We’ve all seen it by now. The saggy, baggy elephant look. Young men who appear to be in big brother’s hand-me-downs and forgot the belt.

There is a growing controversy around this trend and many authority figures at schools and city government are so perturbed by the fashion statement that they are banning the bag. Numerous school campuses are prohibiting slumping pants in their dress codes. In Delcambre, La. a town about 80 miles southwest of Baton Rouge, getting caught with your pants down carries a fine of as much as $500 or up to six months in jail. There is a similar ordinance in Mansfield and more are being proposed in other cities.

I’ll admit it, I think exposing your boxers is ridiculous. But I absolutely disagree with it being illegal. The American Civil Liberties Union says it is racial profiling, and I agree.

The city officials are calling them indecency laws, however, these days young women reveal much more than the top of boxer shorts. Not too long ago, it was embarrassing to have your bra strap showing. Now it’s fashionable. Thanks to Paris and Britney, bare bellies are a common sight.

Lately, I’ve seen women at the store bend over to retrieve an item on a bottom shelf and in full view is the top of a thong. Yikes! I really don’t want to think about where that downward-pointing strap is headed, but I’m sure some boys do. And that’s the point. These ladies are choosing this look because it’s sexy. I don’t believe that is the intention of the saggy bag. (At least I hope not, ‘cause guys, I hate to tell you, it ain’t workin’.) The intention of the bag is to belong to a culture, to look cool, to express an identity. None of which should be illegal.

I don’t think it is about the exposing of boxers, however offensive that might be to some. I believe the real issue is the connection to hip-hop culture and challenge to authority. To some, the style represents an offensive way of life that can lead to violence and gang activity. Do they really think that banning saggy pants will keep kids out of trouble? Or will it push them to further rebellion, feeling they are not understood or accepted? Perhaps they will drop out of school so they can wear what they want to wear. That’ll help.

Some say that the loose-fitting look evolved from prison culture where uniforms are often issued too big and no belt is given, to prevent suicides and to avoid use as a weapon. Hip Hop artists adopted the look and it bled into the streets. While I don’t think that prisoners are the greatest people to emulate, I doubt banning the bag will help kids seek better role models.

The issue of practicality also confuses me. If you are living a gansta life: chasing rival gangs, running from rival gangs, kicking someone’s butt or getting your butt kicked, wouldn’t you need some pants that fit? I can’t imagine how some of these guys could run or fight with their pants at their ankles.

The latest addition to the fashion trend is the XXXLong T-shirt. Have you seen them? T-shirts the length of a woman’s dress. Why would you want to wear a T-shirt down to your knees? Maybe because your pants were falling off. But then, what’s the point of having your pants falling off if no one can see it?

You just can’t think about the logic of the whole thing, it hurts your brain.

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One Response to “Don’t ban the bag”

Comments

1. Joseph Donegan Mar 04 2008 / 5pm

   Ms. Bohanic,
   I am more concerned about the damage they do; just look at our new library and the carvings on the walls and doors. When an Asianboyz leave their mark is that not a threat? On their end there have been numerous cases where these kids have been shot and killed for the reason that the pursuing officer thought they were going for a weapon. The funny thing about it is that in the prisons where this trend started, it implies that you are available. I find it disturbing that young people would find sociopaths a desired roll model. Let alone a love interest.
   respectfully submitted
   Joe P Donegan

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