Willful disrespect
As one who has been counseling and mentoring young people for almost a decade, I agree wholeheartedly with Ms. Fields that the needs of our young people today are much deeper than simply displaying ones undergarments. Teen life has become overwhelming, as suicide, drugs, gang violence, and sexual pressure represent a stark reality to the younger generation. I also agree that the “Officials” are not the ones to address the problem of sagging pants - certainly that would only add fuel to the fire of youthful rebelliousness. However, while Ms. Fields cries out for recognition of the deep problems of our teens, she also concludes her article by stating that the sagging pants of young men are just a “goofy American fad” or a “youthful fashion statement.” It is here, at this contradictory crossroads, that I must depart from the path of agreement. My concern is not even the fact (or urban legend, as it may be) that this fad finds its origins among prisoners and criminals (and, by the way, if the legend is true, then sagging your pants does not indicate a level of authority or high status; it actually identifies you as something not to be discussed in a family-friendly newspaper.) Rather, this manner of dress displays not only undergarments and poor taste, but also signifies a distinct attitude which pervades youth culture today: that of willful disrespect. The real crime is that so many of us adults actually put up with it.
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Let us be frank: when we ladies want to be taken seriously in the business world, we wear a sharp suit with properly-fitting pants or a knee-length skirt. When men go to interviews, they wear nice pants and a tie. Whether we like it or not, clothes do send a signal about the person wearing them. We choose our clothes knowing full well that they will speak on our behalf. This is not stereotyping or discrimination, it is simply the basics of sociology and psychology. I submit to you a simple solution: we as adults simply treat these underooligans as they desire to be treated, based on their manner of dress. Business owners, you have the right to not hire a person who comes to an interview with his paisley boxers on display, or a young woman whose shirt is a mere bandana. Again, this is not discrimination - it is simply free market competition at its finest.
Oh but wait - I can hear the sympathizers now: “what you’re proposing will ultimately lead to the increased degradation of a section of our society which is already oppressed beyond measure and is victimized by poverty, lack of education, and social pressures” - or something like that. I will not deny that the particular group of young men who tend to sag their pants most often are those whose economic status is less than desirable, much of which is certainly not their own doing. But come now, let’s be reasonable. Economic, educational, and social status is difficult to battle. Pants are easy to pull up. If one is unwilling to perform this simple action, then they ought to be prepared for the consequences, namely being identified as a disrespectful slacker. If this is not true, then prove it - wear pants that are actually your size and will remain fastened around your waist where they belong. If you need help purchasing such pants, contact a local church or rescue mission. They are usually more than willing to help someone who is serious about pursuing an honest living.
Rebecca Heffner
Red Lion
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