Posted on 08/29/2007 6:29:22 PM PDT by blam
Saggy trouser ban hit by race and liberty row
By Alex Spillius in Washington
Last Updated: 1:49am BST 30/08/2007
Plans to ban low-slung, underwear-exposing trousers have provoked allegations of racism and the restriction of personal freedom after councillors in Atlanta declared it should be the first major city to tackle "offensive dressing".
Critics of the planned ban have claimed the measure would allow police to target young black males
Officials want to impose a $100 (£50) fine and community service for offensive dressing after complaints not only of indecency but of lowering the image of the black community, where the fashion began.
For several years, American youths, male and female, have worn oversize trousers around their hips, or even lower, in a trend exported overseas - not least to Britain. Held up with a belt and periodic tugs, they often reveal boxer shorts or, in the case of girls, thong underwear.
Critics have claimed the measure would allow police to target young black males. "This would establish an additional type of racial profiling," said Debbie Seagraves, of the Georgia state branch of the American Civil Liberties Union.
But at a heated meeting in Atlanta, the division was between old and young - or, perhaps, between non-hip and hip. In America few issues have divided the generations as strongly since the start of rock 'n' roll.
The motion was proposed by a black councillor, C T Martin, who has described sagging trousers as an "epidemic" that is a "major concern" around the country.
"I don't want young people thinking half-dressing is the way to go. I want them to think about their future," he said.
He was supported from the large audience by James Allen, 76, who said he would start a "belt brigade" to patrol the streets for inappropriate trouser-heights.
"It bothers me as a black man," he told the meeting. "They dress down. They talk down. Some of the things they do are downright lowdown. It sickens me. We need to teach them in a way they will become prospects, not suspects."
The elderly and middle-aged in the hall then displayed some of the poor behaviour they bemoan in the young, booing and hissing 19-year-old James Fancy as he pulled his shorts down to expose striped boxers, while his friend Tabby Chase, 30, stood up to reveal a bra under a fishnet shirt. Someone was heard to mutter: "Disgusting!"
Both underwear flashers held up a sign saying "Clothes are not a crime". They were supported by Jimmy Person, 34. "Maybe young people should be more tasteful," he said, "but let young people decide for themselves."
The meeting ended with the council members showing their age, or perhaps their wisdom, and setting up a task force to look into the issue further.
This fashion just screams, "kick my @$$".
Does anyone know what is holding up those pants?
It’s hard to believe, but this look is not uncommon in Atlanta’s ghetto neighborhoods. Since the pants are basically down around the knees, it’s hard to figure out how they are being held up at all.
Wow... what race are trousers?
On Cops some kid was trying to run away wearing these stupid things. Didn’t make it far. HAHAHA
Of course they look stupid. Kids today!
But remember the complaints of long hair boys in the 60’s and 70’s. Kids today! Of course they looked stupid.
But remember the complaints of ‘duck butt’ hair cuts on boys in the 50’s. Kids today! Of course they looked stupid.
Kids always do something to be outragous. Of course they look stupid. But they grown out of it.
A wide stance.
I remember having to get on our knees so that the gym teacher could measure ourt skirts. One inch above the knees only.
Walter Williams said that ebonics is prison language and Standard English is the language of business. If you see that your future lies in business, learn English. If you see that your future lies in prison, learn ebonics.
Safety pins?
Their brains?
Let them wear their droopy drawers....makes it harder for them to run from da Po-lice.
Have these city councilmen nothing better to do than regulate personal freedom?
Talk about dysfunctional!
Besides, more than just that group sags. This law wouldn't be racist. Those arguing that the law would be against freedom of expression are figuratively on firmer ground, but, still, a ban on sagging is hardly a major threat to freedom in this country.
Problem is that most of these idiots don't
So what?
Civilized society is melting faster than a Hershey’s Kiss in Hell.
This is a seriously dumb use of government funds and intrusion into private rights.
If a person can walk around in a bathing suit they can walk around in other clothing that covers the same thing.
Not to mention this is specifically targets at a black style. They aren’t going after plumbers or all the high end clubs in Atlanta where you can see women’s underwear.
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