Les Jones: Wear Baggy Pants, Go to Jail

August 30, 2007

Everything's Illegal > Wear Baggy Pants, Go to Jail

Since June 11, sagging pants have been against the law in Delcambre, La., a town of 2,231 that is 80 miles southwest of Baton Rouge. The style carries a fine of as much as $500 or up to a six-month sentence. “We used to wear long hair, but I don’t think our trends were ever as bad as sagging,” said Mayor Carol Broussard.
An ordinance in Mansfield, a town of 5,496 near Shreveport, subjects offenders to a fine (as much as $150 plus court costs) or jail time (up to 15 days). Police Chief Don English said the law, which takes effect Sept. 15, will set a good civic image.

Behind the indecency laws may be the real issue — the hip-hop style itself, which critics say is worn as a badge of delinquency, with its distinctive walk conveying thuggish swagger and a disrespect for authority. Also at work is the larger issue of freedom of expression and the questions raised when fashion moves from being merely objectionable to illegal.

Other cities considering baggy pants bans include Atlanta, Georgia, Shreveport, Lousiana, Pine Bluff, Arkansas, Stratford, Connecticut, and Alexandria, Virginia.

That leads to this week's poll question.

Do you love shopping online? You are a smart shopper if you do all of your shopping on the internet! Everyone knows online shopping is the best way to find everything you want, at the best prices! Do you want to browse the best selection of clothing? If you are looking for a great pair of pants, the internet is just the source! Do you want to find the best in womens clothing? We can help with that too!

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Comments

In my experience, Police consider the "sag" style to be a benefit to them.

It's hard for a thug to run away from them when he's trying to hold his pants up at the same time.

Posted by: Sailorcurt at August 31, 2007

"An ordinance in Mansfield, a town of 5,496 near Shreveport, subjects offenders to a fine (as much as $150 plus court costs) or jail time (up to 15 days)"

Just to put things in perspective, Lindsay Lohan got, what, a day in jail for her recent escapade involving a DUI, trying to run someone down, and possession of cocaine. And far from being special treatment, that was a typical sentence in Los Angeles. And now Shreveport is trying to make baggy pants punishable by up to 15 days in jail. Cheese Whiz.

Posted by: Les Jones at August 31, 2007