Show Me What You Wear and I'll Tell You Who You Are
By: Chevon James
When a person hears the phrase "fashion trend," you think of a transition from Nikes to Converses. But these days the latest trend is something not even a prophet could have foreseen: the phenomenon commonly known as "saggin." Although fashion trends are a form of expression, "saggin" has never been fully understood or accepted in society. But to understand why, you must research its history, where it originated from and why people are so against it.
The main belief is that "saggin" originated in the United States prison system where belts were prohibited to avoid suicide by strangulation. "When one is in jail, the prisoner must surrender his/her belt (as well as shoelaces) for safety reasons. These items can be used as weapons to hurt others or themselves," explained Trent Love, a Lehman College student who is working on a documentary about this phenomenon. "Prisons/jails often have problems appropriately sizing the demand to meet the supply, so prisoners are fitted with slightly oversized garments to wear. Therefore, saggin pants is the result and seen in abundance." When inmates were released, they continued to sag and the trend became more prevalent around the United States. Many people think that "saggin" pants is silly. But to many young people who wear their pants mid-thigh, saggin is cool.
"I don't know why people are hating," said 15-year-old Kelvin Gunter. "I mean no one complains when girls show their thongs so why are guys the only ones being targeted?"
However, 14-year-old Tyler Zelaya understands why people view saggin unfavorably. "It goes back to that old saying if someone told you to jump of a bridge, would you?" he said. "I mean this saggin epidemic is pointless and these kids today are just mindless drones following every trend, no matter how stupid."
However some young girls like the trend. Some of them think "saggin" defines the man shows he has "swag."
"Maybe it's because I've lived in the Bronx all my life, but I find guys who sag really attractive," said 16-year-old Alexis Woods.
"Every generation has their fashion trends," added 17- year-old Michelle Lopez. "And this is just one we happened to end up in."
But some young women don't agree. "It's immature, juvenile and idiotic," said Emilia Leister, a 14-year-old from Arizona. "I would never date a man let alone talk to man who wears their pants low 'cause I can't stand this stupid trend."
A majority of people over the age of 20 say the trend is not for them. "It's ridiculous! It isn't appropriate for a young men let alone anyone to show their ass in public," said Maria Robles, 32.
"It's sloppy, unattractive, and offensive. If my son ever dressed that way, I fail as a parent," adds 44-year-old Donald Edwards
However, they are combating a generation that has become immune to the criticism of "saggin." Young people actually embrace the trend despite the consternation from parents and grandparents, but why?
Trent Love has witnessed a lot of young people saggin because of his work on his documentary, and he shared his insight in an email interview.
"I do not think that the majority of the youth saggin really know the message that they are sending out about themselves to the community," Love stated. "Trends are usually followed and popularized by those seen as trendsetters (actors, entertainers, singers, rappers, designers, etc.). If Lil Wayne is doing it then it must be cool right? I guess I don't think that youth really love or hate this style, but do it because it is popular and fitting in is an important part of adolescent hood."
In fact, Love says young people are taking the trend to a new level: by wearing the belts around their necks and shoulders sometimes looking like holsters.
"Not only is it important to be a part of the trend, but one must also think of creative ways to stand out in the sea of saggers. What better way can they do that then by accessorizing this style by wearing belts, but not on their pants, instead...just wearing it draped around their necks. I really think that we as a people of color, whether African-American or Latino, are doing ourselves a grave disservice by perpetuating a look that embodies the prison culture. How can we been seen as anything but a criminal if you dress like one? Our ancestors have sacrificed so much for so many years to have our image destroyed by not others...but ourselves."
"My take is that the "saggin" look crossed the line of fashion and it is offensive." said Trent. "I think it is important to send a clear message to those that continue to sag that there are members in the community who are offended for various reasons." Does saggin change the way people view those who sag? "I get the same respect that I give by choosing to dress in a fashion that is acceptable to mainstream culture," said Love. "So if you choose to style yourself in a manner consistent with criminals and gangsters I think most people will think that you are one too" Love concluded with a quote from his friend. "Show me who you are with and I will tell you who you are."
