July 11, 2008, - 11:31 am
Boy, Do I Feel For the Police: More on Saggy Pants Ordinances and Why We Need Them
By Debbie Schlussel
Yesterday, I posted a funny diagram of what is and isn’t allowed, ahem, under a saggy pants ordinance now being enforced in Flint, Michigan. And, as I said, I’m all for these ordinances. If you can’t cover up your underwear, don’t go outside.
Well, I’ve heard a lot from readers about this. Reader Bill sent this video, which I think is a very good demonstration of why we need these ordinances and why I feel for the police on this:
Apparently, the ACLU–which opposes the saggy pants ordinances–doesn’t think it’s a biggie that police have to touch criminals’, um, well, if you watched the video, you know . . . .
Another reader, a former police officer writes:
As a former cop I just thought I’d write to let you know where this mode of dress began. PRISON!!!
It started when prison staff began taking away colored hats, jackets, shirts, and bandanas from inmates who were showing they’re gang affiliation. Since they could no longer wear those items they wore colored underwear and allowed their pants to sag.
When those inmates were released they continued the tradition (and I use that word loosely) on the streets.
Of course, the wanna-be (and a lot of real life) thugs in the rap/hip-hop business immediately picked up on this mode of dress to help improve their “street-cred.” This helped it move more mainstream via the impressionable youth who listen to that form of music.
Interestingly enough, back when I was still on patrol, the baggy-saggy pants helped me out, much to the chagrin of several people I was in a foot pursuit with. It’s really hard to outrun a police officer when your pants keep slipping to your ankles as you run.
Oy.
I don’t think this is a matter of the police doing what people should be doing themselves. Its too bad its come to that in this country. My point is decent behavior should come from a person’s character – not the law – and yes, that includes to quote the biblical phrasing, to “cover up one’s nakedness” in public. I’m not talking about sex. I’m talking about old fashioned courtesy, which seems to be a dying custom these days. Is that too much to expect from people to dress appropriately in this society?
NormanF on July 11, 2008 at 12:06 pm