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"I wish he [Sen. Adams] wouldn't focus on African-Americans and instead talk about all races," Sean John's vice-president Jeffrey Tweedy told Women's Wear Daily. "Many different people are involved with this trend. It's not just black kids. You can go to Washington Square Park and see skaters wearing tight Levi's in a similar way."
Others express a similar sentiment as Tweedy and have went as far as calling the national assault on sagging pants racist. Both the Dallas and New York movements were led by African-American men, but many laws that criminalize sagging pants in have been criticized as a way to racially profile black youths.
"We tend to criminalize that which we don't understand, and we tend to make laws that increase contact between police and inner-city youth," wrote Matt Kelly, Online Communications Manager at the Innocence Project. "Laws like this start the cycle that sucks too many people into a criminal justice system they don't need."
Russell Simmons, who's famous for his urban-meets-preppy style, called the whole thing a "waste of time."
"This is the latest example of adults trying to repress the creativity and individuality of kids," the founder of Phat Farm and Argyle Culture told WWD. "Why would kids want to dress like Sen. Adams? There is no connection to saggy pants and the ability to succeed. Just look at what buttoned-up America has done to the rest of the world and each other. Why can't kids be different?"
While we tend to side with the self-expression fashion brings, we can't help but wonder if all of this is a little dated. After all, a few more years of Beyoncé and Lady Gaga leotards will eliminate the need for pants altogether.
Comments: (49)
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By: elizabeth on 4/17/2010 8:52AM
Even if u wear sagging pants why won't u wear clean undies? This trend howsoever trendy it might be represents a rebellion that started I believe in the jail system and if these young people could read, write and do their homework they'd know that fact. None of my relatives is going to get away with it becuz we are telling them what it is all about and if one does they won't do it in my presence. Adults take some responsibility and don't allow ur children under age to dress unapproprately, it is a shame and make them bathe pls, they purely stinks. I go to the bus stops and they will pull them up for me that is respect but what about parents allowing this type of rebellious behavior?
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By: RU MAD on 4/17/2010 10:39PM
I'M SICK OF OUR YOUNG BROTHERS LOOKING LIKE FOOLS, BLAMING THE WHITE MAN FOR LACK OF OPPORTUNITIES. PULL YOUR PANTS UP, REPLACE THE SILVER AND GOLD TEETH, TAKE THE BRAIDS OUT OF YOUR HAIR. STOP WEARING YOUR JACKETS AND SHIRTS 4 TIMES BIGGER THAN WHAT YOU NEED. THOSE YOU EMULATE HAVE THEIR MILLIONS. THEY JUST WANT YOU TO CONTINUE TO PURCHASE WHAT THEY SELL. YOU GOT A LIFE TO LIVE. THE WORLD IS NOT A MUSIC VIDEO.
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By: nubiian on 4/18/2010 2:25AM
Russell Simmons and the Sean John representative have so much to say because passing a law affects THEIR money! I am willing to bet any amount of money that if any of these young men came off of the street corner dressed like that and asked for a job, they would be turned away at the door.
Sagging pants is the most disgusting trend ever to come out. No one wants to see someone's underwear and sometimes they are dirty at that. Mr. Simmons speaks about taking away youth's "creativity" but the truth is no one wants to hire a thug or anyone perceived to be. Perception is nine tenths of the law. It isn't what you are but what you are perceived to be.I have seen where a young man came into a place of business seeking employment, dressed like he was going to hang on the corner,pants sagging, hair uncombed, only to get turned away without even filling out an application when the sign on the door clearly stated they were hiring. I saw that same young man a few days later with a fresh haircut, starched button down shirt with tie, starched slacks, and loafers. He approached me with a smile and told me he just got hired at a popular establishment. I congratulated him and he went on his way. If you dress for success, it may help you get your foot in the door.
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By: Chingy Mo Fo on 4/18/2010 4:14PM
They look like PENGUINS
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By: cj on 4/18/2010 4:41PM
It is very interesting that Russell Simmons is quoted as Sen. Adams wasting time. I wonder if the "pant saggers" will be able to date his little darlings in a few years. This IS NOT about fashion or young people and identity. We have to let our kids know that every dumb fashion statement is not to be copied.
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By: Reign on 4/19/2010 4:38PM
I don't care what Russell Simmons or Sean John Execs or whomever says....SAGGING PANTS IS STRAIGHT UP IGNORANT...it's beyond ignorant, there are no words for this psychological dysfunction. It's not a FASHION trend...anyone that calls this a fashion trend is seriously in denial. It's horrible, it's degrading, it's stupid!!! I can't even find the words to describe the level of ignorance. I don't care what race or culture of people are wearing their pants this way, it's horrible and for Black men to wear it is doubly horrible.
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By: BlogShag on 6/14/2010 10:50PM
This doesn't offend me anywhere near as much as having to look at all the disgustingly obese bodies in the USA. Most guys in saggy pants have nice butts. I'm kind of enjoying it
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By: Michelle on 7/26/2010 9:35AM
I have the perfect idea to end this hideous rodeo clown look that black men seem to think gives them a sense of "individuality". Funny, how they feel so individual since they feel the need dress the same? I always feel the urge to run up to one of them from behind, and pull their pants down to their knees or ankles. What a riot that would be. We ladies could run away and watch how they can't catch us. What a hilarious and entertaining end we could put to this very unflattering trend.
What do you say ladies? I think this is a trend that could actually catch on. All it takes is a few of us to take a challenge. This could get big!
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By: Quattro Bajeena on 8/15/2010 5:20PM
I remember when I tried this when I was in middle school. It didn't take long for me to stop because I felt like a dumb ass (the same people who actually were), I noticed I was being looked at differently (thrown into the same category as all of the goons), and there was nothing original about it because...EVERY single person was doing the same thing. This was about 10 years ago and it is still around. I even see ladies with their kids out in public and the little boys (between 5-10 years) sagging with their mothers RIGHT THERE lol. It saddens me that this has become so widely accepted and is even being passed down to the youngest of our children. The majority of us will simply never make it in this world. Those like me are the ones who get ridiculed for really being different and actually wear fitted clothes, look sharp every time I step outside the house, and wear a belt. I mostly thank my mother for never allowing or tolerating such ignorant behavior from either I or my younger brother. I can't say the same for my 17 year old nephew, though. I hope he learns before it is over.
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