What ‘sagging’ says about you

Sherry Holliman Community Commentary

Everyone should understand that your style is an epression of personal preference that speaks about who you are.

With that in mind, what exactly does “sagging” mean? What is the message of letting your pants hang down and exposing your underwear (or even more)? Is it really a disrespectful nonverbal fashion statement? Does sagging invite subtle solicitation from potential same-sex partners?

Most people are terribly offended by the view — no matter what the reason. Why do people find it necessary to sag in public? What actions can or should be taken for sagging — also described by some as indecent exposure?

Sagging is believed to have started in the prison system where prisoners were often given uniforms that were several sizes too big for them and to prevent suicide attempts by not allowing the use of belts. However, many people associate it with sexual availability or gang-banging. How did this trend become mainstream?

As prisoners were released, they continued to wear their pants sagged and it was not long before the dress code eventually entered society and influenced the disadvantaged population in the streets, and some public school systems.

Sagging has no racial or gender boundaries.

Young men and women of other cultures also proudly embrace this style. The origins of this fad have not deterred anyone, as many have shared it without seeing a need to change.

While sagging is embraced by a number of different groups, it is much more commonly seen

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as a trend adhered to by young Black men.

Various communities have attempted to ban this form of fashion statement, but should the government get involved with a a fashion fad? To pass a “saggy pants” ordinance could unfairly target people of color, create opportunities for racial profiling and result in other issues that have nothing to do with protecting and serving the public.

Sagging should never become an arrestable offense. Laws should not be created to target any segment of a population.

Remember, we live in a nation with liberty and justice for all. Is it fair to men and women to receive civil citations for wearing saggy pants not actually exposing any skin?

The men and women who “sag” believe they are free to dress how they choose — ironic because of this fashion statement’a peculiar origins, the prison system which often becomes a tool to dehumanize and control. This why it is important to know what is at the root of things you do, because knowledge brings the power to change. Why would anyone who knows these facts continue this practice? Why make a willful choice to dress in a manner that represents such negative beliefs? Saggers, inquiring minds want to know — why are you sagging? Are you making a fashion statement, do you need a belt, need to show off your new underwear, or are you soliciting for same-sex conversation?

Regardless of your answer, the majority population feel disgusted and do not want to have to view anyone behind especially while in the company of their young impressible children. Sagging in public is a form of solicitation because it is nonverbally requesting a plea to gain attention or possibly approach to make sexual advances with someone. Sagging also solicits unwanted negative thoughts and conversations of the poor choice to wear sagging pants.

Sherry Holliman is a concerned citizen of Crittenden County and has some views on a variety of topics that she wants to share with her neighbors.