Say no to crack - ban sagging pants

First reaction to Atlanta City Councilman C.T. Martin’s proposed legal ban on sagging pants: “Thank God! Finally, a spotlight on a painfully outward symbol of inner sloth.” (see article)

It’s not sexy. It’s not cool. It’s just stupid. It’s not me drinking the “hater-ade.” It’s the brothers who think so lowly of themselves that they can’t see fit to strap it up.

Sagging pants somehow became vogue as ex-cons came out of the joint. Because no belts are allowed in prison, standard-issue pants often sagged. On the outside, a few rappers and sports stars (many who never spent a night in jail) copped the “cool pose” in their public dress and publicity shots. And a fashion trend was born. Even guys with belts wear their trousers low enough to catch this ridiculous style wave. Girls are seen sporting their thong straps for all to see. God help us.

Remember the orange jumpsuits with “Property of County Jail” stenciled on the back? They were a brief fashion hit in Milwaukee until police started detaining kids who thought incarceration was hip. How are the police to know if you’re an escapee or not? Urban America continues to be a leading cultural influencer. Snowboarders are coping the pose, too.

It’s sadly funny to see you straddle-step down the street holding your pants up with one hand. That’s what happens when your belt line is below the hump of your rump. Did you miss the unit on the law of gravity in science class?

I remember the styles I wore in the early 70’s, shocking my parents and outraging the authorities at my school. That was then. This is now.

No one seriously thinks that a city ordinance on indecency will settle the issue of poor fashion choices. Nor will it influence the dreams and aspirations of our youth. I wish it would affirm the notion of modesty for our youth. But it stirs the debate.

I don’t want to see your boxers. I don’t want to see your crack. Keep your undergarments to yourself. Show some self-respect, man. Strap it up.