The saggy pant debate:
(from Wikimedia commons)
Where should I even start with this one? I guess I should start with where it pissed me off enough to think about posting about it.
It was a three-day weekend, time to go to the store and pick up a few beers. I have found a good deal at the local store for some tall boys (24oz cans). I grab the 15 cans in a box and head to the counter. This counter is set up for fast business. Large area to set your beverages and two cash registers ready to take your money. I arrive to find a couple in front of me. They guy leaning over the counter with his bright yellow shorts (shawts?) hangin’ out his pants. He looks back at me (holding the case of beer I now more than ready to enjoy) and asks “y’all look like yo ready for the party.” YES! That’s exactly what I’m ready for. However, before I can do that I have to buy this beer. It’s kinda heavy and awkward to hold while waiting in line. There’s a nice big area for me to set this, right where you are leaning and displaying your ass. I just nod in agreement with his banter and wait for him to leave.
I’m not sure what ticked me off the most. His disrespect towards me not to offer his “leaning space” to set down my product or the bright yellow shorts hanging out his pants. “You disrespectful pant sagging punk!” I wanted to say, however I had not yet been drinking so common sense took over.
This style has been around for years and there are multiple possible reasons people started “sagging”. I won’t get into it because, well I don’t care! Just stop it!! Maybe it’s just me getting older however I’m not interested in seeing your ass! (Then again, I’ve never been interested.) Ok, I’m sexist a bit in this one. I’ve seen some girls do this with the low riders and pull it off. Even then, in most public situations…no!
It’s just a style:
I think the problem I have with this “style” is it is completely disrespectful to those around. It is a non verbal “kiss my ass” statement. Don’t give me the BS about it’s more comfortable. I’ve seen y’all walk, it can’t be. You look like a bunch of overgrown babies with diapers to large.
Now this is not an attack on the “saggers” as people. I’m sure you are all great. Can’t you be great without showing your ass? In a world where we are trying not to judge people, why give us a reason to?
Billboard in Brooklyn, NY (photo from abcnews.com)
I’m not sure how to solve this problem, or if it’s really a problem at all. As I said, maybe it’s just me? There are schools that have a dress code against this and there are even some cities giving out tickets for it. So maybe I’m not alone. Maybe we as friends / parents / teachers should start posting photos of this style to people’s social networks? It may be an eye opener on how they look. Being that this is a statement against the norm, it may just cause more to show their stuff. #idontwanttoseeit
If you are someone you know is interested in this style, make sure you practice safe saggin’. Wiki how has a very informative article on this.