocacy work is complex, and we do not take these decisions lightly. However, our goal remains clear: to make a difference in the lives of those we serve.
Promoting Unity in a Divided World
Our country is deeply divided, and too often, disagreements lead to vilification. We’ve seen the impact of polarization firsthand, and it has strengthened our resolve to foster dialogue and understanding. That’s why we launched our Unity Campaign, creating Unity Socks and sending them to every member of Congress, encouraging them to come together for the good of the nation. We have much more in common than we do separating us.
If we are going to call for unity, we must model it ourselves. That means engaging with audiences and individuals with whom we might not agree. It means listening with curiosity and seeking common ground. We believe that meaningful change starts with conversation, even when it’s uncomfortable.
Balancing Principles and Pragmatism
These choices are never easy, and we do not claim to have all the answers. We weigh every opportunity carefully, always returning to our mission. We know that not everyone will agree with our decisions, and we respect those who choose to disengage as a result. That respect goes both ways. We welcome dialogue, even with those who criticize us, because we believe we can learn and grow through these conversations.
An Invitation to Conversation
Our decision to meet with individuals whose policies we oppose, comes from a place of purpose. It is not about endorsing any particular viewpoint but about using every available platform to further our mission. We believe in the power of stories to connect people and in the importance of finding shared humanity, even across deep divides.
To our loyal customers and supporters: thank you for holding us accountable and challenging us to think deeply about our choices. Your feedback helps us navigate these complexities with integrity. We invite ongoing dialogue because, ultimately, our work is about people—about building a world where everyone has a chance to contribute and thrive.
As always, we will continue striving to spread happiness, advocate for those with differing abilities, and bring people together. Thank you for being part of this journey.
For more information about John’s Crazy Socks, visit our webpage, Facebook page, Instagram account, TikTok or YouTube channel. You can also contact us at 631-760-5625 or via email at service@johnscrazysocks.com.
