As I am sure many of you know, there is a new law taking surge across the country that enforces how we as citizens should dress. Imagine that, the law telling you how you can wear your clothes or what you should wear. Yup, I'm talking about the sagging pants law. The law is spreading like wildfire all over the nation, which means our representatives are approving it.
The “Baggy Pants Bill” states: “It shall be unlawful for any person to appear in public wearing his pants below his waist and thereby exposing his skin or intimate clothing.”
Here in Florida the the Prek-12th Grade Education Committee unanimously approved Sen. Gary Siplin's "pull up your britches" bill (SB 302).
Youth who let their drawers droop to expose underwear, G-strings or worse at school will first get a verbal warning for their first offense but then face suspension if they keep doing.
Recently, Dr. Phil took up the debate featuring the Ying Yang twins and members of the Hip Hop Government. The argument around sagging pants, inevitably turns to point the finger at hip hop as the culprit for this phenomenom. (you can watch clips from the show by clicking on Dr. Phil's name above) The Hip Hop Government, whose mission is to "Mobilize people of the hip hop culture to use their vote for positive change for political, social and economic concerns" has teamed up with Dallas' City Hall and launched a "Pull up your Pants Campaign."
The year after I graduated from high school Florida began to aggresively implement the uniform code, stripping away the students' right to express their idividuality, and ensuring that boys were paying attention to the teacher at the front of the room who was teaching a lesson, and not on the girl next to him whose shirt was so low cut, he couldn't concentrate on learning. The argument for learning was obviously much stronger than the one for freedom of expression and identity because today I find myself buying white, blue or burgandy polos and khakis or jeans.
All the students look the same whereby making it a "safer learning environment" for all children, presumably of course. This is all of course because parents couldn't make sure that their daughters weren't dressing like hoochie-mamas and their boys weren't dressing like gangsters. The parents could not handle the responsibility themselves so they told the schools to implement rules that would handle the situation for them. They wanted their children to dress for success.....but they needed the system to be the enforcer.
Today, those same parents who insisted on a dress code in the Public School are complaining at my children's school because the principal is enforcing the dress code policy which includes not only wearing the colors they have assigned, but also that all children tuck in their shirts and wear belts. Now they are all in a hissy because for the last few years that rule was not enforced and their child is not going to tuck in their shirt, because they don't even like to, and if they have to they will get detention for it and I'm ok with it. Hmmm, I wonder where the rebellious attitudes to break laws come from. Breaking laws and challenging them however, are two different things.
So where do you stand on this issue of sagging pants? Fad or Fashion? Disrespect and Disgusting? Are you tired of seeing boxers, underwear, and thongs hanging out and no one doing anything about it? Is it time for the government to put their hand in making sure that people are "respecting" themselves by implementing a law that tells us how low we are allowed to wear our pants? Should the government stay out of our fashion codes? What's next? The government's going to start telling us what color underwear to wear? Or how about this thought: Could this potentially spark another form of racial profiling?
Watch this last video and respond as a comment, then respond to someone else's comment.
101 comments:
I think that having a law to force kids or young adults to not expose themselves, more or less, in public, shouldn't be necessary. The fact that it is necessary, or necessary enough that it is now a debatable issue, is pathetic. Parents should be teaching their kids that if you wear your pants at your knees and if your shirt is cut so low that people can see your belly button, nobody is going to take you seriously. It's wrong that society has to rely on lawmakers to play parent for our youths, when they should have better, more important issues to take care of.
I'm just as tired as everyone else of seeing other people's butts and underwear. But to have laws against it? The government has too much authority already! Aren't there more important issues we need to concern ourselves with? And what about our First Amendment right to freedom of speech and expression? Passing a law that dictates how a person should wear their pants is unconstitutional. It would send the message out there that it is okay for us to label a person's character according to the way that they dress.
OK so ummm.. Maybe making it illegal to where your pants below your waste is taking it to the extreme, but then again, no one has stepped in to stop these kids from doing so for the past .... 10 to 15 years. I honestly blame it on the parents. I'm sorry but if my child went outside looking like a slut, i'd be the one to repremand her, not the school. Thats how MOST parents are. But of course, your always going to have the rotten eggs of the group that think other wise. All throughout my schooling I wore uniform. It wasn't a big deal. It does make the children look a lot better. And just because you all look the same it doesn't mean you are. Parents need to stop arguing with schools just because of a uniform policy.
I am pretty tired of seeing guys with extremely low pants with their butts hanging out, but I don't think making a law against it is the right thing either. We live in America where we should have freedom to express ourselves. It's true that parents should be the ones handling the "baggy pants" situation, and its sad that many of them don't. If you really sit and think about it...making a law against how you should or shouldn't dress is absurd. Honestly, I believe people will grow out of it. The chances of seeing a 30 or 40 year old man still wearing sagging pants. So just let the children be, if their parents won't take charge of it, they will eventually mature and grow out of it.
Looking back on my life in school I realize that I have grown-up with a clear view on this issue. I have seen both sides to the argument and have a better understanding of where it is certain people stand. Wearing a uniform can stand for uniformity and professionalism while wearing your own clothing can embody individuality and creativity.
My stand point in this argument is that the government should not intervene with the way people dress. They should keep their laws against public nudity and such but, they shouldn't tell these people HOW TO DRESS. The freedom to dress up is something you cannot take from a person. This is where their unique attributes shine through. Although for learning purposes I do recommend uniforms, I think that everyone's style outside of school should be their own.
Although ensuring that people dress accordingly in places where proper attire is expected is something that for some should be the norm, pretending that we can make a society where freedom of expression is restricted in part by the way we dress is nothing more than an idea that would never work. In some places, I strongly believe that certain attire should be expected. For example: Schools are places where clothes should not be revealing. What need is there to be expressing ourselves sexually in these places? Are we going to school to entertain members of the opposite sex - or of the same sex for that matter - or are we there to learn and make the best out of our education? Is school a place to make a fashion statement? Maybe not, but who appointed me the judge of that?
Restricting the way people dress in public seems unfair. For some people fashion serves as a statement defining who they are. What we wear affiliates us with the company we work for, the sports team we support, the country we represent, the genre of music we prefer, the religion we have faith in, the culture we belong to, the ideology we sympathize with. See the trend? Punishing individuals for the way they dress would be as unfair as punishing them for the hairstyle they use or the make-up they apply.
The thing is, the United States has long been a nation that prides itself in being an overt and explicit country where people are entitled to express themselves as they wish as long as they are not physically or psychologically inflicting harm on someone else. Changing rules of dress all of a sudden would be something that people would not accept because it would impose on them things they are not used to. What we wear coincides with our culture, not our government. Who decides what we wear is a job for our parents, not the law. Either way, what is appropriate for some may be inappropriate for others and in a country where terms such as “melting pot”, “tributary”, and “garden salad” have been venerated over the years, who will it be up to decide what it is we are to wear?
I, like I'm sure everyone else out there, am tiered of seeing kids with sagging pants so baggy that they can barely even walk and girls with skirts so short that why even wear a skirt. This has really been an issue i agree but I don't think it should go as far as becoming a law. The government has no right to interfere with how we should dress, I do think however parents should get most of the blame as well as the media. Kids go out the way they do because of their parents. If my son was going to go out with his pants all the way down to his knees I would tell him he couldn't go out until he put something decent on. Parents should be teaching these kids how wearing all these things (sagging pants, slutty skirts etc.) is degrading and no one is going to ever take you seriously. I also blame the media. Kids get these trends through music videos or artists, magazines everything that is out there practically promotes these types of clothes. Instead of going after the kids the law should make the media promote good things. If we give the government the opportunity to say what we can and can not wear what's next? The government will in fact take advantage because basically its taking our freedom of expression. Sagging pants and slutty clothes are an issue parents should address.
To begin with... I just think its funny how people keep saying "You shouldn't judge a person by the way they dress" and "You shouldn't label or put someone in a category according to the way they dress" but then i they say "Oh dressing up expresses who I am!"... It makes me giggle when i hear people yelling "This is what i like it represents me!" and two seconds later hearing "Don't judge me on what I'm wearing!" I just think its kinda absurd. But aside from that... I believe that the sagging pants issue is getting a bit out of hand with people showing their undergarments off but it would create a chain reaction... It would be controlling the way we dress... then that can turn into controlling other aspects of our lives.... It would just get out of hand. I think people should be able to wear what they want... That video with the guy that got arrested was a tad bit depressing. I honestly am tired of seeing it but i just don't know how to go about fixing it... It might just have to be one of those things that cannot be fixed. We cant have everyone of the same religion and we cannot have everyone choose the same car as their preference... so why try to make everyone dress similar? people listen to different music and do different things. If you wanna have your ass hanging out sure go for it... just realize that you will be judged... but then again you'll be judged for just about anything you do... just how ill probably be judged for writing this comment out.
I think we use our "freedom of expression" to let us get away with alot of things but sadly I don't think this falls under that category. The moment the way we dress becomes offensive to those around us it's obviously wrong. We live in the freaking year 2008, why the eff do people still feel that they have to let their ass hang out in order to make a statement or make themselves known? You could still preserve who you are and retain your sense of self without offending anyone by having youe pants around your knees. Hello people! Clothes were made to be worn properly and underwear was made to be kept UNDER your clothing. It's ridiculous that people think that this kind of barbaric way of dressing is supported by some people. How about I just decide to wear my underwear over my clothing...how would that look? Horrible, right?
To bring back an old topic: I'd say the media plays a very big part in this dilema. Our present as well as our future generation looks up to the rap/hip hop artist's who sport this fashion and as long as they keep dressing this way so will those who idolize them.
Lastly, in response to Melissa's comment I disagree with her. I don't think it's unconstitutional to pass this law. Pants were made to be worn correctly and all this law is doing is ensuring that you wear them the right way. Something as seemingly small as "baggy pants" have caused gang fights that have led to even bigger things such as deaths. You first must tackle the small things and then move on to the bigger things.
I do not think that these young kids should have their pants sagging. I do not think that it looks appealing or attractive.When I see young people with their pants sagging, and they have to stop to pick it up becuase it keeps falling off their waist and they can barely walk I think to myself why cant they just wear a belt? I think that when people sagg there pants it gives them the look of a thug and people place them in a category with bad guys and gangsters. So how is that getting identity by the way you dress,if you're seen as just another bad guy. Sagging your pants looks like you are up to no good in your life. I do not think that this law will bring up racial profiling, its just that typically young black fellas are the ones who sagg their pants.
When it comes to the issue of the uniform, I personally am not a big fan of uniform. However I do not see why parents make a big deal about the issue when there children do not know how to dress to go to school. Kids these day want to wear outfits that they wear to the club to school like it is going to be acceptable. I also dont see why they make uniform such a big issue when in the real world most jobs require you to wear a uniform. Not to take away your identity, but so that you look well presentable and professional.
I do not agree with Kathleen that it is wrong that our society has to rely on lawmakers to play parents for our youths. We have to realize that in todays society, baby's are making baby's so there is no longer good rules and standards in the household. However sometimes parens are teaching there kids how to wear there pants, but when they leave the house the kids make there pants sagg again especially when they are with their peers. How about the girls that lift up there shirt to show up there belly button piercing that there parents have never even seen. That is why we need higher authority to address this, because it is impossible for parents to always know, because more than likely the kids will dress presentable when they leave the house, and then it is a different story when they are with there friends.
First I'd like to comment on the video, If I'm not mistaken that video appeared on the news a few weeks back. It turns out that "sagging pants" isn't even a law in that county and that the officer was fired. This is just an example of our governments priorities, we put emphasis on stupid little issues rather than the things that are truly important! The police officer could have been pulling over someone who was actually guilty of a crime rather than picking on the first guy with his under wear exposed. If you watch closely you can tell many in that neighborhood had their pants below their waist.
Sure, I admit that guys showing their joe boxers and girls with the g-strings hanging out is unattractive but come on do we really need a law for that? Shouldn't we be allowed to dress how we please? Isn't that a way we differentiate ourselves from others?
If we let the government start making decisions on how we dress who knows what they'll come up with next?
Okay, I'm going to make a comment on Raheel's comment. A very good point was brought up about the fact that we are judged based on almost everything! And it's very true that we use the excuse freedom of expression to represent ourselves, yet women wearing almost nothing are offended when they are degraded. Really if you think about it, we truly are judged on almost everything ...and we often forget that. Raheel also brought up a very good point--that having this one law about sagging pants will only become a chain reaction and will lead to restrictions on even more things. It all comes down to how a person chooses to represent themselves. If someone chooses to portray whatever image he or she may want according to what they're wearing, then hey let them be..and let them take the heat for it right? I also forgot to mention it before, but the video of a man being arrested was very disappointing. It's a sad reminder of what really goes on in this world, and the fact that wow this is all because of what...because of baggy pants?!?! Now that's ridiculous.
I do not agree with Kiamesha comment,
"That is why we need higher authority to address this, because it is impossible for parents to always know, because more than likely the kids will dress presentable when they leave the house, and then it is a different story when they are with there friends".
There is no authority higher needed than that of the parent. The parents are responsible for raising their kids in a way that shows them to respect themselves and those around them, which includes teaching them to dress in the appropriate manner.
Yes, there are young ones who are having babies but it is not because there are not longer "good rules and standards in the households" but because we are relying to much on others to parent our children that we forget to teach them the basic morals, values and knowledge.
I know that there are some kids that act one way around their parents and then go and rebel but aren't there people who drive past the speed limit when they're are no cops around? It's the same concept, we must be taught early on to use good judgement even when their is no one to witness it.
Ultimately I feel this is an issue that stems from parenting but I can't expect everyone to feel the same way.
When i read the first paragraph about the sagging pants issue, it made me think.... it is kinda gross to see people walking around with their pants at their knees all the time... but then again, who are we to tell them not too. As the first video mentioned, our society goes through phases... the hippy hair... the fro's.... tyedied clothes... and so on. Therefore, I feel that sagging pants is just another phase. If people want to walk around and look silly with their underwear hanging out, let them! It is not the governments responsibility to tell people how to dress. We live in a free country. The police officers have alot more issues to worry about than going around and searching for people with sagging pants! As teens or even adults, each person as an individual should be able to decide the image they want to present. They should know by now that if they wear foul clothing, most likely they are going to make themselves look like a fool to others. For children, parents should dictate what they can and cannot wear. It is their responsiblity alone, not the governments.
I chose to respond back to Kiameshas comment. Although i do agree that it is very unattrative to see boxers and g-strings hanging out, I believe that it is not the governments issue to deal with. We live in the United States of America which is a free country. If we place laws on every little thing, are we really a free country anymore??? Yes, people who fall into the "saggy pants" category are embarrassing themselves, but this is something they should learn on their own. Unlike Kiamesha's thought, I seriously feel that the government has more important matters to deal with. Saggy panters are not hurting anyone, (except for maybe their eyes...) however, bank robbers and murders are. So lets allow the government to concentrate on improving laws to protect our safety, and lets allow the police officers to be on the lookout for criminals instead of wasting time searching for saggy pants. And like Kiamesha said, "if parents don't allow their children to wear certian clothes around the house, most likely when they leave the house they will still wear them anyway." This is a valid point, but for example, if a cop gives a man a $50 fine for saggy pants, most likely after he pays it and the cop leaves, he's just going to pull his pants down again anyway!!!
Comment on Video
The video is shocking and caught me by complete suprise when the officer pushed the guy into the ground. I found that very offensive besides the fact of how the police man was behaving with the character. I don't believe in the whole having the pants falling down, but there was absolutely no need for the officer's behavior. I also noticed that he had a partnet, seemed like a lady, why did'nt she step in and help or tell the police man to back off?
Now over to the pants topic with the parents and government. I don't think that it is such a big deal about the whole pants down in the butts. I mean you notice it because you look, correct? I, myself dont and would never dress like that, but thats my personal opinion. Others should have the liberty to dress how they want.
Now answer me this..why is there no problem when white boys with blonde hair and green eyes wear tight shirts that can possibly be small on even my 12 year old cousin? When they wear ripped jeans through which there under wear and skin can be seen? Hmm think of that.
I think that sagging pants is just a faze young poeple go through because of the influence in the media.I think its pretty gross to see someones butt hanging out and its true that it's the parents responsibility to teach their kids to dress in a respectable manner. However i think that its rediculous to have a law enforcing how and individeal should dress. If it's just a faze they will grow out of it someday and realize that they aren't going to be taken seriously by the way they dress.
Pleasantdream said, “We live in the freaking year 2008, why the eff do people still feel that they have to let their ass hang out in order to make a statement or make themselves known?” Hmm… something seems wrong with that. The year 2008 is proof that things change, that things evolve, and the more time passes the more freedom of expression is going to be of value to people. If we want to control the way people dress because it is inappropriate, then we also have to control the way people go about other things in their life. For example: I know I speak for a lot of people when I say that public displays of affection are indiscrete. Some people, however, don’t believe that is the case. How do we go about setting a common ground that doesn‘t insult anyone? We can’t.
What if we control the way people sound when they speak like the American government wished to do in the 70’s? Does using a “southern” or “black” dialect make you ignorant or rude? YOU might not think speaking that way is inappropriate, but travel across this North American continent and you’ll see that a lot of people have stereotypes about people in other places and some of those people in other places might include you. How about the people that tattoo their whole body or pierce every inch of their skin? Ask any older person and many will tell you that this fashion is disgusting. In their time the only people that had tattoos or pierced anything besides their ears were either crazy or in jail. Do we see anything wrong with it? No. How many people do you know that have a tattoo? How about a few tattoos? How many girls have their tongue, navel, or nose pierced in your class? Probably quite a few.
Would you like a law to tell you that you can’t wear a shirt from Hollister or Abercrombie that has an implicit message that means something besides what it literally says? What if the music you listened to was banned from the radio because it was thought of as devil music or garbage that degrades people? What if they told young women that skirts above their knees are too short or that the low-cut shirt they wear is vulgar and provocative? Let the change start concerning you and then come and say your rights are not being taken away.
The subject of what is appropriate is one that will never bring a unanimous agreement. My stance on this issue is simple: I don’t think men that wear their pants below their waist are attractive. I also don’t believe in showing my thong over my jeans or looking at women who expose their midriffs 24/7. As far as that goes however, that is my personal preference, not what should be common rule. If you don’t like pants below your waist, then don’t wear them. You’re going to come across a lot of things and a lot of people in your life that will challenge who you are and what you believe. You either let that get to you or you put it aside and act the way you think accordingly.
This has always been a problem here in the united states, since I moved here kids my age, and even older show of some part of their body. This is something that we should put on the top of our to do lists, but not the goverments to do list, but our own, parents especially. I think it is too extreme to ask the government to put of a law to enforce better dress code, if parents have the tool to enforce that themselves. Parents are a role model an should guide their kids, and tell them what is wrong and right, a tell them that good behavior and how proper you dress, a part from knowledge, will make you stand from the crowd and succeed. If we ask the government to do this for us, it is like contracdicting our freedom of speech! We can't let the government take over our lives, if we let them go foward with the law, it is like taking away our freedom of speech, and it is just wrong for society to rely on them to make the rules for our kids, and take over the role of parenthood
I really think it's just gross when a guy wears his pants below his butt or if a girl wears clothes for the whole world to see her goods purposely. I do believe that part of the problem is their parents because they allow them to leave the house like that. Sure they can just go into the bathroom once they get to school and undo themselves there, but HELLO what about their friends and the way they dress? Shouldn't that be a sign that your kid is probably doing the same things they are? I just don't understand why someone would put themselves in that position to make themselves look THAT bad. I mean can they possibly think they look good dressing like that? I just think if you have respect for yourself you wouldn't degrade yourself like that. I don't think there should be a LAW for it but there should be school dress codes, which students and their parents should sign that forbids them to show their underwear,skin, etc.I also don't think there should be a law for something as common sense as not dropping your pants below your butt and try not to look like a hoochie mama...its obviously degrading once a degrading name is made up for it.
I am in shock after seeing the video of the cop who stopped the group of guys walking in the street. They did nothing wrong and he was treating them so badly. I think its low class to show your boxers or thong but I don't think that a law should be passed making this illegal. If dressing like this is how you want to present yourself then that's your prerogative. Personally I think it's trashy for girls to show their underwear. If they are that desperate for attention it's sad. In no way do I find seeing a guys boxers attractive but to each his own. I think that how you dress says a lot about who you are and how you like to be seen by others. If the President walked around with his pants below his waste would you take him seriously?
"pretending that we can make a society where freedom of expression is restricted in part by the way we dress is nothing more than an idea that would never work, " I agree with S.bascoy. Because it seems like that society is trying to control the simplest expressin of individuals making a statement. America is not Pleasentville where everything is black and white and in uniform. So i think people should have the freedom to dress as they please, but there is a line to that. Undergarments should be kept under the clothes and therefore should not be seen. Exposing your underwear in public is a statment that you are "ganster" and "hardcore", saying that the way you dress is how you want people to look at you. So for those poeple who wear their pants below the waist also gives off an impression that they aren't going to be taken seriously. But when it comes down to it, it is not up to others to say how you should dress.
I think this whole thing about passing a "dress code law" is ridiculous and unconstitutional. I do think that dressing that way is inappropriate but I don't think Congress should pass laws to prevent. What I do think is that parents should start raising their kids the right way and start teaching them how to present themselves. I think the fact that schools and the government are starting to do this is pretty sad. I think Congress has more important things to worry about. Hopefully that "look" will go out of style anyways once kids grow out of it.
OK so to comment on what Kiamesha said earlier,
"We have to realize that in todays society, baby's are making baby's so there is no longer good rules and standards in the household. However sometimes parens are teaching there kids how to wear there pants, but when they leave the house the kids make there pants sagg again especially when they are with their peers. How about the girls that lift up there shirt to show up there belly button piercing that there parents have never even seen. That is why we need higher authority to address this, because it is impossible for parents to always know, because more than likely the kids will dress presentable when they leave the house, and then it is a different story when they are with there friends."
About the whole baby making baby's thing, yes that may be true, but that goes on the parents too. I'm not blaming parents 100% on their teenage daughter's pregnancy, but if you had a relationship with your child you'd know about their life and about their decisions. Same goes for the whole baggy pants issue. Those children who dress one way infront of their parents and then leave the house and dress another way is because their parents have not taught them any better. They know they disobey their parents when they dress like that so why do it? Rebelious attitude perhaps? that's going to get them introuble sooner or later. And for any child making that much of an effort to change once their parents aren't around, grow up.
Oh yeah and to Miggs,
Yeah blonde hair blue eyed boys do where there shirts tight and ripped jeans, I do agree. BUT, most of the time they look more presentable then these hip hop followers that think its cute to show their butts to the world.
Ohh and adding on,
Recently on the VMA's, hip hop artist lil wayne performed. I'm sorry but most of the time his hand was on his genitals. Why? Because he couldn't walk without his pants falling down. He looked ridiculous. And unprofessional. He's an awesome rapper, but seriously, it's unappealing to watch him perform while his hands are on his private the whole time.
I disagree with Kiamesha's comment because I think if parents do a good job in raising their children correctly, then kids won't want to dress that way. If kids are dressing one way with their parents and one way with their peers, then their parents really did not do a good job in teaching them the proper way of presenting themselves. I think there should be no higher authority than one's parents. The government or the school system shouldn't have to teach kids how to present themselves.
Miggz= Miguel Leon btw
Every one who has commented here has a pretty good idea of what they believe. Some may be true, other in my opinion seem somewhat false. Dressing pants up, pants down, underwear, rips, black, white, we are all the same. How we choose to dress should be our personal choice and no one should take that liberty away from us.
I think in a way this law makes sense. When you trace back when the pants below the waist started in jail. Inmates would take your belt and in result your pants were baggy. I think there should be some type of consequence for dressing like this. No one wants to see what the color or your boxers are, or your jeans to you knees. I think its fair, either pants at your waist or pay up 50 bucks.
I'm commenting on Miggz comment. I do agree with the police man taking advantage of his authority and it was very offensive. I don't on the other hand agree with the sagging pants not being a big deal. I mean its not something the government should really focus on instead parents should. But it is an issue. You say we notice it cause we look, but how can you not look? I think people should have the liberty to dress but if you dress like a slut or a gangster people aren't going to take you seriously. Dress how you want but moderately what is the need to show your underwear to the whole world and no one wants to see it anyways, it's disrespectful and shows you weren't brought up right. There's no problem when guys wear tight shirt because they're not showing anything most of those guys have muscles and want to show that off were as a guy with sagging pants looks like he can't walk and shows his boxers. The race thing has nothing to do with sagging pants because white guys do it too just like some blacks wear tight shirts.
I believe the government or anyone else who enforces this type of issue needs to find more important "problems" to focus themselves with. I think they have taken upon themselves to worry about other peoples fashion because it is an easy thing to control. Where as the violence on the streets and the education in the classrooms are more difficult to watch over, so they pass it up. However I do agree that it is not necessary to see someone’s underwear, but I think that is their problem and their problem alone and they choose to be seen whichever way they want. If that is the way thy want to be represented on the places they go to, then so be it. This is just the beginning I believe. What I'm trying to say is, now its just the sagging pants, but later on it can be the color, the placement, the belt, etc..
Stephanie Torres said...
OK so ummm.. Maybe making it illegal to where your pants below your waste is taking it to the extreme, but then again, no one has stepped in to stop these kids from doing so for the past .... 10 to 15 years. I honestly blame it on the parents. I'm sorry but if my child went outside looking like a slut, i'd be the one to reprimand her, not the school. Thats how MOST parents are. But of course, your always going to have the rotten eggs of the group that think other wise. All throughout my schooling I wore uniform. It wasn't a big deal. It does make the children look a lot better. And just because you all look the same it doesn't mean you are. Parents need to stop arguing with schools just because of a uniform policy.
September 30, 2008 9:11 AM
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in response to Stephanies post:
I agree with a portion of what Stephanie had to say. I do think it is mostly the parents fault, but we have to think of those “weak” parents that can’t control their children for anything in the world. I believe sometimes we rely too much on the parents to do all the work and they need support too. I also agree with the idea that just because all the kids look the same doesn’t mean they are. It’s true! I also had to wear uniform for most of my life and it did not affect me then or now. Honestly sometimes it helps boost the creativity out of people because it makes them work harder for their own look and to show others not to judge them by their clothes.
I believe that it shouldn’t matter what these guys do. I mean yes, it looks stupid, and it makes you look low class, but its not hurting anyone. What difference does it make how people wear there clothes. People are focusing too much on the fact that its boxers. Boxers are simply another form of clothing. The man is not running naked down the street. Yes, its tactless, to most people but there are plenty of things that look like crap to some people. The way some girls put themselves out there with the way they dress is tasteless but no one is considering making a law against them for that, so why stress this. The government, in this day and age, has so MANY more important topics to worry about than how someone dresses. I see it as long as they are clothed..who really cares. This is supposed to be a country of freedom and independence. Unfortunately, certain actions send the wrong messages and are frowned upon in today’s world, but for the government to get involved and infringe upon how someone dresses is unacceptable.
I disagree with what joey believes.
Who gives anyone the right to fine somebody just because they are expressign their freedom of dress. No one is going to fine the quote on qoute slut for how she dresses or the heavy metal rocker who has a 4" gage in their ear, so when they take it out u have a huge hole there. This is just a style of the way people wear clothes. Its not professional but neither are flip flops.
I agree with xojoey07ox...although at this time we dont agree maybe with the whole pants down the butt thing, i think it is just a phase... a lot of things that used to happen before dont happen anymore...its all just a matter of time before the new phase/fad comes in and its either better or worse than before...i dont think its much of a racial problem where only a certain race does it...yeah its stereotyped to a black male, but in my own personal experiences, i have come across people from all different ethnicities who wear their pants bellow their butts with a belt on, go figure
I completely disagree with joey's comment... this law doesnt make sense...Why not use that power to protect our city, from crimes and misconduct, in improving our education...not make laws for our ways of expression, if someone dress like that is because they like it, and who said you have to look at them....you see what you want to see. There are bigger problems in the US to solve than the fact of people showing off too much. The way we dress is part of our culture, and for some your way of dressing might be inappropiate or appropiate...so no one can really tells how to dress except our parents who are those who molded us. So the police, the government let that job of enforcing dress codes to the parents and start dealing with serious crimes that are affecting us NOW!!!
I really dont think there should be a law that deals with sagging of ones pants. That law will be such a waste of time, imagine trying to enforce that on every person who has their pants sagging, many police wont even bother with it. Also the fact that this is even an important issue disgust me. I would rather my congress people and school board members think about how to get more money to the school system, or how to end this economic downfall we are going through then care about whether my pants sag or not. I dont see the problem with anyones pants hanging down. If I dont want to see their underwear how about I just dont look down at their underwear? If the point is not seeing undergarments than pants with rips are going to have to go too? In the end there are just more important things to worry about.
In response to Kiameshas comment how is not being able to dress the way you want not holding in your identity. She said that when kids where their pants like this it makes them look like thugs. Well whos to say they arent looking for that to be their identity. Why cant someone want to look like a thug? In certain rough neighborhoods you want to look like a thug so that people will leave you alone. If you happen to think it looks thuggish, who cares? Obviously not the people wearing their pants like that so leave them be. If they suffer the consequences of people judging them before they know them than that is their fault. Let them figure that out for themselves but don't limit them by making it a law.
it may be annoying to see ppl with their pants around their knees, having to see butt cracks and seeing underwear but a law saying a person can not wear their cloths a certain way is taking things a bit too far.
if the law passes wats the next law going to be? a girl has to have a certain length for a dress? or what cloths will be allowed to be worn at all?
i understand if ur at skool or at work, or at a formal event there is a certain type of attire a person should wear but besides that there shouldnt be rules agaisnt wat a person can wear.
just like ppl use tattoos and paintings to express themselves, clothing is used as well.
though a person should be able to express themselves through their cloths a person should also consisder if a person would take it offensive. u should always always try being a bit mindful of others.
back to the law, since when did sagging pants become more important than the economy, environment/pollution, aiding schools, creating programs for kids.
I think it's really ridiculous to make a law regarding baggy pants showing underwear. There are countless of more important things out there to be thinking about besides this topic. I'm not saying it's appealing to see that in the streets but really it's up to the individual to decide what and how they want to dress. Making a law about this would just draw the line..it's crazy.
In Response to PleasantDreams post I don't agree that this law should actually be passed. You say pants were meant to be worn the right way? Who ever said to wear pants one way? Don't people rip pants, cut them and wear them in a variety of ways? Well if people want to wear it really low isn't that their problem? If this law is actually passed it might be the start to something horrible. After the government gets away with that later on they could impose that we also have to wear our shirts tucked IN THE STREETS.. That would totally be an individual's nightmare. Nobody wants to look the same and everybody should have the right to be different. What next? The whole US in uniform status? I don't think so!
Does anyone really want to see anyone else's sweaty, nasty underwear?
Didn't think so.
I don't like the fact that people are walking around with their pants half way down their ass but to be honest, doesn't the government have more important things to be taking care of, like our economy? Unfortunately people need rules to abide by so that they won't do stupid things, that's what keeps them in check, and while we can sit here and argue that it's our freedom to sag our pants and show our ass truth is that's disgusting, rude, and definetly uncalled for. If it takes a stupid law to get people to pull there pants up so let it be, but i do believe that the government needs to their focus their timeon other, more important, issues.
I think Berenice Gramage has it all wrong. While she believes that we as people need to put this on our "to-do lists" and also said that we should use this power to protect our cities, i kind of see where the government is coming from, don't get me wrong they definetly need to focus on other issues, but as people say when you're dressed properly youre less likely to do stupid things. Or so the saying goes. I think this is just a way of showing people how stupid they really look, and while they may put it on their "to-do list" it would've never been attened to, why? Because people are so use to walking around half naked now-a-days. ESPECIALLY young adults our age. You may think you look cute showing off your boobs or ass but youre not. If the government would have never addressed this issue it would have only gotten worse.
Plain and simple, it's time to pull them up.
How can you enforce such a law? I don't know the entire amendment but I'm pretty sure that would contradict the 1st amendment some kind of way. I understand it's ugly to look at and it's USUALLY a sybol of a thug or a bad person, but that is not always the case. If we begin being told how to wear our clothes then what comes next our hair styles? I think when kids wear spikes and chains with all black on that that's just as bad as the sagging pants, especially the spikes and chains, that can be turned into a weapon, boxers cant. Back to enforcing the law, some guys wear shorts underneath their shorts so technically they're not showing their underwear and other guys wear big shirts over their pants so again they're not showing their underwear. So what really caused this topic to come about? Some women show their underwear all the time. Now I've never complained about it but in reality it's the same issue. Women also show cleavage and sometimes wear skirts so short you can see underneath them; and cleavage is a step beyond showing your underwear. And let me once again state that I am not against that, so I can't be against guys doing it. I think it's just one more way the government is trying to put "thugs" in jail because in reality I don't want tax dollars paying for fashion police; there are thousands of people out there wearing business suits robbing people everyday whether its identity theft or hustling the stock market. Marth Stewart doesn't sag her pants...
I think the government should not be able to pass these kinds of law since they are depriving people’s right of freedom of speech. Just imagine what could come next? The government imposing what we must believe in?
Anyways, it’s just a style and styles come and go...its each individuals decision how they want others to see them and no one else’s.
What if it was the other way around? Politicians showing their butts, and kids wearing suits?
What would the law be prohibiting?
I personally don’t like to see people’s underwear, but who am I to judge?
The choice should be the individual’s.
I would like to reply to Kiamesha. Although the pants sagging is not appealing to most thats just our opinions and we can not make laws based on opinions. someone may not find something you wear appealing but that shouldn't make it illegal. And if it should be illegal because they look like thugs then baggy clothes in general, backwards hats, big pieces of jewelery, bandanas, etc. should be illegal also. We can't forget that wearing red or blue has to be illegal too. Especially in California where the crips and bloods reside mostly, because if you wear red or blue you have to be in a gang and up to no good because you look like it right? My point exactly.
Also, I think it is the parents fault. Yes, kids have the option of walking out of the door in the morning dressed one way and walkin with their friends the same day dressed another way. But the decision that child makes comes from his/her upbringing, I would never lie to my parents and I never changed who I was for anyone.
I do believe that this law will bring up racial profiling. I thought it was pretty clear in the video that it did. The officer said the kids were acting like thugs just because they had their pants sagging, as you can see the officer assaulted the kid for no reason. I think if this actually turns into a law everywhere it will cause riots because some officers are going to take it too far. It's only clothes and people should be able to dress the way they want as long as its not hurting anyone.
BTW this is Preston
The sagging pants trend started in jail where prisoners are assigned big uniforms that usually end up sagging. Then it became a major hip-hop and rap trend because back in the day it was mainly about being thugs even after struggling in and out of prison. I personally dislike that this trend gives the youth ideas of being rebels and self-expressing, when deep down it is only fitting them into undesirable categories. I’m sure these kids do not wish to be portrayed as criminals, and low-life gangsters, they just want to look like their idols who may dress like this when filming movies and videos, but usually wear neat suits on their everyday lives.
Uniforms have always been hated yet approved by parents, why fight them now? I remember begging my mom to put no when the survey for uniforms came home and like the majority she marked yes. Looking back to that decision now, I realize uniforms are an advantage. In school kids should all look the same, and be dressed as formal as possible. They can express themselves in the remaining 17 hours of the day. Look at the bright side wearing a uniform helps save money in the long run, less damage to your clothes, less outfit options for school, etc. I went to schools with and without uniforms and even though I whined I must admit it was easier waking up and dressing with a uniform than starting to look for an outfit and match it with shoes and hair accessories, and jewelry.
in response to what stephanie torres had written
"I honestly blame it on the parents. I'm sorry but if my child went outside looking like a slut, i'd be the one to reprimand her, not the school. Thats how MOST parents are."
we cant blame the parents for it at all, media is what most kids look up to. it is known that the media does reach the youth. in music videos there are men with pants at their knees and women barely wearing any cloths. a parents may try to reprimand their child, but the child is going to listen to what they want. the child has their parents telling them to pick up their pants, to wear longer dresses which would be going agaisnt what they have seen on tv, videos and movies.
I must say I completely agree with Kiamesha, seeing the youth have to stop and pull up their pants because the wind passing through their cracks is giving them chills is not very attractive or appealing. They would rather walk with their legs open and holding their crotch, than wear a belt. People have mistaken the sagging pants trend which was portrayed by rebels and nowadays aside from not being very trendy is portrayed by bad guys. Everyone must agree this must stop, if people cannot do it on their own let the law force them, but what cannot go on is people wearing their pants lower everyday and now even their boxers are sliding down…
As all of us claim we want to be "one of a kind", it seems like sagging pants can't be a form of expression. We talk about dress code for what is appropriate but a lot of other things that are look down in society isn't that much different from sagging jeans. From piercings to tattoos, they cause people to look at you weirdly or maybe they find you interesting to look at, but the fact is that they can be covered and piercings can be taken out. So why can't pants be the same way?
Students learn from health class that the body starts to go through some changes at the ages of 10-21. Why are parents and adults worked over the way kids dressed today? If we know in proven science that kids think about the opposite sex during those ages then why would you even consider the sagging pants or low cut t-shirts a big deal? Guys and girls will always look at one another.
Through the most horrifying dresses come to date, how are we suppose to say that this is our expression of our decade. It's not just from hip hop that pants below the booty but also rockers and punk/rock groups do the same as well. I feel that the government and society just wants to blame something on someone to take the sweat off them.
So i leave with my final thought; Just let kids learn the hard way, because that's how we all were taught.
The only solution to graps the eyes of "dropping my pants low to show my boxer" people, is to actually enforce it. Now a days, underage drinking is considered a joke. Weed smokers are almost in the same category. There are so many cases of these people underage drinking and smoking weed. Underage drinking is not taken as seriously as the usage of marajuana, but marajuana is just little more enforced. These issues are difficult to handle, because one: there is so much of it and because two: parents, cops, witnesses, and other careless to the issue contricutors do not enforce as much as they should. Its either YES its legal to drink if you are 7... or its NO you will get fined, arrested, and what not. Enforcement is very important and if something is partially enforced, its not enforced at all in most eyes. If the government is actually going to pass this law, enforcement is the key to success in stopping the useage of low jeans and exposure of skin, boxers, thongs, and whatever it may be. Enforcement is the key.
OMG!! Im so sick and tired of hearing about the laws concerning baggy pants. Why doesnt anyone just mind their own damn business?? iT iS JUST ANOTHER WAY OF PROFILING!! WHY DO PEOPLE AUTOMATICALLY ASSUME THAT IF SOMEONE IS SAGGING THEIR PANTS THAT THEY ARE A BAD PERSON? GET RID OF YOUR INSECURITIES PEOPLE AND OPEN UP YOUR EYES CAUSE Y0UR BEING NAiVE. Why are women allowed to wear scandalous clothing and not have anything said about it?? Why are women allowed to wear thongs on the beach as a bathing suit when there are children around?? Isnt that considered a type of indecent exposure? Does anybody call the police when they see that kind of "inappropriate" use of clothing? NO!
DOES ANYBODY EVEN KNOW WHERE SAGGING PANTS ORIGINATED FROM?? This fashion "disaster" came from jail, thats right, JAIL. The men in jail who sagged their pants low were gay, it was a way of showing the lower your pants... the more "available" you are...if you know what I mean. So if people wish to pay homage to the lonely people that were locked up.. then let them do it.
To the government.. stop looking at people who sag their pants.. maybe half of the time, they aren't up to any trouble. Start looking elsewhere like at those gothic people who wear black trench coats in 100 degree south florida weather.. they have mental problems, in my opinion. ITS A FASHION STATEMENT, SO BUZZ OFF.
I am very extremely glad that they're trying to enforce this law. For many years kids have been dressing innapropriately. What I have been dying to figure out is why in the hell these guys wear their pants way below their butt's, with their boxers popping out, and also feel the need to wear a belt that is being tied around their thighs? What is the point of that. I mean I always thought a belt was used to hold up pants when they're too big or to make the clothing looking a little better. It doesnt make any sense. This gives off a bad image and it persuades other kids around the same age and younger,since those are the ones that get mostly influenced, to dress in the same way. Fact of the matter is that dressing in that way makes the person look like "trash" regardless of their race, or ethnic group. Kids and even adults who dress in this way should have more respect for themselves than to even think about walking out of their house like this.
I disagree with Joan. It is about judgement, but if the governement wants to place a law against clothing that exposes skin, boxers, thongs or underwear of whatever kind, they can. The reason why is not because of the way they look and how bad they are portrayed as a person themselves, they are looked at by others.. they influence others eyes. Others are forced to look at them, children, young women, young men, elderlys. In the eyes of these people it is not fair for them to witness the exposure of a persons behind.. this issue can lead to nudity and for that reason the government does not want to deal with individuals complaining about the people enviroment and how they affect them with their "disgusting exposure" form behind. Would it be okay with nudity around the place.. it can lead to that... those are extremes that develope from a small problem.
In response to Amaya Gutierrez,
I feel that even though the sagging pants may have came from the prison and jails, I still feel that it was an expression of character. It may not be a good one but who is to say that teens can't find it attracting to wear than a symbol for crime and hate.
As for your second paragraph, I feel that I had the same experience as you, except I didn't have the choice since i was forced to go to private school. School uniforms just made it worse for everyone who i know that went to my school and other surrounding private schools. While in public schools, you get to express your identity, in private it was hard because everyone wore the same thing. When they finally left home and gone to college or highschool, all of friends that I used to hang with became or at least tried marijuana or alcohol. Thank God I moved out of private to public at an early age. hahah :p
But the fact is not who to blame it on, it's the way of life and how we learn. If this sagging pants do turn out to be a bad influence then I guess we'll all learn the hard way right?
I very much disagree with what Kathleen said because no matter how much a parents tries to raise their kids to be the best that they can be or atleast give off that image their is always a time or place where their child isnt under their control. For instance, at school a parent has no control as to what their child does. If the child has been raised one way at home then it is the childs fault to follow what they've been taught or not. For all a parent knows their child can be leaving their house with pants worn properly, shirts tucked in, very well groomed and when they're dropped off at school the child could go to the bathroom and untuck his shirt, and drop his pants to show his goods. So what is the parent supposed to do in this situation. I mean their is only so much they can do. The school system or even the government should try and enforce proper dressing.
Yes Melissa, youre right. Their is a first ammendment stating the right to an American's freedom of speech and expression but isnt their something as going to far? I mean that indescent exposure it's not even about expression anymore. What can someone possibly be trying to express by showing their intimate clothing? I'd love to know. I mean supposedly we have freedom of speech right? So why is it that we can't say certain things in a public place? Well same with the way of dressing. One shouldn't be allowed to dress any way they want. I mean fine, express yourself in the sense that you can choose what kinds of clothes to wear and what not to wear but keep you're clothes where they belong.
I dont agree with Kiamesha when she says "I do not think that these young kids should have their pants sagging. I do not think that it looks appealing or attractive." This is just an opinion... and frankly it should just stay that way. We have the right to freedom of expression.. we already have enough restrictions as to what we can express and can not express. Stop making restrictions on laws that should be enforced as they are said. It is impossible to create a utopia, so stop helping the government create a dystopia.
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This is a response to everybody that keeps saying.. "I’m tired of seeing people's butts and underwear...." Well IF Y0U'RE TIRED OF SEEING THAT, THEN LOOK AWAY. Doesn't that make sense? Stop looking down at people's butts! We live in a society that is so nosy and judgmental. Well here is some advice... close your nose, and stop being so nosy.
I completely agree with the fact that it's extremely unattractive to see guys with jeans below their ass and girls to have their thongs sticking out of their pants. Do I think that the government should make a law to control that? Definitely not! I understand that uniforms could be an option while kids are in school, but otherwise it should be up to their parents to restrict any of their clothing. Sagging pants; the government has bigger fish to fry.
Its time to put the "under" back in underwear. In my opinion, its a fad that many follow blindly and just to "fit in". They fail to realize that persons very often define you by the way you dress and present yourself. I do not feel that it is necessary to make a law against it. It is just time that parents took control of their households and made their children to understand that there are consequences for every action, and that there is a certain way to carry yourself if you want to get anywhere in this life. Additionally, the government can implement various workshops and programs to educate and enlighten its citizens.
I could not disagree with Kiamesha, as she claims, "babies are making babies". Hence, it could be difficult to shift all the focus on the "parents" and the household. However, the government and the media should make it their business to educate, empower and enlighten its citizens. This can be done through special programs, workshops, forums, etc. Instead of making a law against it and making persons feel as if you are stripping away their rights, just simply educate them and make them understand why it is important to present yourself in a respectable manner.
Jarrod Knowles
Honestly, the way a guy wears his pants is the last thing i look at. I completely disagree on passing that law. It's only giving the government more power over us. Not only is it going totally against our constitution, but it could also give them an impulse to make more laws holding us back from expressing ourselves.
LOL this discussion is getting ridiculous
Responding to most of the comments, i agree. At times in can be unattractive. But the comment that targets lil wayne at the VMA's... i didn't even notice his hand on his genitals, thats the last thing i'm looking at or thinking about while watching a performer. I noticed the fact that his pants where super low & it doesn't bother me at all. He's an amazing rapper and its not like his butt is in the air. Boxers are more cover up than most girls shorts. It's really not a big deal, its a trend & it's lasted longer than most others. I think everyone just needs to get over it.
Well I believe that it really is disturbing to sometimes sit down and just watch all the guys who like to wear their pants way below their waist. But to make a law against it, is simply ridiculous. We have more important issues to face right now than how someone looks in a pair of pants. I think the government just can't find any else that they can really do, so they feel like entertaining themselves.
Besides, whenever you see one of these guys wear these underwear showing pants its just a poor reflection on them. In the end they are only hurting themselves. To see someone wear something like this only demeans their character, and if they dont care then why should anyone else?
This is why i don't agree with joey.
Seriously, I think that the youth, even some adults, will never learn the concept of "Dressing for Success" -as stupid as it sounds- if we don't make laws enforcing it. Imagine how other countries view our people as a nation when they come to visit and dress like that, it is vile and can be taken as a form of disrespect towards people of different cultures and beliefs. Take for example, Cuba- many years ago and even today- those who wear jeans are those people who work in the farms and are judged as poor and inadequate in society. Imagine going to visit and wearing jeans, and not only that but having your underwear showing!? That’s absurd and you would be immediately judged in a bad light.
Aside from that, I was disgusted from viewing the video. I think that it’s sad how some police officers feel that they are all-mighty and powerful because of their job title and description. I don't think that any person should have the right to treat individuals in that manner. I noticed when the officer asked the victim to "look him clearly in the eye," yes the victim was exaggerative in his manner, but not so much where the officer had to push him to demand "respect." The officer continued with the exchanging of races and how he was white and doing this because the victim was black.
I don't think that this was an issue of sagging pants, but a clear act of racism. The guys walking were doing nothing wrong and the officer used a small code of fashion to act in a destructive manner. What is unfortunate is that if this law gets passed, it is really only targeting one type of people; it’s a shame because this world will never be 100% at peace with race, sex and belief. However, it is imperative that other countries view us as respectable people, and thus eventually passing the law.
I agree with what syd the kid said. It's true we are a free country and we have the freedom to express ourselves however we want. Of course we can't walk around naked but as long as we cover up it’s fine. It would be ridiculous to expect the police to have to give out tickets for people who show their underwear. Mostly everyone agrees that the government has bigger issues to deal with first.
PERUz iLLEST made a good point about the fact that women can wear revealing clothing and get away with it. I've seen women wear dresses and skirts to clubs that show everything if they sit down or dance. The beach is also another good example where some women wear thongs and it's considered okay.
In my opinion, by having the government enforce dress code laws in order to reduce the amount of people who show their underwear is ridiculous. It should be enforced more in the schools so when children grow up they will know what is considered presentable and what’s low class. Parents should also be active in monitoring what their kids wear. I remember reading in one comment that kids may change their clothes after they leave their house. This scenario has been used for tons of movies when kids get to go out and party and they leave the house in something they know the parents won't object to so they can just change when they leave. Parents should try to have an open relationship with their kids so they don't end up going behind their backs. They should be active in their child’s life and know who their kids are hanging out with.
Overall I think everyone should be allowed to do what they want but be able to deal with the attention they receive based on what they wear. The attention you seek by dressing a certain way causes others to judge toy a certain way. Society is very judgmental and like we saw in the Ice Cube video you may be looked at a certain way just based on appearance. So based on how you present yourself you will get certain attention from people.
So I can basically agree with most comments posted. What ever happened to American being a "free" country? Sagging pants never hurt anyone. I think it looks terrible, but then again I think neon looks pretty bad too, but I don't see anyone making a law against that. It's pretty ridiculous. An argument can even be made that the law is an attack against the hip hop culture because sagging pants is simply nothing but there fashion trend. Maybe the school board should be focusing on more important things other than dress code, such as passing the FCAT so kids can actually graduate. What a concept huh?
So I can basically agree with most comments posted. What ever happened to American being a "free" country? Sagging pants never hurt anyone. I think it looks terrible, but then again I think neon looks pretty bad too, but I don't see anyone making a law against that. It's pretty ridiculous. An argument can even be made that the law is an attack against the hip hop culture because sagging pants is simply nothing but there fashion trend. Maybe the school board should be focusing on more important things other than dress code, such as passing the FCAT so kids can actually graduate. What a concept huh?
To comment on what Kathleen Pfahlert said...
Parents SHOULD be teaching their kids certain things... but haven't you seen that now it’s the parents who are the ones wearing their pants so low!? It's not just teenagers and adolescents anymore... these "kids" are growing up and raising kids of their own, teaching them the same moronic fashions!
This law should be passed; the bar that was once raised for success has been erased far long ago!
I agree with with many comments,and its just insane that it had to become a law for it to stop. We say its the parents faul, but we have to see also that there are many of this kids that they may not even have parents because they might live with only one, its just society in general.
I don't agree with the type of violence cops have with this young men on the video, the cop is not his dad!
I think what Joan said its true, they will eventually grow out of it.
For the sagging pants to become a law does take away freedom, government needs to keep their eyes on something else much more important.
I believe that having a law in place to prevent this sort of behavior is not worth it. Yes i am tired of seeing people's underwears and butt cracks, to me personally its disgusting and disgraceful in todays society, however it does not in anyway affect me directly. I always have the freedom to look at them or look away from them. I believe the First Amendment holds a lot of our freedoms, and i believe dressing whichever way we want is surely one of them. If you don't like it, no one is forcing you to watch. And by creating a law against it, is pointless, cause what signifies saggin pants? Maybe those are the only pair of pants they have, and it was passed down to them or they found them. Im just saying that we won't know their whole story, and making a law against a certain type of fashion trend won't do much justice. And if they made this law, where would it end? Would they tell the heavy rockers that they can't wear goth clothes because it makes people feel like commiting suicide? Silly right? Well yea same goes for saggin pants.
Well in regards to what Stephanie torres said...
Im in total agreement. No one has stopped them in the past 10 to 15 years, why bother now? Just to add another pointless law that will maybe fine a couple people but then will get swept under the rug and never heard from again? There are bigger problems like i dunno, actual crimes out there that needs dealing with. Put the man power to finding those worser offenders, not the guys that can't seem to find a belt.
Also in regards to the uniform policy; I for one have always had uniform ever since i was in Pre-K, and just now in college have i gotten rid of the dreaded uniform. I always hated wearing it, and I kinda knew why we wore it, but i still didnt like it. However now in reflection i believed it does make a huge difference. The uniform kinda kept all of us kids that wore them in check, and made sure that we wouldnt bring things like the saggin pants to our school and neighborhood. As i kid i too went through my time where being a "gangsta" was what i wanted to do, and i tried sporting the ecko shits and stuff. But then i figured out it wasn't me, and reverted to the normal stuff, partly from not being around that influence to be in the fashion trend. So uniforms aren't that bad, they keep things in check.
It's sad the way the government has to become involved in an issue like this. The fact that so many people would WANT to go around "exposing themselves" in this way shows how people today have lost their brains. Monkey see, monkey do, that's the way this country operates. People have given away their brains and "think", act, dress, vote, and live in whatever way the media instructs them. It's not an instruction that takes place in a classroom of uniformed students, truly free-thinking students. It takes place in the in the daily lives of students, everyday people who have let their guard down. The instructor is an arrogant business that has convinced away the standards of its audience. People today demonstrate an EXTREME lack of principles. They stand for nothing. Their "beliefs" (and, consequently, their pitiful actions) will float wherever the wind takes them. It is truly terrifying.
The law making sure pants aren't sagging is unconstitutional. Wearing pants low is just a way of wearing them. Whether its a fad or fashion statement, its still a choice. The government should not interfere with people's clothing when there are more important things out there. We are are in on the one worst financial crisis and the law makers are worried about people's underwear.Its dumb, people should have the right to dress they want to.
I wore uniform to school from the time I was five until I graduated from high school. I like that I got to wear uniform! It's not that I like the uniforms themselves, it's just that there are so many advantages to wearing uniform. First of all, it gets students into a "school mode." It was part of the whole experience. Going shopping for school uniforms at the end of the summer signaled the start of the new year ahead. You feel a little more "studious" when you are wearing uniforms and there is a lot of research that shows how wearing uniforms helps students score better in tests. It creates a special distinction and reminds you of the significance, purpose, and importance of school. It's also true that they're good "equalizers" and I don't think uniforms restrict you from "expressing yourself." Honestly! Wearing a collared shirt in your school's colors from Monday to Friday isn't going to kill you. You still get to decide how the rest of you looks, and you can "express yourself" through your pants, shoes, jewelry, hair...the possibilities are endless! I've had friends who didn't get to wear school uniforms to their school tell me they wish their school had uniforms. I am so glad I mine did. It makes you feel unified with the rest of the student body. Why do sports teams wear uniform? No one worries about losing their individuality then. If you truly are unique, then a collar and two buttons won't stop your personality from shining through. Uniforms are fun. It's good to feel a part of a team, share a common goal, and have something in common with others (even if its just your clothes). Special dress days are even more fun, in contrast to the rest of the year, and also adds to class spirit when everyone goes all-out, celebrating together. See, you still have this idea of uniforms emphasizing the scholarly attitude the school, naturally, wants to portray. There is also a distinction between the school week and the weekend. You're weekend clothes are special. Your wardrobe is a lot larger when you have a collection of clothes that you wear only a couple of times a week! It also helps not having to think about what you're going to wear, when you're focused on school. You save time, just throwing on whatever you find in your uniform collection. It takes away that level of stress that young people have, worrying about what they wear. Now that I'm in college, I've talked to people from other schools where they required uniforms. Guess what? They miss their uniforms! ...I miss them too. (And everything they represent.)
In response to Shany,
People dress a certain way to prove a point. Whether guys wear their pants low to show they are from the hood or rockers wear all black and boots. It is all self expression. Do the gothic people creep me out a bit when I look at them? sure, but i don't tend pay attention or care that much to keep staring. I go on with my life, why should be me being uncomfortable for a second change how someone else is? A law like this one is ridiculous and if we let our self expression start getting regulated now,only god knows what they'll regulate next.
As much as I hate seeing people with their asses hanging out because they bought ridiculously over-sized trousers, I can't say that I agree with a law restricting people from wearing these trousers. Who cares if you can see their underpants? If they were "going commando", that might be a different story, since they've exposed themselves and that's a case of indecent exposure. Honestly, how does it make sense that someone, who is wearing a shirt, sagging pants, and exposed underpants is not allowed to be seen in public, but someone in a bikini can be seen without much of a complaint (although, I admit, I'd rather see a girl in a bikini then some guy with his underpants showing)? As long as no actual "inappropriate" flesh is revealed, the Government shouldn't step in.
Despite this, I can understand these laws at school, however, I wouldn't recommend anything above a detention. Especially since it can be corrected in a matter of seconds with a belt.
I suggest the government focus more on topics that actually matter.
In response to Kiamesha's first comment:
So what you're saying is that a higher authority must be inspecting us constantly to make sure we're dressed like they want us? Not only is that ridiculous, it's against one's personal rights, making it unconstitutional. As long as they cover our sexual parts, there is nothing wrong with wearing anything. Although it might seem unattractive or slutty, you can't say that it's illegal because then we wouldn't be allowed to go to the beach in our swim trunks and bikinis.
The whole proposal seems kinda fascist.
i completely agree with what pleasentdreams said about how it being offensive to other people makes it kinda wrong. Its nice to express yourself but when it gets to the point where its making other people uncomfortable then it should stop. I know in many places they dont let you use foul language... so i dont see why they wont start doing something about this... i see it in the malls all the time that you must wear a t-shirt inside. It makes me wonder if this argument ever gets resolved
In respond to Shany's comment:
"I mean supposedly we have freedom of speech right? So why is it that we can't say certain things in a public place? Well same with the way of dressing."
Ok. So you claim that we donnot have freedom of speech in public places?? I disagree with that. Of course you can't go around yelling "BOOOOMMMBBBB!!" in an airport or in a crowded mall due to the obvious chaos that it would cause. But we DO indeed have freedom of speech and expression in this country, UNLESS that expression puts the lives of others in jeopardy. Last time I checked a person's clothing doesn't have any effect on me whatsoever. Am I encouraging grown men to walk around with their underwear hanging out?? No. I, personally, find it unattractive too. But who are we to chose how a person should dress? Regardless of where the trend began, I don't consider that to be indescent exposure.
After reading several of my peers' comments I see that a lot of us share the same viewpoint, that having a law enforced for proper pants wearing is a bit ridiculous. A lot of these comments mention that those who do wear their clothes this way should take more pride in their appearance,.. starting with covering their bums. I disagree with there being any sort of written law for baggy pants exposure. Pants down to your knees can be viewed as equivalent to lip rings and tattoos by the ignorant. People judge and associate by what they see.
Simply stated, going as far as making a big boy Law for such a baby "issue." would be humiliating almost. Abusive to the right we have to create laws. Society can pressure these "Deviants" into wearing or not wearing their clothes in such an "inappropriate way," but a law? It's just too petty. Cops take long enough to show up anyways, expecting them to stop and repremand people for bad style would just make them "fashionably late."
I think its cool sagging pants being enforced but I don’t see why at that level?
Why make it a law?
It's something many people will not change because they are so used to it, and that's how they were brought up. That's how they want to be identified.
I don't like it, but it doesn't matter...Themselves will realize how far they want to go in life or if they want to be like that till they’re 40 or older, it should be their problem.
lol... ok a consequence for dressing wrong??? that is inteferring with personal expression. however, i think that schools, work places, and restaurants should enforce a dress code. perhaps even malls... but my honest opinion is that there shouldn't be a law, just a dress code for different places. I'll admit that it is gross to see someone with their pants down, and exposing their underwear, but i also believe that they have the right to express themselves however they'd like. On the other hand, there should be a certain control over the people present themselves in certain places for respect and dignity.
I completely agree with melissa's comment about freedom of speech.
"But we DO indeed have freedom of speech and expression in this country, UNLESS that expression puts the lives of others in jeopardy."
The sagging pants are disturbing but it's really not that serious to go ahead and go through the hassle of making it a law.
"Sagging Pants" first of all is disgusting!!!! I can't stand seeing people walk about in public with their ugly underwear showing. I don't think that anyone should have to look at that. I believe it is lack or respect from the "thugs" who do that. I do think that is it just a fad. Definitely not a fashion. Fashion isn't gross. Even though I think that it is wrong that people wear their pants that low however I don't not agree with the government setting laws against it. They are not harming anyone they are just making them selves look like fools. If the government has the authority to make that law. I think that we should all be concerned. If that law is set them who knows what other laws they will set taking out privileges away.
I agree with most people below. Just like most of you I am tired as well of seeing people with sagging pants But I do not agree that the government should have the authority to make a law against it. I think its kinda scary if the government should ever have that much control over us. We should all take this seriously and decide would we rather sagging pants or have the government that much control over us to make a law against it. I believe that there are greater issues that we need to take care of as a nation first before we try stopping idiots from wearing their pants to low.
Well, personally, as someone who always finds their pants to sag - in high school i was knownk for having my ass crack out all the time, by teachers, students, everyone, people would even mention how they'd get sad if they didnt see it one day, like it was part of my identity, and it pretty much has - i find these laws unecessary. I mean seriously, first of all, find something better to devote your time to. All this time your putting towards making sure people wear their clothes correctly, shouldnt we be devoting our time into passing bills and laws that will actually benefit someone, that makes sense, that are necessar. Or couldnt we be using that time to focus on curing AIDS? really?
Second, I concur, shouldnt we, as a socitey focus more on the source of the issue. Parents these days, i dont know where they are, but they arent at home in front of their doors and watching what their children are leaving the house in. Even at sunset place where i work, its like pathetic how 12 year olds dress these days, its like, hello chica wheres your mama and why didnt she stop you before you left the house in those hoochie shorts!? I mean i let my butt crack hang out alot so maybe that seems hypocritical but i leave my house fully clothed, its not my fault my pants are always big! and my butt crack is cute, trust me, if it was ugly why would i left everyone see it, and I always make sure it doesnt offend anyone, which it ever does, because its just a butt crack, we all have em, just like cleavage, and hey, look at that, just like underwear.
I think this whole situation just reiterates thats more and more we are depending on our institutions to handle issues we can and should be taking care of on our own, like our own childrens attire and how we the people should take more matters into our own hands. Less is more, Less government the better.
I agree with xojoey07xo
it hadnt even really crossed my mind the longterm of this issue. I do feel like each generation brings its fair share of trends and fads and this is just one of them. The media influences us immensely therefore it would effect different aspects of our life, i.e. the way we dress, the slang we use, ect. This is probably just a faze, this fascination more than ever to emulate "thuggish" persona, and maybe it wont pass, but maybe it will, i mean, how many people do you know still walk around in lycra and neon colors, mixed matched outfits with layering effect, "frankie says relax" t-shirts and lace gloves? Styles come and go and the government is jumping on these sagging pants like its watergate or something.
I think that the cop in the video took things a little too far. I mean yes those guys did look absolutely ridiculous, however, at that point in time they were just simply minding their own business. The cop definitely took advantage of his powers as an authority to turn the situation into a bigger deal than it actually was. BUt as far as the saggy pants issue is concerned, i am so sick of the way a majority of today's society dress. It is indeed NOT attractive to have pants hanging low by the but or cleavage popping out. Personaly it looks like those people can't afford clothing that acutally fits them properly. When guys wear saggy pants it looks like they have potato sacks around their legs, and well girls that dress inappropriatly look like sluts. With this said, it is disgisting that parents neglect to raise their children to proper standards. First of all it amazes me that parents allow their kids to dress the saggy way, as it is a direct reflection on them. And on a larger scale, it is sad that it is coming to a point where the government feels it necessary to intervene in this miniscule problem where it has more inportant things to concentrate on, such as our failing economy. So i say, let it be up to the paretns. It is not up to law makers to get involved to such a degree. I am not approaching this as a freedom of expression opinion, but more so as a pathetic situation that would make others laugh at us.
I believe that this situation has gone farther than it should've. I am actually borderline on this situation because I sag sometimes and other times I wear my pants on my waisteline. I definitely don't sag until you could see my undergarmets. Also I know that I believe that there are situation which are too much and also disturbing. For example, I had a couple of friend who sagged to their knees (not even an exaggeration) and they couldn't even walk right. To me them sagging this way brings the image of them even lower then what some people think of them already. I also feel that it gives the wrong image, due to it bein a "jail house" fashion because the prisoners were never issued belts. I think the law will make people do it even more because there are some people who do things just to be rebellious. I think everyone should just chill on the situation and let those who act like a fool be themselves because if you move a chicken into a half million dollar home, it will still be a chicken.
Now as far as MAria speaking on how media effects the way the youth dresses and such. I don't completely agree because, if that was the case we woud have no hope for tomorrow. I grew up watching music videos and listening to rap and hip hop and some artists views are not that positive but that doesn't mean that I do everything that they promote and talk about. If the youth all did that, we wouldn't have any prospects for different careers, child prodigies, and leaders of tomorrow.
In response to what Sheena Chiong said...
THe last few lines of her comment addressed this problem perfectly i think. She wrote, "So i leave with my final thought; Just let kids learn the hard way, because that's how we all were taught."
I think that is the only way to deal with this issue. if parents can't instill the foundations of what is proper and what is not in the child, then he/she is just going to have to learn through life experience what is acceptable and what is not. The youth will suffer when appearance plays a significant factor in their life becuase of the way they dress. If they aren't going to listen to their parents, then they are going to have to learn the hard way, just as Sheena said.
I completely agree with everyone here. I think sagging pants look terrible, but so are neon clothing and you don't see anyone making laws against that. In America, our free country, the people are supposed to have limited restrictions. I think clothing should be the least of out worries. Since when have sagging pants ever hurt anyone? Sure, they may be disrespectful, but I think guns are a bit more dangerous. As for the school system, maybe they should focus on passing the FCAT than enforcing the dress code.
The question really is, who isn't tired of seeing kid's with their pants half-way down their ass? I really do not care what kind of underwear you are wearing & I don't think anyone else does. But to enforce a law or bill or whatever it is to make sure that these kids keep their pants up? That's just a little ridiculous. Almost as ridiculous as the act that it is trying to prevent! Really though, do we need a law to tell us where to put our pants? Next thing you know, we won't be able to wear a certain color or say a certain word or think certain thoughts. This entire thing is far too extreme.
I agree with Nick Morales in saying that if you don't want the kids dressing like they should, then the parents should take responsibility. Of course, there are alternative lifestyles and these lifestyles lead to a certain way of dressing, but in what parent's mind are they letting their child walk out of the house with their underwear showing? And yes, children, because what grown man with a mind of his own purposefully pulls down his pants, way below necessary to showcase the wonders of Tommy Hilfiger?
I'm only scared that tis bill will lead to another and then another and pretty soon we'll be walking around in matching gray onesies without freedom of any kind. Just like uniforms. And I hate uniforms. There is no purpose to them. Sure, it's easier to get dressed in the morning - just pull out a polo and some pants and you're done, but then... you start to lose yourself, your identity. And then pretty soon, kids start to find other ways of expressing themselves thta doesn't involve violating uniform code.
Jeeze, I ramble a lot. The point? There should not be laws to prevent the type of clothing we wear, and if you want to attack the problem, go to the source - the parents.
Plain and simple...we all have to be tolerant of each other. sure some people do wear there pants wayyy to low and show waayyy too much. Thats what we believe, that is our view on it, Just like their views are that that looks cool. Not everybody has the same tastes, thats what makes us unique and special.
I agree with Melissa who said government should be doing better things with their time. i couldnt have agreed more. Instead of wasting your time trying to dress up teenagers...TEENAGERS!! (which in each decade have their own little style which they eventually get over) they should focus their time and power on other more important issues. i believe it useless to be hunting down baggy pants when there are murderers, rapers, kidnappers, and all types of felons out there on the lose. =]
I don't like seeing peoples underwear, but I don't think the government should have the right to create a law against it.
How someone dresses is entirely up to them and no one else.
This response is for Kiamesha's comment. I don't believe that it is the parents fault that this kids are dressing like that. They don't have control over their kids 24/7 so in the end it is the kids decision.
I think the laws are uncalled for,i mean yea, i dont feel like seeing some guys damn underwear when i go out at night, but for the government to play "mommy" is ridiculous. If you were raisedwith that being okay then i dont know what top say. Belts are a nifty little invention!
Joey said
"I think in a way this law makes sense. When you trace back when the pants below the waist started in jail. Inmates would take your belt and in result your pants were baggy. I think there should be some type of consequence for dressing like this. No one wants to see what the color or your boxers are, or your jeans to you knees. I think its fair, either pants at your waist or pay up 50 bucks."
i think that placing a fine on clothing is going a little bit over the edge, how would you like to get fined 50 bucks if you're a messy eater and chew loudly at a restaurant while eating your food?
of course its bad manners and whatnot, but i dont think allowing the government to control the way you dress is something id like to see happen.
hahaha what is everyone's fixation with joey's comment?
I believe that it is a sad commentary on our generation today, that they have to take such actions just to have them pull up their pants. Although the parents should be dealing with this their not, so the government has to step in. Seeing that on the streets do make people uncomfortable, and the indecency is unacceptable. So in essence making this law, makes sense in a way... it's sad but necessary
i accidently posted a comment under my brothers name... haha here's my view on the issue
I believe that it is a sad commentary on our generation today, that they have to take such actions just to have them pull up their pants. Although the parents should be dealing with this their not, so the government has to step in. Seeing that on the streets do make people uncomfortable, and the indecency is unacceptable. So in essence making this law, makes sense in a way... it's sad but necessary
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