Talk of the Town

By fer

August 22, 2007 8:48 PM | Link to this

I don’t really like any of these ‘fashion trends’, but a law against them is a bit much. Common sense, taste, discretion can’t be legislated.

By Dumbing Down

August 22, 2007 8:52 PM | Link to this

40 Years ago it was long hair. Who cares? Stop the “Bumping Music” and other items that affect the “quality of life.” ATL… get your priorities straight. What a moronic “International City” that can’t handle traffic, graduation rates or major events without a collapse of fundemental sevices. Yeah… baggy pants and underwear! Go git em law dawgs! Truly a town that worships mediocrity!

By hawk

August 22, 2007 8:55 PM | Link to this

Thank Goodness, being exposed to someones underclothing is not “bad taste”, it is indecent exposure. Can’t stand to see it, glad to see it legislated against

By Shirley U Jest

August 22, 2007 8:59 PM | Link to this

The fact that Atlanta has to pass a law against this simply telegraphs to the country that its a city that continues to devolve rather than evolve. Panhandling and saggy pants, the Atlanta tourist experience.

By cp

August 22, 2007 9:00 PM | Link to this

ok.. first the council wants to stop further advancement of the city by allowing developers to buy ‘old’ houses and build newer, bigger, and safer houses, and now they want regulate ‘fashion’. nice try to control society in how we dress and how we live. you can’t live in the past. grow up. it’ll all be reversed.

By SCOTT

August 22, 2007 9:14 PM | Link to this

this is crazy. i don’t personally do or like the baggy saggin pants, but it should be a persons decision if they wish to dress that way. nudity is common everywhere but here, and they want to still live in the dark ages. this is the most rediculous thing i have read in a long time!

By bosh

August 22, 2007 9:14 PM | Link to this

I say do away with hideous Hawaiian s**, that is a law I can get behind…(tongue in cheek post about a ridiculous law) How about we do something about ACTUAL crimes in ATL?? Well then again, if you are an illegal showing a bra strap you wont be prosecuted!

By bosh

August 22, 2007 9:16 PM | Link to this

Shirley (surely) you apparently think atlanta came up with this oh so specail law….hate to inform ya they didnt. Been done other places

By Carol

August 22, 2007 9:18 PM | Link to this

Honestly.. I am not interested in seeing someone’s underwear! Do these folks really think that it is cool to see their kids (and forgive me, it is not always kids!!)walk with their legs spread so far apart so they can hold their size 55 pants on their thighs.. it looks absolutely ridiculous! and you think it is racial?? I don’t care what color you are.. it is disgusting!!! I don’t like seeing ladies thong straps either.. what is wrong with people.. it is like walking into an old porn movie… does ANYONE know how to use their imagination anymore?? Do you HAVE to show off everything you have?? What are you advertising?? Obviously, the lack of education. Anyone with active brain matter would know how to pull up their own pants! Sign me disgusted.. how embarrassing that this is even having to be discussed!

By colton

August 22, 2007 9:19 PM | Link to this

This is so stupid. Let kids wear what they want to wear. If you dont like looking at peoples butts fine dont do it.

By Don

August 22, 2007 9:20 PM | Link to this

What does it really matter if no one will enforce the ban??? Has the pan handler ordinance been effectively enforced? I know from personal experience attending events in downtown Atlanta, that the beggars still thrive, many times directly in front of the officers hired to enforce the laws.

Drugs, crime, thug behavior will not go away with another law that will not be enforced. It will make some good intentioned citizen think that they have accomplished something in their community, but it will more than likely end up being one of those funny laws that are laughed at by future generations.

By andrew m

August 22, 2007 9:21 PM | Link to this

i think it would be hard for police to put people in jail or give them fines if there pants are down to far or other under garments shown. i also think it is stupid

By Christopher

August 22, 2007 9:22 PM | Link to this

You have got to be kidding me!!! I don’t think it’s that attractive to look at, but give me a break, I would hardly call it indecent. You can’t find anything else worthy of your time in office. Is this the 1950’s in the bible belt? Next thing you know, there will be now dancing allowed.

By Peggy

August 22, 2007 9:23 PM | Link to this

That’s like banning stupidity. The problem is you have too many boys being followers instead of leaders. You have the “just cause Pookie’s doing it, I will do it, mentality.”

My personal opinion is most of them are homothugs. What heterosexual boy want another boy looking at his azz. When you see these boys out in the street sagging, all he is really doing is advertising his azz!

By Dave

August 22, 2007 9:23 PM | Link to this

Personally, I believe any woman who has a bra strap exposed should be arrested, fined, and jailed if unable to pay the fine in 5 business days. This will encourage free boobing, which is tres cool from my point of view. Just an observation …

By Ross

August 22, 2007 9:29 PM | Link to this

I say it’s a good thing if stupid people reveal themselves - the more easily avoided. Let’em sag! Long live buttcracks!

-drl

By Jockeyshorts

August 22, 2007 9:29 PM | Link to this

Amen! It’s about time. It’s disgusting to see it and it IS indecent. “You can’t live in the past, Grow up”, What a childish thing to say. Society has every right to ban certain types of indecent dress and bad behavior. It’s not just Atlanta that is doing this, but many cities across the nation.

By Eric

August 22, 2007 9:34 PM | Link to this

The city nor any other agency should be allowed to regulate this. Go ACLU!

By Bill

August 22, 2007 9:37 PM | Link to this

Why doesn’t the city focus on more important things, such as sancronizing traffic lights and limiting development to help alleviate traffic?

By The72John

August 22, 2007 9:39 PM | Link to this

I’m sorry…did a city Councilman say that saggy pants are a “major concern” and an “epidemic”? Perhaps serious concerns, like poverty, gang violence, lack of education, etc. are simply beyond his grasp and so he is fixating on this unbelievable superficial “problem” to distract people from other problems?

Presumably, Georgia already has indecent exposure guidelines, and having one’s boxer shorts waistband showing isn’t covered by them. And RIGHTLY SO. Indecent exposure laws aren’t intended to keep teens from following the fashion trends of the day today, anymore than they were intended to keep women from wearing mini-skirts in the 60s.

Unless the so-called “moral majority” in Georgia wants the rest of the country to continue laughing at us as a bunch of moronic, inbred HICKS who spend tax dollars LEGISLATING FASHION, I suggest we wake up and send this nonsense where it belongs - the circular file.

When will the morality-facists be satisfied? When everyone’s wearing a burkha?

By RWL

August 22, 2007 9:40 PM | Link to this

Only in the south! Dead last in quality education, but we can try to pass laws to restrict what people wear. Don’t these public figures have better things to be worrying about?

By What??

August 22, 2007 9:41 PM | Link to this

Wouldn’t it be nice if the City Council fixed Atlanta’s real problems, leaving them with all the time in the world to collaborate with What Not to Wear?

By Marie

August 22, 2007 9:52 PM | Link to this

Ban sports bras? In 103 degree heat? We are not in Iran for pete’s sake. Men can take their shirts off but woman have to don long sleeves? Come on. I will so I am over the losers that wear baggy pants, but the sports bra thing is overkill and offensive for women

By Najeh Davenpoop

August 22, 2007 9:56 PM | Link to this

I find overalls with no shirt underneath and mullets to be excessively offensive, can I propose a law against them too? We don’t live in Afghanistan. This law is at best ridiculous, at worst racial profiling. Thank God for the ACLU.

By Dave Perry

August 22, 2007 10:03 PM | Link to this

Punk dress is nothing new so what’s the big deal. Sometimes you have to talk to someone to find out they are an idiot, this punk dress thing makes it easy to spot an idiot.

By Lucille Willoughby

August 22, 2007 10:04 PM | Link to this

It’s about thugging, plain and simple.

By Layla

August 22, 2007 10:10 PM | Link to this

Hey, idiots that are proposing making my daily trek to the gym illegal (gasp! sometimes my jog bra strap shows when I wear a tanktop! Argh! I single handedly brought the city to ruins! Or, oh my god, what about when my bra strap falls off of my skinny shoulder while I am walking through the mall….. I guess I should just go to jail, since that would be EXACTLY the same as a guy coming up to me and grabbing my freaking boobs!!) SCREW YOU!!! Oh god, I forgot to mention that I don’t have the money to buy bras of all fits (racer back, etc) to wear with my tank tops when it’s 100 FREAKING DEGREES OUTSIDE IN THIS CRAPPY TOWN! Okay, so I understand no one wants to see someone’s underwear - I think it looks absolutely stupid when these kids have their butts hanging out of their pants, don’t get me wrong. But making it ILLEGAL? Are you freaking kidding me!???? PLEASE STOP WASTING TAX PAYERS TIME AND MONEY ON THIS ASININE CRAP THAT YOU CALL IMPROVEMENTS. You want to make a difference? How about improving our schools, mentoring kids that were born to the pieces of crap that don’t care enough about them to stop them from walking around that way - empowering children with education and support so that they know that they can be great, successful adults!!!!! HOw about that… yeah that would actually be HELPFUL to society instead of just getting your stupid name in the press, MARTIN. While you’re at it you incompentent a hole, try wearing a bra (or a jog bra in a gym on a 100 degree day) for a while, and tell me that you can control the occasional, inevitable slippage. You’re retarded. I hate this stupid city - traffic is crap, people are rude, jobs are scarce, the children are struggling in school but LETS THROW PEOPLE IN JAIL FOR LETTING A BRA STRAP SHOW. You’re retarded. And yes, I am leaving this pitifully run city as soon as humanly possible. I refuse to pay the salaries of these idiots any longer.

By Ralph

August 22, 2007 10:12 PM | Link to this

The Atlanta City Council is the best proposed they have done in years. To those who make comparison to mini-skirts or whatever, they didn’t look good then and baggy saggin pants look stupid now. I can just see a person walking in an office for a job interview wearing baggy saggin pants, with bandera on his head, because that’s his style, and walking away shaking his head wondering why he didn’t get the job.

By GaLiberal

August 22, 2007 10:27 PM | Link to this

If Atlanta is so concerned this is part of the “Thug Life” culture, why not make wearing saggy pants an aggrevating condition during a crime. If you wear saggy pants, then tack on an extra 10 years or so.

All kidding aside, this is just another example of how overboard our elected officals have gone. Charging people with terrorism for opening fire hydrants or the momentary outburst or simply taking a picture is bad enough. Now they want to throw people in jail for the clothes they wear. Lets get back to reality here. Back in my day, if you didn’t have a crewcut you were looked on as a deliquent. But it was just kids not conforming with society. As is this and that’s all it is. Enough is enough. Atlanta has bigger problems to worry about than to waste time on this junk.

I would expect the neocons to be all over this as intrusive government and social engineering and infringement on personal rights. But, since they are also a bunch of bigoted racists they’ll support this a ‘restoring civility’ or some such claptrap crap.

By The72John

August 22, 2007 10:37 PM | Link to this

Last time I checked, the law wasn’t defined by what companies think is appropriate dress. My shorts and t-shirt aren’t appropriate office wear, either. Are you suggesting that they be outlawed as well?

Let’s be honest - the people praising this law are people who dislike a certain style of dress. They aren’t concerned with freedom, basic civil rights, the intrusion of government into arenas where government has no business treading, etc. They are simple, uneducated, stupid people who have no comprehension of the purpose of the law or any real idea what this country stands for.

Put these idiots into any authoritarian state and they would be applauding any “law” that targeted people they “don’t like” without any thought of the ramifications of that law. Just like they are doing right now.

By MIss M

August 22, 2007 10:45 PM | Link to this

I saw a toddler walking around one day holding his pants up! He was about 1 1/2 years old, seriously.
I’m not sure legislation is the right idea- I’d hate to be arrrested if my bra strap slipped out of my sleeveless blouse. At least you know these folks can’t get away with theft- one hand is tied up holding their pants up, and the pants around the knees keep them from running too fast! :) LOL

By YES!

August 22, 2007 10:48 PM | Link to this

THANK GOD SOMEBODY HAS THE GUTS TO DO SOMETHING…THIS IS DISGUSTING!

By ConfusednMcDonough

August 22, 2007 10:51 PM | Link to this

How in the world is this considered racial profiling? The article suggest that this is targeting certain races. From what I see out there…it’s everyone of every sex and race. As Terrence Moore said…everyone here in Atlanta always tries to take the “race card”. City of Atlanta…I’m all for your amendment..I’m ready to vote on it.

By Chris

August 22, 2007 10:54 PM | Link to this

Less Govt not MORE please

This is insane! Please stop wasting time at City Hall and get to cleaning up the hookers at Ponce and Glen Iris to name one area that is right at City Hall East.

I do not want the govt to be involved in the fashion arena but please have the APD get drunks off the road and road rage nuts off the road. The pants thing is not for govt at all and would only be used to attack black males who are the top low pants wearing offenders.

By C.S.

August 22, 2007 10:54 PM | Link to this

What a retarded idea. One more way that the government plans to invade our personal lives.

I, for one, hate the “baggy pants.” I think they’re sloppy and ridiculous looking, especially the fact that clothing lines actually DESIGN pants to accommodate the trend. However…a pair of pants worn low or a bra strap hanging out is NOT going to kill someone or bring harm to the public at large. If you choose to walk around looking like an idiot, it’s your prerogative. What’s next…banning blue hair?

The legislature should be focusing on the REAL problems in Atlanta…not a group of people who dress like morons.

By jjj

August 22, 2007 10:57 PM | Link to this

Looking like an idiot should be enough punishment.

By SharonH

August 22, 2007 11:05 PM | Link to this

Oh for God’s sake! This is the stupidest thing I have ever heard. CT Martin, are you sure you really want your name attached forever to such an asinine law? With all the challenges faced by youth in Atlanta, you want to add one more criminal offense? The jails just aren’t full enough, huh you want to criminalize the way the youth wear those clothes. You should be ashamed of yourself.

20 years ago, we were wearing our jeans ripped with holes in them and my mother was scandalized that I was dressing like a bum as she put it. Well I managed to bum my way through college because guess what? It doesn’t freaking matter!!!!!!!!!!!

By R Gordon

August 22, 2007 11:08 PM | Link to this

Clearly, the legislators are underestimating how many people wear their pants like that!!!

This law is not pratical and would be extremely difficult to enforce.

Fines will not reverse social / cultural trends.

By KA

August 22, 2007 11:09 PM | Link to this

Let them saggy bottoms be! Would you just pick on Atlanta residents, or Georgia residents, or here’s an idea, just the Alabama residents???!! This is purely about the council’s view of Atlanta’s image. Get real, we are a major city and you can’t control it just because you feel so high and mighty sitting on the city council, LOL! And how would you police the visiting convention goers, sport fans, and millions of others just visiting or passing through? Fine them and they won’t come back, trust me. What a joke! Why doesn’t the council address the illegal immigrant problems, the drug problems, and the burglaries, robberies, and violence that are REAL problems in Atlanta? Maybe the heat has fried the council members’ brains!

By jeffrye

August 22, 2007 11:10 PM | Link to this

Today exposed boxer shorts…….Tomorrow banana clips and scrunchies…..God, Whats next….

By harold

August 22, 2007 11:16 PM | Link to this

might as well foget about the undies and just stick a 10 commandments up in city hall and get the city’s arse sued off for taht without buggin normal folk on the street bout stupid carp

By harold

August 22, 2007 11:18 PM | Link to this

but seriously this is a big concern for harold. first atlanta is buggin about freakin craigslist scams and now baggy paints? what is franklin really up to? harold distrusts her now based on this garbage.

By harold

August 22, 2007 11:20 PM | Link to this

harold loves when the thugs are all reaching down the front of their pants because anybody will belive harold when he claims it appeared they was reachin for a gun and thats why harold popped a cap in they arse

By Derek

August 22, 2007 11:22 PM | Link to this

.

Saggy Pants Look Stupid …

.

By sicofit

August 22, 2007 11:23 PM | Link to this

The strength of the law is in the enforcement. I don’t live in Atlanta but I think the entire metro area should embrace this law and fine the young men and their parents. The style is demeaning, disgusting and dumb. Make the law and enforce it!!

By prudedude

August 22, 2007 11:23 PM | Link to this

There well always be idiotic, rude egotists in the world that think it is chic to act like Stepin’ Fetchit and equate their toughness to how loud their music is in there mobile stereos (AKA automobile).

Such a law is a nice dream, but practically unenforceable. One might as well outlaw evil, bad manners or living above one’s means.

By Darryl

August 22, 2007 11:29 PM | Link to this

Well. Typical Atlanta. Always doing things that are totally unneccesary and backwards as hell. As I have stated many times, this place is nothing but a Big Country town, with a whole lot of Traffic. That’s it. That’s all!!!!!!!!!!!

By staci

August 22, 2007 11:30 PM | Link to this

YOU BETTER VOTE!!!!!! THERE’S NO TELLING WHAT RIGHTS THEY WILL TAKE AWAY FROM US NEXT!!!!! PLEASE VOTE!!!!!!!!

By ptra

August 22, 2007 11:31 PM | Link to this

Let them wear the baggy pants. It is a wonderful source of humor for many of us. I could not get out of my car for 5 minutes the other day because I was laughing to hard. This kid came out of Target and just looked to stupid for words in his baggy pants. Then there was the kid at the Marta station that had to pull up his pants to run for the train..priceless. I think I need to start carrying a video camera with me to film this. It would be a big hit on You Tube.

By staci

August 22, 2007 11:35 PM | Link to this

aaannnddd…you propose to do what about all these husbands killing their wives and kids annndddd maybe the fact that we are in the top five highest crime rated city annnddd….oh i dont know call me dumb and ignorant(pun) but maybe take a look at homeless people, mental healthcare…GRADY!!! going out of business…our 2 hour ride in traffic ANYWHERE IN ATLANTA…guess this is ummmm minor stuff…sorry for bother you….PLEASE VOTE!!!!!

By Disgusted

August 22, 2007 11:36 PM | Link to this

For all of you who are against this proposal, you are just as ignorant as the people who wear their pants hanging off their butts! As a matter of fact, you probably do too. You need to be taught better. It’s so sad.

By Denise

August 22, 2007 11:39 PM | Link to this

Tacky yes, illegal no. While we are at it perhaps we can make it illegal to wear 5 inch clear open toe shoes. And let us not forget to make it illegal for people who are not a perfect size 4 or smaller to where low rider jeans! See how silly this can get?

By tired

August 22, 2007 11:42 PM | Link to this

YET another reason to put black boys in jail…!!!! My God!!!!!

By prudedude

August 22, 2007 11:46 PM | Link to this

Another point that should be made is that we may have a free will to wear such “styles”, but we do not have a right to do so. Rights come from God, as our founding fathers, and others way before them, so clearly pointed out.

By Sri

August 22, 2007 11:52 PM | Link to this

How about addressing some real issues like our traffic woes, crime on our streets and our lousy public schools? What kind of cheap gimmickry is this? The politicians who are for this kind of bullying should never ever be re-elected and before they proceed to do something stupid, should be reminded of their own political futures at peril — now that’s one issue that they all genuinely care about.

By alan

August 22, 2007 11:53 PM | Link to this

Next stop: Bikinis !!!

alan

By Jimmie

August 23, 2007 9:39 AM | Link to this

If baggy pants are outlawed, how will I distinguish the gangstas & thugs?

By Dee

August 23, 2007 9:39 AM | Link to this

I say who cares??? Dont we have more important issues to deal with in this city than something this trivial. If they want to walk around like that, then that’s their business. As long as my son is not walking around with his pants hanging off of his behind, because his mama would have a fit, I dont care. I think it’s a bad fashion trend myself. The fact that baggy, sagging pants have become synonymous with “thug” or “gangbanger” to society, not that it’s true, parents should discourage their kids from dressing this way.

By For crying outloud

August 23, 2007 9:41 AM | Link to this

I’m pretty sure our city fathers have more important things to focus on than people’s underware. What about that pothole patrol? I could put up with a lot of the BS in this town if I could just drive down the street without turning my car into a rattling bucket of bolts and leaks.

By KA

August 23, 2007 9:42 AM | Link to this

Disgusted, I’m afraid you suffer from PFT (Posted Before Thinking). We are not advocating saggy pants, just pointing out the absurdity of making this fashion faux pas an offense and part of the city’s indecency laws. Wouldn’t you agree that the City Council should focus their energies on solving REAL problems that affect our well being in Atlanta?

By Atlanta Pearl Girl

August 23, 2007 9:43 AM | Link to this

IT’S ABOUT TIME!!!!!

It’s not fashion it’s offensive!!!!

I saw a group of kids standing at the bus stop and one guy turned left to talk to another kid and his pants fell down to the ground around his ankles…. he didn’t even bother to pick them up but just stood there.

If they want to look like thugs and goobers then don’t do it in my neighborhood.

By AC

August 23, 2007 9:47 AM | Link to this

This is an awsome news!!!. It’s very offensive to see people’s underwear, I wonder, where’s the mom?

By Ceda

August 23, 2007 9:47 AM | Link to this

GREAT!! Oh, how I wish the law could be passed. I personally hate the saggy pants epidemic. I have two teenage sons that recently moved to Colorado and guess what? The first day of school thier dad got a call from the school security officer stating that my sons refused to pull up thier sagging jeans! It’s not a black or white issue it’s a community moral issue! The sad thing is that the youth has followed the hip-hop rappers who make plenty of money from writing lyrics, but our youth listen to the lyrics and try to live by the lyrics and as a result many of them are gang banging, dropping out of school and looking and dressing absolutely ridiculous! Make my day, please ban the saggy pants, exposed thongs and bra straps all across the country!

Sincerely, Motherly love and wit!

By InTownGal

August 23, 2007 9:48 AM | Link to this

All I know is my Mom would have slapped me down in my teen years before letting me outta the house w/ my azz half-showing in a pair of thongs. Why do parents of teens let their kids walk around w/ their azz showing? I think it just shows someone’s stupidity to dress this way, but not sure we need to have a law against it. It does provide a constant source of entertainment.

By FREE VICK!!

August 23, 2007 9:48 AM | Link to this

Hey AJC you just ran story about the crime in ATLANTA and you go behind it with WASTE OF TIME!?! City of Atlanta got a lot more to worry about than this CRAP. What they gonna do about the homeless folks with clothes on that dont fit? Find out who stabbed that DOG in the head if you want something to do!!

By DBB

August 23, 2007 9:49 AM | Link to this

i have no probs making the guys pull their pants up. it just looks stupid! as for the thongs, i completely disagree, they should be allowed to be shown off!!!

By ace

August 23, 2007 9:50 AM | Link to this

I am so tired of hearing “it’s a racial thing” on every subject. Whites,Blacks,Spanish,Japanese…ect;all wear their pants like that (SAGGING). Get a clue. Let your son or daughter walk around like that and see how you feel when you see their panties or underware. I sure the heck don’t want to see anyone’s underware in public. Is that raciest?

By mary

August 23, 2007 9:51 AM | Link to this

I prefer the baggy pants/exposed thong look because it lets you know right off the bat that the person you are dealing with is an idiot.

People who dress this way provide a service to the rest of us who want to avoid dealing with morons.

By Lanaka

August 23, 2007 9:51 AM | Link to this

I think this is absolutely a wonderful idea. I get so tired of seeing men and young boys dressed as if they have no common sense. They think that it is making them look cool and hip, but all it does is make them look ignorant and trifling. The same goes for woman who thinks people want to see their thong or underwear. That is a very degrading presentation of themselves and it make them look cheap and very unclassy.

By CaSandra

August 23, 2007 9:51 AM | Link to this

It’s not the baggy pants that are an issue, its when they sag around their knees. Personally, I don’t care to see it, although I really thought that this one man I saw the other day was truly losing his pants. Notice I said MAN and not BOY. I ALMOST rolled down my window to tell him to pull his pants up. They were practically around his ankles. Regardless, if its okay for the saggin jeans that expose underwear, then I suppose its okay for girls and women to do the same????

By Mel

August 23, 2007 9:52 AM | Link to this

Sagging pants is unattractive but it is no reason to fine someone or send them to jail! People in GA are looking to send urban/black teens to prison at any chance they get. And its a shame that the man trying to enforce this law is black…who is he trying to impress? Focus on mentoring people and showing them how to properly wear their clothes. Don’t just throw people in jail!! Teach them!

By Freedom

August 23, 2007 9:54 AM | Link to this

I don’t like the trend, it makes absolutly no sence, but this is America people. We cannot make everyone comform to what “we” think is decent. This is not a Communist country but if we continue to look for lwas and the government to manage all aspect of our personal lives they will. The whole idea behind this entire country is “Freedom”. If you don’t like it, don’t look or stay at home.

By ab

August 23, 2007 9:54 AM | Link to this

The law is a bad idea. The thugs who wear baggy pants are easier for the police to catch because they can’t run away as quickly. Also, those silly looking baggy pants are a great way for mall security to identify who is about to shoplift. Also, it’s a great way for businesses that do enforce a dress code to keep undesirables out. I say keep ‘em sagging.

By Patty

August 23, 2007 9:55 AM | Link to this

Isn’t there enough laws that young black youth can already be arrested for? Like walking in their neighborhood, or driving in the wrong neighborhood. Does the city council really need to up the tax collection by passing another dumb racially motivated law. It’s up to parents to guide their children. I don’t trust any politician above a parent.

By Get to the real issues

August 23, 2007 9:55 AM | Link to this

I THINK WE HAVE BETTER THINGS TO WORRY ABOUT. WHAT ABOUT FINDING THE HOMELESS SOMEWHERE TO STAY. WHAT ABOUT THE FIENDS THAT ARE LIVING AND BEGGING ON THE STREETS. WHAT ABOUT THE WAR. LETS STOP TRYING TO WIN BROWNIE POINTS AND GET TO THE ROOT OF THE PROBLEM. LETS GET UNIFORMS IN SCHOOLS

By Freedom

August 23, 2007 9:55 AM | Link to this

I don’t like the trend, it makes absolutely no sense, but this is America people. We cannot make everyone conform to what “we” think is decent. This is not a Communist country but if we continue to look for laws and the government to manage all aspect of our personal lives they will. The whole idea behind this entire country is “Freedom”. If you don’t like it, don’t look or stay at home.

By hobart

August 23, 2007 9:55 AM | Link to this

Is it April fools day???? I saw a kid/young man the other day that was walking so funny because his pants were too far below his boxers — I think the discomfort of using that look to be or appear ‘cool’ is enough, don’t you think? I’d like to see him run in an emergency — it’s all so silly — the pants hanging low and the fine. Now I’ve wasted 3 minutes of my time responding — I should be fined for just wasting my time on this crap!! Get a life and let the kids be — and I’m w/Layla — bra straps are a drag — I can’t keep one up to save my life. Funny thing though — I just mentioned to a friend that I need to come up w/something affordable to hold them up and market like crazy — I’m sure your new slap on the wrist will help my new business venture if nothing else — but I say ‘just burn the bra’ rather than conform to such a silly policy!! Bras straps and baggy pants doesn’t equal a crime —- follow the penguins and the burbs, more going on than you can imagine even if they can afford fancy fitted suits and designer bras!!!

By PK

August 23, 2007 9:55 AM | Link to this

While I think the baggy look is stupid, it’s not because I can see their underwear. All the guys would have to do is wear gym shorts instead of boxers and they could still wear the baggy pants. And I’m sure that if this law were to pass, you’d quickly see sports bra’s marketed and sold as “ladies sports shirts”.

By val69atl

August 23, 2007 9:55 AM | Link to this

Although I disagree with the proposal to make this dress trend illegal. I must say that I utterly dislike the way these young men and young women walk around displaying their underwear. Trends come and trends go. This is one I wish never would have seen the day of light. I think it is pathetic the way they walk around. We must continue to speak positively to these kids; not arrest them or charge them for the way they dress. This is a set up for the police to harass Black and Hispanic kids even more.

CJ - I have a 16 year old who dresses in this manner and I must say that I didn’t teach this to him. He does this when he is away from me. I am pretty sure you did things you shouldn’t have when you were away from your parents. We all did. I am constantly on him, explaining that no one will hire him looking like that. But as a teenager who wants to fit in with the crowd; this is how he chooses to dress. He feels that he should be able to dress the way he wants.

We need more positive role models. The Hip-Hop community, where I feel this started, needs to step up to the plate and change them image. The music industry doesn’t realize how much of an influence they have on our kids. At the same time, we as parents need to do more monitoring and spending more time with them.

By Ms. Michelle

August 23, 2007 9:56 AM | Link to this

They can take it all the way to the Supreme Court, these kids are not going to stop wearing their pants like that.

By Joe Garrett

August 23, 2007 9:56 AM | Link to this

The baggy pants look ridiculous and show the intelligence level of the wearer; however, this proposed law is absurd. God help us if this is what our city council thinks is important to our city.

By Amused Reader

August 23, 2007 10:00 AM | Link to this

This is why the rest of the country portrays the South as a bunch of idiots… I had the unfortunate experience of living in Atlanta for a horrible six months and agree with Layla that the city leaves much to be desired. It has so many more problems to be adressed that harassing ignorant people about the way they wear their pants. God forbid anyone can see my bra strap underneath my tank top! What’s next, proposing a minimum hem length for skirts and shorts?? Get a life Martin and focus on some actual important issues!

By Metro

August 23, 2007 10:01 AM | Link to this

If baggy pants are outlawed, only outlaws will have baggy pants

By charlie_s

August 23, 2007 10:02 AM | Link to this

Does the Atlanta City Council actually do anything?

I say we tie the pay scale for these jokesters to the crime rate and see if they can’t focus on something more than a bunch of STUPID people who actually think exposed underwear sends and other message than that they are imagineless IDIOTS!

By had enough

August 23, 2007 10:03 AM | Link to this

I know this city has more important things to deal with…!

By purple elephant

August 23, 2007 10:03 AM | Link to this

The whole look is running out of steam anyway.

Grown men fuming about wanting “respect” while they dress to look like 3-year-olds. It is hard to understand why they don’t realize how silly they look.

By Logos

August 23, 2007 10:04 AM | Link to this

I’m against this fashion but this is undercover racism, how about school uniforms instead more separation and isolation. Do we have enough in jail or do we need more disenfranchisements?

By Brent

August 23, 2007 10:04 AM | Link to this

Ok if they are going to ban saggy pants and exposed bra straps; can they do something about my plumbers butt crack cause I tired of looking at everytime he has to come over. Or, how about The Atlanta City Council wake up and realize this is the Grand City of The South much like LA in the West, Chicago in The Mid-West, and New York in The North. Stop the insanity or just keep making us look stupid like everyone in Alabama.

By charlie_s

August 23, 2007 10:05 AM | Link to this

Does the Atlanta City Council actually do anything?

I say we tie the pay scale for these jokesters to the crime rate and see if they can’t focus on something more than a bunch of STUPID people who actually think exposed underwear sends any other message than that they are IDIOTS!

By the way, I’m so impressed with the “rims” on your leased vehicle that cost more than a mortgage payment. Who’s gonna want that vehicle after it gets Repo’d? Let’s have a law about “rims”.

Let’s have a law about City Council Members who don’t do their JOB!

By Tim

August 23, 2007 10:05 AM | Link to this

Dear City Council, please read the US Constitution.

And to all the people who think this is a good idea, that’s really, really scary.

You can’t legislate good taste. We don’t need a Fashion Police

By Paul

August 23, 2007 10:06 AM | Link to this

I think this whole saggy pants fashion epidemic is disrespectful and I fully support a law passed to enforce this indecency. It has gotten out of hand. I can’t even ride the train downtown with my daughter without running into a teenager with his pants around his ankles. And I think if they want to dress like they are in jail, then maybe that’s where they belong. Get a belt and pull your pants up! Parents, Stop blaming this on “the man” and take responsibilities for your children. I have a teenage son and he already knows he bet not ever walk in my house or out in public dressed inappropriately. If more parents would start back taking an interest in their children, we would not have this problem! MTV and BET are not babysitters and the people on those channels are not role models and they continue to pollute the minds of our children and instill false values and empty morals into their mind while becoming wealthy off our own stupidity. This needs to stop and it starts with the parents.

By Le

August 23, 2007 10:08 AM | Link to this

I am a 23 year old professional. I wear suits during the day and saggy jeans at night (when I am on my own time). I agree with the article that it can be done decently. There are extremes to everything. I love coordinating my boxers with my outfit. I do not disrespect anyone with the extent that I expose them. It is a fashion, it is a culture, and it will probably pass.

By ATL SUCKS

August 23, 2007 10:09 AM | Link to this

One Word: DUMB

By Gary

August 23, 2007 10:10 AM | Link to this

The first thing I don’t understand is “Why does every story that could possibly,maybe,perhaps involve a black person require playing the race card? It’s not about race it’s about decency.I’m a biker long hair, long goatee, tattoos, peircings but I don’t have my clothes falling off.I’m not showing my underwear to you. If these kids only knew where that ‘style’ came about. “PRISON”. Now and more importantly “WHY”? Your Pants hanging low and exposing your boxers is an indication to other prisoners that you are available for sex. The lower the pants more people you are willing to handle at once. Tell these kids that you understand, they are not really gay, just ‘prison gay’.

By kenny

August 23, 2007 10:10 AM | Link to this

I will have to see it to believe it, I hate the fact that it has come to this , but it has to be stopped some kind of way . Good Luck

By disgusted in atl

August 23, 2007 10:11 AM | Link to this

I’m no fan of the baggy pants or exposed bra straps and thongs, but I also can’t stand the disgusting fat guy with no shirt, or the overweight girls with their skimpy little shirts showing their rolls of belly fat, or those stupid “daisy dukes” shorts in size 24 or the pregnant women with their stomachs hanging from beneath their shirts or my plumber with his “butt crack”.. But it’s their right to dress as they choose. City council, get back to more important issues. Your police force is understaffed and response times are a joke, so stop wasting your time on their right to dress as they want. I’m sure the merchants that sell those clothes won’t welcome your interference.

By val69atl

August 23, 2007 10:11 AM | Link to this

Joe, I don’t think this has anything to with intelligence. Some of these kids are A stduents. It is more of an identity thing as much as anything else.

By TZ

August 23, 2007 10:14 AM | Link to this

Wasn’t there a time when you couldn’t wera jeans to school or when girls couldn’t wear pants? This is ridiculous. There have to be more pressing things for the city council to deal with (isn’t Grady Hospital in some serious trouble?) than this nonsense. Parents are responsible for teaching their kids how to dress properly.

By TZ

August 23, 2007 10:14 AM | Link to this

Wasn’t there a time when you couldn’t wear jeans to school or when girls couldn’t wear pants? This is ridiculous. There have to be more pressing things for the city council to deal with (isn’t Grady Hospital in some serious trouble?) than this nonsense. Parents are responsible for teaching their kids how to dress properly.

By tony

August 23, 2007 10:16 AM | Link to this

what are we communist now? it sure sounds like it , it’s just clothes people. maybe the people that wear baggy pants don’t like the way other people dress but they don’t try to control what they wear.get over it and don’t worry about it. it will pass just like all the other trends that come and go.

By good luck with enforcement

August 23, 2007 10:16 AM | Link to this

Sounds like the vice squad (40s? 50s?) to me. I’m sure there was a good reason for wanting to enact this but good luck trying to enforce it. The ACLU will be all over it; wait, they already are. The part about bra straps - I am certain that a lot of it is spaciness. When I see women in church with bra straps or backs showing under their sundresses I want to scream, why doesn’t your kid or husband tell you you’re hanging out? It’s like a slip showing or a tag flipped up. Baggy pants are a joke, I just want to laugh when I see some kid wearing them and hanging onto his crotch to hold them up.

By Brian

August 23, 2007 10:22 AM | Link to this

This is the most stupid thing I have ever read. This must have been the suggestion of a BACKWARD person.

Why not pass legislation to clean up Ponce De Leon and Boulevard?

Prostitutes, pimps and drug dealers frolick on those streets all day and night. If you drive by there daily to get to work, home or to school (as do OUR BLIND POLICE OFICERS and CITY OFFICIALS who work at City Hall EAST) you will see what type of a problem it is. The same people walk around, sleep, lounge and solicit in front of EVERYONE’s eyes. I hope someone who knows SHIRLEY FRANKLIN will email these blogs to her so she can get a grip on what’s happening in our city.

OPEN YOUR EYES please and spend our tax dollars wisely. UI am tired of paying in excess of $15,000 property taxes per year, to be subjected to this stupidity.

The city officer who suggested this should be ARRESTED for STUPIDITY.

By SAH

August 23, 2007 10:23 AM | Link to this

I’m for it! It’s also sad that someone has to dictate how a person dress. I for one am tired of seeing paints hanging and underware showing!!!!

By jc_atl

August 23, 2007 10:23 AM | Link to this

This is the most important issue at hand for the Atlanta City Council? Please … How about doing something about our crumbling roads and incessant traffic jams? Vote these idiots out.

By Boomer

August 23, 2007 10:24 AM | Link to this

Let’s see what the Atlanta Chapter of the NAACP thinks, since they have an opinion for everything!!!

By KAN

August 23, 2007 10:25 AM | Link to this

What people wear in this sense is being taken too far. There is so much more for the gov’t to attack, for example, the horrible roads, beltways and the totatl transportion within the Metro Atlanta, housing and better quality of life. This is not going to stop by making it law. Then what will the attack next and the next thing may affect you, where this issues doesn’t. Then what?

By Vince

August 23, 2007 10:26 AM | Link to this

I’m glad to see the city’s tax dollars going towards fighting this hideous display of bad attire as opposed to fixing the infrastructure of the city, addressing the homeless, creating new jobs, and helping out with traffic issues. Thank goodness the City Council has their moral agenda ahead of anything else. Why don’t they legislate that all women wear burkas inside the city limits. That would cure all of this.

By Justice 4 All

August 23, 2007 10:28 AM | Link to this

I just want to say this all of the people that are saying these kids are thugs and etc because of the way there dressed are a bunch of old school sour rednecks. I don’t wear my pants in that manner but at least I’m smart enough to know that it’s just the style that’s all! I doesn’t make you a thug it doesn’t mean you’re a loser it’s no different than in the early 1990’s we wore high top fades and cross color jeans. It’s no different than in the 1950 all the kids were wearing leather jackets with there hair slicked back. It’s just a style and If your getting bent all out of shape when you see it take your Old A** home or accept it! Kids NEVER dress like you want them to they never had and never will! Your suffering from a generation gap and don’t understand so your obvious response is something crazy like passing a law to make them dress to what you think is appropriate. People look for any reason to call black people thugs. Hey Georgia turn up your collar your redneck is showing!So pass a law to make kids oull up there pants Im sure the youth really is going to straighten up then LOL!!!

By Larry K

August 23, 2007 10:29 AM | Link to this

Is it against the law to give these thugs “wedgies”???????

By Dan

August 23, 2007 10:29 AM | Link to this

Atlanta you should just be glad peeps are wearing underwear and bras. Thirty or fourty years ago the bras were getting burned and have you noticed all the people who don’t wear undies at all? Well I have and it’s not a pretty site.

By Say What

August 23, 2007 10:31 AM | Link to this

I think it’s GREAT. Enough said.

By master

August 23, 2007 10:33 AM | Link to this

Bring on the Lay Its indecent excposure. Adult who accept this life stye and only sick people that dont give a dawn about the direction of these kids lives.I say fine then lock them up .If you choose to break the law then pay the price.We know black men are the largest in the jail population. How can you condone such behavior when it praise prison life.To many unfit parents raising babies in Georgia.Ban the saggy pants or neuter the loser want to be parents.

By charlie_s

August 23, 2007 10:33 AM | Link to this

You can’t regulate stupidity!

If you could, Atlanta wouldn’t have a City Council!

By ConservativeDem

August 23, 2007 10:33 AM | Link to this

Look at the liberals go whacko! Lmao! If it means being opposed to a decent mainstream figure, they go for it right! If it is vulgar, distastful, and against anything normal and traditional, the aclu will attack it and the liberals will worship it. Is it because most of the leadership in the aclu is not normal. My wife and I did not allow my kids to dress like that when they were teenagers. Is this the result of single parenting? Or not parenting? It does not matter because someone drive by and shout out the race word and all the liberals will join in the chant. I am so glad I do not live in Atlanta. I avoid it at every opportunity. And those of you who call out names like hicks and such. We need to meet! I can educate you on that racist word.

By Tom

August 23, 2007 10:34 AM | Link to this

I have a problem with anybody legislating a dress code like this. In the 60’s (when I grew up) we had bell bottoms and long hair. We were unwashed and protested just for the social aspect of it. But, like everything else, we had to learn to conform in order to earn money. I guess what I am trying to say is: let everyone have their statement and hopefully they will realize as they get older and need money, they will also conform. Conforming is not a dirty word.

By gh

August 23, 2007 10:35 AM | Link to this

Other cities across the U.S. are trying to adopt this law! Not just Atlanta. All you haters who live OTP stop dishing someplace you don’t even live. Besides if people want to look stupid then let them.

By Philly

August 23, 2007 10:35 AM | Link to this

CT Martin is an idiot, plain & simple. What a complete waste of taxpayer money even discussing this proposed law. If passed how much money would be spent defending this law in court? Easily millions. Every Atlanta resident should be outraged. I propose a law banning lawmakers from proposing ridiculous laws!

By Brad

August 23, 2007 10:36 AM | Link to this

This is ridiculous

Just like other laws that have been stricken from other municipal records. One hundred years from now more enlightened Americans will look back on this proposed law (if it passes) and see how ignorant people were in the early millenium.

By burrito

August 23, 2007 10:36 AM | Link to this

i think they should ban man wearing speedos too.

By J.Smith

August 23, 2007 10:37 AM | Link to this

So if someone well meaning person bends over or reach up causing their shirt to come up and expose their underwear then they should go to jail. This is stupid. Just another reason to keep young people from enjoying their youth, and a added reason to fine and send black males to jail. Anytime blacks try to have fun in any capicity Atlanta leaders try to change laws to stop them. (Buckhead,Park gatherings,etc.)

By Debra

August 23, 2007 10:37 AM | Link to this

While listening to Michael Baisden show, ex-cons were part of the discussion and calling in; one particular caller explained that the baggy pants come from the jail environment of those who have been punked out and have to wear their pants to identify themselves as belonging to someone; when they leave the prison and come out and continue wearing their pants this way, it caught on as a fashion without the education of real meaning of wearing the pants this way. How about if the ignorance is replaced with knowing what it means and let them decide from there. I disagree with the law to a certain extent, although, I hate the appearance of someones crack staring at everybody. How about if the pants are drooped, the crack not be exposed.

The thongs; NASTY!!!!!!!!!!!!

PLEASE OUTLAW THIS IMMEDIATELY!!!!

Sport Bras and Bra straps; Ridiculous!!!!!! Take off the table of discussion. Like one of the other writers said; next it will be bikinis.

By putemallonanisland

August 23, 2007 10:38 AM | Link to this

Of course the law is aimed at curbing gangs and violence. When was the last time that a doctor in scrubs bumped shoulders (on purpose)with you at Phipps or (god forbid Lenox)? When was the last time a nice old grandma made you feel uncomforatable standing behind you (and I mean close) at an ATM? Now replace these people with long white t-shirts, baggy jeans, and skull caps. What do you think now?

My grandfather gave me some good advice one time. I want everyone to live by it:

If you don’t want to be called one, don’t act like one.

Plain and simple. When this country can finally come to grips with profiling and attitudes then we can all move on. a 2 year old kid with Sponge Bob toys isn’t going to blow up a plane nor is a 95 year old grandma in a wheel chair. Who is? The same people that have done it in the past. If they are green and from Mars, look for these type of people. Same with the baggy thug jeans. I can’t understand how a portion of the popluation can glorify being a thug, selling drugs, being in jail, from the hood, etc. You say it’s because that’s how you grew up? I grew up in the country riding bicycles and playing GI JOE with my friends but you don’t see me riding a bike everywhere or dressed in fatigues do you? Why not glorify being educated, financially secure, off wellfare, owning your own home, being part of a community? It’s because these people have their priorities goofed-up. It’s like having $500 cash in your pocket and spending it all at once. We know what being “rich” like that is about!

So, if you have a hard time with rules and such, then let your fellow rule breakers and other peeps know how you feel. For the terrorist: if you guys dont want to be considered radical and a fundamentalist, then don’t act like one. Tell your freinds to cool it. That’s it.
Don’t want to be hassled by the man? Don’t act f’n suspicious! Don’t act like a thug! Show respect! Don’t dress like a thug!

If you don’t want to be called one, don’t act like one. Glorify being a human. One day it will count.

By Iknewit

August 23, 2007 10:39 AM | Link to this

How did I KNOW this would get a blog when articles on The Barbie Bandit did not, The Sherrif in Towns County did not, the thug executive at SunTrust did not…

D*mn AJC, be less transparent with these blog “selections.”

By T.

August 23, 2007 10:39 AM | Link to this

This coming from the same state that still glorifies the confederacy….

The article states that “saggy pants started when prisoners’ belts were taken off and the prisoners’ pants drooped down. Once teens who’d been arrested were back on the street, they wore saggy pants to show the loss of a belt does not mean a loss of personal power. Other teens followed suit to show support, she said.”

What jail allows belts?

“The target is young men who wear their pants low off their hips to show off the two pairs of boxers they wear beneath their saggy pants,”

2 pairs??? lol I guess the other pair is the emergency back up. Maybe if it was actully 2 pairs of shorts…what then?

Remember the NBA shorts in the 80’s, what about today? Should we all squeeze into tight jeans where your personals sweat and stick all day? I hope not!

Lastly…You see signs that read…”No shirt, No Shoes, No service.” I could see a similar sign regarding this, but that would be at the owner of the establishments disgression. Making it a crime, I believe is a violation of the Bill of Rights, Freedom of expression.

Atlanta City council I guess should target Levi’s as the culprit, as I bought my 1st pair of SilverTab “BAGGY” fit jeans about 18 years ago.

By Personally

August 23, 2007 10:42 AM | Link to this

Land of the free. I don’t care for the fad at all (and I’m a black male, for the record), but I don’t believe children walking in their neighborhoods and cities should have their little trends dictated to them by the government.

Question: Are we going to ban the big girls from wearing their stomachs “out”? What about lip and eyelid rings? Offensive is a matter of taste, and I don’t like to see those things.

Wouldn’t try to BAN them though.

By Cindy Moyer

August 23, 2007 10:42 AM | Link to this

Where I come from and the way I was raised this was called common sense. Yes make them pull the pants up tuck in the shirt and put on a belt. Ladies dress like ladies, no one care what color bra and panites you have on.

By Cindy Moyer

August 23, 2007 10:42 AM | Link to this

Where I come from and the way I was raised this was called common sense. Yes make them pull the pants up tuck in the shirt and put on a belt. Ladies dress like ladies, no one cares what color bra and panites you have on.

By Pachacutec

August 23, 2007 10:42 AM | Link to this

I have to admit that I think pants which show boxers/thongs underneath are trashy looking, but really; does this require legislation? And a woman can be charged if her bra strap is showing? Nice to know that the Atlanta legislature has nothing more important to worry about.

By Cindy Moyer

August 23, 2007 10:42 AM | Link to this

Where I come from and the way I was raised this was called common sense. Yes make them pull the pants up tuck in the shirt and put on a belt. Ladies dress like ladies, no one cares what color bra and panites you have on.

By Randy Moore

August 23, 2007 10:43 AM | Link to this

“So I was on vacation in Atlanta and I had to scratch my belly. I picked up my shirt to relieve the itch, accidentally exposing my Calvin Klein boxer’s waistband. Four cops jumped out of the bushes, a small SWAT team landed on the street. I was thrown against the wall and arrested on the stop.”

Whew! I’m never vacationing in Atlanta again.

So who decides, in a split second, who is violating this ridiculous law, and who is merely scratching his belly?

And when a guy bends over to get a loaf bread, if there’s a cop behind him who sees the jockey shorts waistband will he be arrested?

And is the objection for boxers only or briefs too?

Will plumbers be arrested first for always showing their crack?

Will the law apply even in someone’s own home? Will a man have to sleep in a full three piece suit instead of comfy boxers?

And while we’re at it, can we legislate the color of said boxers because I believe we should have a law that states people should only wear white underwear!!!

City Council of Atlanta, none of you should ever be elected again, for even thinking this idea is anything but a dangerous abuse of government. intrusion.

By Antonius Wallace

August 23, 2007 10:43 AM | Link to this

I am the father of 3 little girls. I can’t stand for them to have to see the underwear of men or boys out in public. I am in full support of this proposal. My 13 year old son has been told how “saggin” started in prison with the easy targets. I don’t know if this can be a law or if we as parents need to but a stop to it ourselves.

By Feeling it

August 23, 2007 10:48 AM | Link to this

Unfortunately the issue of exposed boxers, behinds, bras and breasts affect those who sport decency. It truly has gotten out of hand. Young African-Americans are not the only ones sagging and bagging. Check out the Caucasian, Latino and Asian groups. It sends a negative message to ALL of America, so don’t make this a racial issue. If parents won’t say no and set a higher standard for their kids, I say GO FOR IT city council.

By Carey

August 23, 2007 10:49 AM | Link to this

After visiting your city recently I would have to say this would be a great idea! Driving to the zoo myself, my husband and my 3 small children witnessed a man standing on the corner during the afternoon with his pants hanging low. It’s not like I don’t see this where I am from but this mans pants were so low that you could see his hair leading to his front private parts. It was the most disgusting vulgar display I have ever seen. It’s true this should be common sense and most people may not do this and people should have the right to wear what they want but if it is affecting other people around them it should be illegal and those people should be fined. Our society has become one that we should ignore a persons behavior or acts because he has a right because we live in a country of freedom but honestly when are these people going to respect other peoples rights. All the people who do this you look dumb because you have to walk funny to hold up your pants! Let’s get back to a society of common respect for ALL people.

By keith

August 23, 2007 10:51 AM | Link to this

Ok in the eighties, they gave tickets for indecent exposure in Colorado, and California manly to African American’s who walks around with there pants sagging. It wasn’t until Mark Wahlberg came out with his hit, “Good Vibrations “showing his pants down did the mainstream (white America) get into it to the point the GAP/ Calvin Klein ran ads showing Mark pants shagging. The point is, I find it tasteless like others, but this is just another way of racial profiling. How many tickets do you think will be given out in Alpharetta vs. southwest side of town. And wait, woman it is very hard not to show a braw strap on certain clothing. NO MORE SUMMER BLOSSES., or JOGGING IN PUBLIC. We have harsher things that need more legal attention, then the style of one’s clothing. Don’t forget must if not all the poor cannot afford a simple thing as a belt. And the fashion arrived from wearing your old brothers hammy down clothes.

By JanWeir

August 23, 2007 10:51 AM | Link to this

I am a Grandma in Michigan and a Realtor. I applaude Atlanta for trying to do something. I also applaud the NAACP for trying to clean up the language in music.
I don’t agree that it is simply young black men. There are plenty of whites and mixed cultures following this as well. It is certainly a good way to “hide” illegal items such as weapons and drugs.
The jailhouse style, as I have heard, is because the clothes issued in our prisons does not always “fit” the inmates. That coupled with the arrogance and attitude was then put to the streets of our American youth. I don’t believe it is just the clothes but an attitude, music and the performers,that goes with it. Hopefully, this negative and blatent language will soon cease in the rap and hip-hop music. It is nothing new, just more aggressive and very out-spoken. Songs of love have turned to songs of casual sex which our young ones are listening to. Anything we can do to ensure our children are clean, healthy (both physically and mentally), educated and prepared for the working world they are about to embark on is a vote from me.

By MP

August 23, 2007 10:55 AM | Link to this

Women should be more concerned on having a bra strap slip or not being able to jog in 100 degree heat while wearing a sports bra without a shirt on top of it. Everyone is just looking at the baggy pants and ignoring the bra issue. I almost think that women are being targeted more than young men who wear baggy pants.

By Ray

August 23, 2007 10:56 AM | Link to this

Hope this is a joke. I’d hate to see Atlanta, Georgia in general, devolve to this type of totalitarian control. There is no attack I can see which would warrant a defense here. Creating crimes to warrant further control and restrictions on a populous is an old dictatorial tact. No good can come of it, these fads will pass and sooner for lack of attention.

By MrLiberty

August 23, 2007 10:57 AM | Link to this

What’s indecent is a city council that year after year for the past 100 years has ignored the problems of its own crumbling infrastructure. Water main breaks are costing residents millions of dollars and millions of gallons of water at a time when the supply is short. Disruptions in traffic that result cost businesses further milions in lost customers and wasted time.

Too much time on their hands obviously. Here we see another law requiring no intent for conviction. Expect to see thousands of innocents caught in this horrigle law’s snare.

While we are at it, why not include ugly weaves, hair colors that cannot occur naturally, and exposed butt cracks on plumbers.

Wake up city council. You were hired to run city operations, not ban the public exposure of the inside of Mayor Franklin’s mouth.

By WN

August 23, 2007 10:58 AM | Link to this

Do any of the people wearing oversized pants or pants that show their thongs have a college education? I would bet it all and say NO - It all comes down to being educated. I’m embarassed for the thugs that wear this ghetto gear. Maybe if you throw them in jail for wearing such absurd attire crime rates will go down - Now there’s a thought!

By Jane

August 23, 2007 10:59 AM | Link to this

This concept is ridiculous. As a parent of a child that CHOSE to wear the pants to big etc—he was making a statement—I made one too—if thats how he chose to dress then he could buy the pants and when he decided to grow up I would outfit him in cloths that fit. I raised my children to be independent. To know that they do have the right to choose and that they have to live with the choices they make. Clothes that I wore in high school would NEVER make it to my closet today. And as my son has gotten older his clothes have started fitting better—he still chooses the wide legs but they fit better at the waist—the shirts were always a fit. The boxers no longer show.
This has everything to do with kids wanting to make parents cringe. And as long as it is only clothing and no one is getting hurt —no harm no foul. This has nothing to do with racial profiling as all young men I know dress this way. I will assume that the writer of this bill is a proponent of school uniforms also. Look bottom line; kids do things to upset adults and always will. If you truly want to do something find some solution to the education system, homeless individuals, healthcare issues and quit making problems where non exist. For that matter, my bra strap falls occassionally and can be seen by the general public—oh well, get over it!~ I will go to a restroom and adjust it. To the writer of this please climb out of your ivory tower long enough to go talk to some of these young men and women that dress in the matter you find inappropriate. You will see that many are immulating hipperformers or trying to get on their parents last nerve. And please open your eyes this is not I repeat NOT a race issue.

By PEH

August 23, 2007 11:00 AM | Link to this

This is clearly getting out of hand in Atlanta, and I am shocked that this is even being considered. I served in the military, and have fought for freemdom and rights for not only Americans, but people around the world. Citizens of GA. really need to take a closer look at what is being proposed here. It appears that more and more freedom of expressions are being taken away everyday. I for one one does not like the way it looks either, but I also don’t like seeing people with alot of nose and body rings or tatoos, but I don’t see a proposal to ban that. This is clearly racially targeted or one idiots’ opinion. I have seen elderly men with their pants “sagging” a bit and not trying, and also plummers, do we fine them as well? Let’s stop this now, and let common sense become a factor, the police already have enough on their plate with all the crime in the city, and dont have time to become fashion police.

By Pam

August 23, 2007 11:03 AM | Link to this

I thought our forefathers came to this country and fought for freedom from England’s harsh ruling, but now we’re turning into what we came to this country to get away from!? I like to wear baggy pants, but they don’t sag to the point where my underwear are showing and now I have to wear pretty much what I’m told to wear….I don’t think so. This is just another law because parents don’t want to be parents and put the blame on someone else instead of themselves.

By BigMac

August 23, 2007 11:04 AM | Link to this

I don’t like the way you dress - so I’ll create a law that forces you to dress how I see fit.

What is this…the United States of Afganistan?

The American Taliban lives!

By Benjamin John

August 23, 2007 11:06 AM | Link to this

TV repairmen are running scared. Is this a great country or what?

By Al

August 23, 2007 11:08 AM | Link to this

I’m glad Atlanta is considering prohibiting the pornographic display of skin and horrible style of baggy pants. It’s an entirely inappropriate subculture, and I certainly wouldn’t hire anyone who dresses in that fashion.

By Lexus430

August 23, 2007 11:10 AM | Link to this

We have got to vote for better candidates! This is the most horrific thing I’ve ever heard of. Why can’t our congressmen become involved in issues that support real crimes? I can see this becomming another “Genarlo Wilson” mishap - oh, we didn’t intend for the law to be used in this way! We can barely get our police to protect the streets, now you are asking them to monitor a dress code? This is such crap! Congressman Martin, there are other things that deserve your attention - how about you getting involved and drumming up support for the Jena Six? That’s where the real injustice is!

By FrankLeeDarling

August 23, 2007 11:13 AM | Link to this

somebody better let the plumbers union know about this

By Jeff

August 23, 2007 11:15 AM | Link to this

Showing a bra strap? Half of corporate Atlanta will be in jail. What about all those plumbers? How about fat CEO’s who can never get their shirts tucked in properly. Come on Atlanta….kids are starving in your city and you want to spend resources on silliness. What’s next? perhaps a ban on people kissing? I’d like to know what the sponsor of this legislation thinks people wear under there clothes….and what about the window dressers who do mall displays?Is the retailer now not allowed to display thier wares in a store windows? It’s funny about America…..violence on tee vee and in theaters (not to mention real violence in the streets) but show anything sensual and in to jail you go. America…..land of the free indeed. Perhaps a law on silliness is in order.

Jeff (a Canadian in America)

By Nails

August 23, 2007 11:17 AM | Link to this

This guy is a freakin idiot. The councel shoots down DC 6 which was used against actual criminals and wants to waste our time on this. Maybe they should rename a street after Mike Vick at the same time! His district is crime ridden and a blight to the City…Lets worry about real issues.

By Sarah

August 23, 2007 11:20 AM | Link to this

I agree with having some type of law stopping the baggy pants and exposure of underware. We do need to be decent with our cloths. You can be free to express yourself without showing everyone your underclothing. I also think women should respect themselves enough to not show me a thong, wear if you like it, but be tasteful and not cheap. It is not about the dark ages as someone quoted or the Bible Belt, it is about consideration for others and yes children. Thank you

By Freedom

August 23, 2007 11:24 AM | Link to this

I don’t like this kind of dress either but it’s not my right to tell others how to dress. It also tells me about the person doing it, perhaps we should all wear government issued uniforms. He says that he will be using church members to get behind him. This is just another way to inflict his own and others religious beliefs onto society. It’s very much discrimination but the person’s color isn’t in question; it’s our religious and personal freedoms.

By Scooter

August 23, 2007 11:25 AM | Link to this

This is another example of politicians using their powers to manipulate the behavior of “free” people. Personally I think the trend looks ridiculous but can find humor in it. For example, most kids who wear their draws droopin are trying to portray a “hard” image. However, if you are really “hard”, it is likely you are pursued by cops often and having your draws falling around your ankles is not conducive to evading capture.

But to each his own, the position of their draws in no way affects my life, liberty, or pursuit of happiness.

By Mrs. Gould

August 23, 2007 11:28 AM | Link to this

BS”D

Wow, wonderful feedback…things are’nt so black and white…it’s really indicative of our culture and how we feel about ourselves. The more we have materially, the more free time, the more we lose touch with “survival” and fall into it’s a “pleasure” trip…our egos get more inflated..whether rich or poor, no matter what race, …we start to be bored and start contemplating our “navel” or focusing on what our great grandparents would have thought were silly things. For a realty check …check out immigrants..a lot of them are focused, “hungry”, determined…and usually goal oriented. This issue of how we look in public shows a declining self esteem issue in ourselves and if we don’t correct ourselves..something “bigger than us” will…we, each need to look inward and change ourselves but it has to be with unconditional acceptance that our neighbor has a right to change at her or his own pace..a paradoxical occurance, yes …it has to be a grass roots movement regardless of race, age, religion or family status.

By Shanaynay

August 23, 2007 11:28 AM | Link to this

Holy crap! Call Jesse and Al!

By Sherrell

August 23, 2007 11:31 AM | Link to this

I think it’s a very good idea. It’s a shame that it has come to this, however, if the parents can’t stop this kind of dressing then I am glad that there will be an ordiance that will possibly do what parents have failed to do.

By JBMW

August 23, 2007 11:31 AM | Link to this

I’m do not like to see young men or women wearing saggy pants or shorts. However that is a personal choice. Is this really how you want our government to spend tax payer’s money voting on this?

By Anonymous1

August 23, 2007 11:35 AM | Link to this

To all the boneheads that actually like this stupid law:

How would you like it if, say, the city of Atlanta decided to ban minivans? After all, all the other drivers on the road get annoyed at the minivan doing 60mph in the left lane of the Perimeter, why not just ban them?

See how much sense that makes?

If you don’t like how people are dressing in the city, don’t go there.

Besides, all it would take is for a cop to arrest a trophy wife for her bra strap showing and this law would be gone faster than Michael Vick’s NFL career. Or if they arrested booth girls at the convention center, have you seen what they wear? What if a woman is wearing a bikini top instead of a bra and its strings show? Would it be illegal to have the bikini strings showing but legal to take the shirt off and wear just the bikini top? Or what if women just start going bra-less? Is that what you really want?

Personally, I’m a Republican and a conservative, and I think that if they’re not exposing their genitalia, then just leave them the heck alone. Leave the clothing police to the Islamic countries.

By Jane

August 23, 2007 11:40 AM | Link to this

I have seen 70-year-old grandmas with bra straps sticking out innocently from their dresses. So should they be arrested too?

I have bra straps that show under a tank top sometimes, because the alternative is to have exposed nipples. So which is more indecent? No woman should be forced to wear a burka in the summer when men are allowed to go shirtless.

EXPOSED BRA STRAPS SHOULD NOT BE ILLEGAL. I will happily boycott Atlanta if this insane law passes.

By Charles

August 23, 2007 11:42 AM | Link to this

The United States Supreme Court is morally right in extending prohibition on student expression to anything deemed as promoting illicit drug use; “Bong Hits 4 Jesus” case. A responsibility of the church is to influence citizens to have good, decent, social, public and private morals. Legally, I think The United States Supreme Court’s decision is unconstitutional.

Atlanta city councilman C. T. Martin is morally right by proposing a saggy pants amendment, “the indecent exposure of his or her undergarments” would be unlawful in a public place. The proposal, law, may be morally right but unconstitutional.

It is the duty of the churches, synagogues, mosques, etc., to provide good, moral, decency values to citizens. If these sacred institutions have lost their influence over citizens, the city, county, state and federal government should address such issues by default of these sacred institutions.

By Melinda Kizer

August 23, 2007 11:45 AM | Link to this

Oh please - this is unenforceable and I cannot imagine how far this could be extended. So, if a middle-aged woman is accidentally showing a bra strap or underwear, you’re going to fine her? An older man whose pants slide to show the top of his waistband when bending down? No, I am not thrilled with pants starting at the top of the thigh - but this is something that the family and the general public can do without a law. We can laugh, we can admonish, we can ridicule - businesses can refuse to serve those whose apparel is inconsistent with their requirements. This, too, shall pass…

By Shawn

August 23, 2007 11:46 AM | Link to this

This is getting out of hand. I think the legislators have lost control and now want to get control again. It does require a law to stop this behavior. It requires stern reprimand. It you had not let it go on so long it would not be hard to get rid of. The celebrity stars started it. They should never have been given the go ahead that it was acceptable.

By Rosie

August 23, 2007 11:54 AM | Link to this

I don’t like baggy pants and thongs poking out, but c’mon folks, are we in Atlanta or Puritan England???

By Freedom of choice

August 23, 2007 11:57 AM | Link to this

Do we still live in America? I think it looks dumb to see guys walking around with the pants hanging off their butts. In Atlanta like Detroit where I live there are bigger problems like crime, unemployment, education, health care. You want young people to dress neater this has to come from the home. Their attitudes have to change passing a law alone will not do it.

By Charles

August 23, 2007 12:03 PM | Link to this

The worst part is not the baggy pants but the vulgar actions of hanging onto the crotch while wearing them.

This aint cool, its vulgar.

By Maxine Harris

August 23, 2007 12:03 PM | Link to this

I totally agree. The jailhouse origin of this ‘fashion’ needs to stay in the jail.

By David Monreal

August 23, 2007 12:04 PM | Link to this

Unfortunately common sense and consideration used to go a long way to addressing these problems. As we have moved away from shared values we are having to address issues that mom should have addressed at home.

I don’t appreciate seeing other people’s sweaty butt-crack (it may sound gross but it is worse seeing it). Public decency reminds us that we shouldn’t do things that unnecessarily offend others.

By the way, a little research will reveal that baggy pants started in the L.A. prison system in the early 1990’s when they stopped giving out belts because inmates were using them as weapons. It became a status symbol of having been in jail by west coast hip hop.

One last thing, regardless of where it started it is not racist to stop offensive behavior. That is a fallacy of origins.

By Albert

August 23, 2007 12:04 PM | Link to this

I remember back in 1985 while stationed(Air Force) in San Antonio, TX I often saw young Latino males sporting sagging pants. This is not so new. It just became a fad here in recent years. Also, perhaps 15 years ago, there or about, a prison in Oregon had a contract with a private company to make jeans using prison labor. The jeans were called Convict Jeans and were designed with a “prison stripe” on the legs of the jeans. The prison could not keep up with the demand from the Japanese. The young people in Japan were crazy about the jeans. I don’t agree that we need a law on the books banning a particular form of dress, but I do get disgusted whenever I see young people exposing their behinds as a fashion statement.

By teri

August 23, 2007 12:05 PM | Link to this

Im for it i wish my state would do this. I mean i dont want my daughter and son seeing other people underwear. In tn we see aot of girls showing thongs when they dont need too and guys bagging shorts showing off there underwear so i say go for it maybe other states will follow this..

By Jane

August 23, 2007 12:07 PM | Link to this

I do not want the government involved in my life any more than necessary and this isn’t it. Parents speak to their children regarding appropriate attire however as this blog attests—there are plenty of perfect previous children who always did as their parents wanted. I made my wishes known to my children and put more effort into making sure they remained drug free and occupied so their was less chance that they would get into mischief. They found mischief anyway but not nearly as much as they could have.
Sherrell: it is painfully obvious that you have no children— Even in movies from the 1950’s children would leave home and change into peddle pushers and change back into the dress prior to getting home. No one was hurt-some mischief—but it was harmless. Children need boundaries but once they are teens, they are and must be treated as young adults. They need to be aware of the consequences of their actions so they may continue to grow into productive ADULTS. Preferrably adults that don’t waste our time with this nonsense.

By Sylvia

August 23, 2007 12:14 PM | Link to this

It’s obvious from the comments that most of us agree on the stupidity of this idea - the bottom line is, there are a lot more important problems our mayor and city council need to be focusing on. Open your eyes and look around at the pimps and hookers and panhandlers - do you prefer to see this over baggy pants? Don’t be ridiculous!

By tk

August 23, 2007 12:15 PM | Link to this

This only shows that we have morons in government places. With all the real problems we have, I find it offensive that this issue is even being discussed. To call saggy pants an “epidemic” shows just how shortsighted these people are.

What a waste of time and tax dollars.

By Peace

August 23, 2007 12:17 PM | Link to this

Mr. Martin what are you thinking..Come on now I do not people with long beards they just do not look right especially the long ones..I want to ask a question when you see these young people with the exposed underwear and the thongs do you stop and talk to them to understand them?? Come now we are where young a one time…Start a youth camp maybe you will have more influence.. Peace

By LDJ

August 23, 2007 12:20 PM | Link to this

It’s a shame we have to legislate decency — but if we do, so be it. I’m sick & tired of my children being conditioned to undergarment visibility!! It just ain’t OK.

By Stop Wasting Time

August 23, 2007 12:21 PM | Link to this

The downfall of society will not come about because people walk around with a portion of their undergarment showing. What’s next? Should we consider regulating what type of underwear can be worn? What if someone decides they want to go “commando” style?

If a parent doesn’t like the way their children dresses then talk to them and get them to stop it. Since when did it become necessary for the state to become the parent?

By Derek

August 23, 2007 12:24 PM | Link to this

.

Baggy / Saggy Pants Look Stupid …

So do the people wearing them …

.

By Mister

August 23, 2007 12:28 PM | Link to this

OMG! Give me a break! The answer is not more government, it is the parents responsibility to raise their children. If parents would be parents for once the kids would not dress like this. Step up parents where ever you are…….

By runrolandrun

August 23, 2007 12:31 PM | Link to this

I think the ordinance would be a good idea. It is ridiculous that I can’t walk down the street without seeing the UNDERWEAR of 75% of the people I encounter. One comment I read earlier said the proposal is racially motivated. WRONG!! It’s not a proposal to stop any one particular sector of society from showing their underwear. It’s a ban against ANYONE doing it. I see so many are calling a ban on baggy pants. WRONG AGAIN!! Baggy pants would be okay. A person would be able to wear their pants as baggy as they please. They would just not be able to show their underwear in the process. The bottom line is that I shouldn’t have to see YOUR underwear. One person said their son wears his pants sagging with his underwear showing to make a statement. Please explain what statement he’s making.

By Bryan

August 23, 2007 12:38 PM | Link to this

I think this is a very racist recommendation for Atlanta and any city for that matter. The bulk of young men wearing their pants like that are black. It’s just what is in and part of our culture. The city itself has become an epidemic in the hip hop culture. I’m a black male and I use to wear my pants down also but it was the style when I was 15 and 16. I’m now 26 and I still like my street clothes to be loose fitting but I’m not walking with them down to my ankles. There were styles back in the 60s and 70s that I’m sure were not considered appropriate. I think this is another reason for young black men to be harassed by police for no reason. I still get profiled just because of my clothing and I have a bachelors degree. I feel really sorry because I’ve always look at Atlanta as a great world class city where different cultures can come together and be accepted. I think there are other issues like expanding MARTA and really make the “M” stand for metropolitian or dealing with real crimes. Not to say that it nice seeing someones underwear but it is just a fad and if they aren’t causing trouble or literally “mooning” you then what is the big deal? They will grow out of it. The same with the young women. It is just a fad. Showing a little thong is what is sexy and in now and fashion is generated toward young people more so then adults in their 40s and 50s. Let the kids be kids because when you were their age you did crazy things too.

By patricia

August 23, 2007 12:45 PM | Link to this

I do think it will help some of these kids,some are not leaders so they will do what it takes to get attention,lets try to show them a good way to get attention,but I do feel that seeing underwear is a no brainer——no.

By BDD

August 23, 2007 12:47 PM | Link to this

Just ditch the pants and wear the shorts, I see people wearing shorts every day.

By Practica

August 23, 2007 12:51 PM | Link to this

How is this style “Black”? It’s a toddler style - the wearer looks more ridiculous than obscene - like they’re wearing a poopy diaper in need of change. Ban it? Heck, just point out how stupid it looks - on people of all ethnicity - on billboards around town, and watch it disappear.

These guys couldn’t even run away from a wild horse, if there were any horses downtown - they look like little children, clutching their crotches to prevent their backsides - and their diapers? - from showing behind them.

By R DOBBS

August 23, 2007 12:52 PM | Link to this

IT DONT LOOK GOOD, BUT PASSES A LAW IS BAD NEWS

By DLH

August 23, 2007 12:52 PM | Link to this

ABSOLUTELY THIS TYPE OF DRESS NEEDS TO BE BANNED!!!
Our heritage, culture and community does not hail from a jail cell. It’s concerning enough that elements of our race see nothing wrong with and indeed count as a badge of honor time spent incarcerated; in which this type of dress is given and indicative of the level of respect accorded an incarcerated black man. Forced to wear this type of dress, while INSIDE the jail because of a lack of respect is one thing…to perpetuate this type of dress OUTSIDE the jail is despicable. In wearing this, one shows not only that you do not care that others don’t respect you but that, indeed, you have no respect for yourself… so why should they!!!!!!!

By Sherdina Long

August 23, 2007 12:54 PM | Link to this

Leave people alone, I do not like the style myself, but there are so many important things to fight for, those people who legistrate new laws need a life, I do not beleive they waste so much time, when they need a reality check to see the world for what it is and fight for better life, start programs for people get get jobs, stop sending our jobs oveersea, it was good enough for our grand parents to work in factory, bring those jobs back to the U.S we buy it why not produce, and create jobs. Then you will not see baggy pants, because after you really work all day you will not want to be pulling up your pants, you be to tired.

By Amused Reader

August 23, 2007 12:59 PM | Link to this

ANYONE on here supporting this law needs to think about two things- 1, if this law passes, what do you think will be next? What if something you think is appropriate or acceptable is all of sudden banned? We live in a free country where people should be able to wear what they want, even the idiots with sagging pants.

Secondly, IT’S UNDERWEAR PEOPLE!!! EVERYONE WEARS IT!!! It’s not like they are showing thier genitals, who cares if I can see the Tommy Hilfiger waistband?? Are they going to tell teenage girls they can’t expose any stomach next?

I think it’s tacky and ridiculous as well, and anyone on here claiming someone wearing them wouldn’t get hired for a job… well no kidding! That’s not the point. If we started letting city state or federal goverment sanction our individual dress or appearance, regardless of what it is, it will make precedence for them to ban other stuff in the future.

I would also like to point out a case where a woman who walked around NYC topless sued the city for wrongful arrest. She won and collected by arguing if men can go topless, so should women. I think walking around with your breasts hanging out is also ridiculous, but would you rather have your kids see some underwear, or a stranger’s breasts?? COME ON PEOPLE

By Jay

August 23, 2007 1:03 PM | Link to this

I’m more offended by business casual clothes than baggy pants.

By Eryn

August 23, 2007 1:08 PM | Link to this

Parents Need to Parent This is the most ridiculous waste of taxpayers money that I have ever heard of. I PERSONALLY don’t wear any of the aformentioned items, but I don’t see any problem with people who want to do whatever they want to do as long as it doesn’t hurt anybody else. There are soldiers dying in Iraq, there are drugs being sold across the country, there are people dying in unsolved crimes, there’s domestic violence, theres a proliferation of other crimes that NEED to be policed and fashion or lack thereof is not one of them!

For those who say this is not a new form of racial profiling they are obviously not living in the America where a “Black” Michael Vick is persecuted and prosecuted to the full extent of the law but a “White” Lindsey Lohan can drive on a suspended license while drunk for the 2nd time while having cocaine in her possesion and not be charged and immediately thrown in jail for possession of a controlled illegal substance! Had that been a young black youth, would they be in rehab in Utah…no, they would be in jail.

So, if the person fined $500 for showing their boxers can’t afford $500, where will they end up? Hmmm…in jail perhaps?! Who do we know to be the predominant culture to wear baggy jeans…Black youth? So, another way to jail young blacks!

If the parent quoted in the article is so concerned about her daughter and setting higher ideals of what her daughter should and should not wear, she needs to do her job as a parent! My parents showed me the way, and I’m better for it. We can’t allow the government to step in where parents should be! Martin should be ashamed of himself with all the bigger issues in the world or in Atlanta, that this is what he chooses to focus on! I think traffic in Atlanta would be a more productive issue!

By Jane

August 23, 2007 1:09 PM | Link to this

Runrolandrun: The statement he was making was that it was his life and the way he chose to dress. I did explain my position-I refused to buy the jeans he wore so he took a job and bought them himself to prove his point (at this time the cost for JANKO jeans was roughly $150 a pair)—remember he was a TEENAGER at this point and it was all a part of his REBELLION stage—HE GREW OUT OF IT! The pants are still big in the legs but the waist now fits and I no longer see his boxers when he visits.

None of us can say we were perfect TEENAGERS—The mere word Teenager can make most adults/parents in particular cringe. Yes, we all went through it and we know we will get our children to where they need to be but to quote a friend: Why can’t we just freeze them till they are 21 years old and adults?—If we did then the 21 year old would cause the same reaction a 16 to 18 year old causes now.

By Irritated

August 23, 2007 1:10 PM | Link to this

This is ridiculous. Atlanta needs to get its act together and worry about more pressing issues than what people are wearing. Yes, boxers hanging out is unattractive, but how about dealing with the sewer/water issues, traffic congestion, public transportation or the lack thereof…the list goes on. This city is sad.

By Rudy

August 23, 2007 1:21 PM | Link to this

Puleeeez don’t make it agin the law to wear baggy pants! Us overweight, donut eatin’ coppers can’t run fast enough to catch them boys if they be wearin’ gym shorts and felony flyers! The baggier the britches, the harder it is to run in ‘em and the easier it is for us to nab ‘em! (CT, you ain’t right, bro!)

By Rudi

August 23, 2007 1:22 PM | Link to this

Only in Atlanta would the ACLU get involved in this business. All our rights and freedom will be down the tube in about 18 months anyhow. the socialists are coming!!!!!

By practica

August 23, 2007 1:24 PM | Link to this

Of course jobs are more important than this kind of legislation - everything is more important than this kind of legislation. For example: adults refusing to buy junk that makes kids look like they just left prison with a full diaper. Adults who don’t sell that crap to kids are more important. Employers who speak up and tell people they don’t hire toddlers or banger-wannabees who wear falling down diapers. Girls who tell boys they’d look sexier if they looked like boys, not infants.

If people don’t do their jobs as grown-ups, we get foolish legislation that wastes time. These kids look like losers, so they get treated like losers and then lose some more.

Mom and dad should say no - with our dollars. But we’re all afraid to criticize self-expression and “ethnic” style - so we are censored and our kids don’t grow up.

By Chris

August 23, 2007 1:25 PM | Link to this

In a few years this won’t be a problem anyway. Styles change. I’ve overheard kids on MARTA mocking other kids that wear their pants low. For all we know in 5 years everyone’s going to be walking around in dress shirts and ties.

Atlanta city council - the people are speaking - listen to them and put this effort into REDUCING CRIME IN OUR CITY AND IMPROVING OUR SCHOOLS.

By Eryn

August 23, 2007 1:28 PM | Link to this

AND ANOTHER THING Baggy pants goes before and beyond a time when a lot of males had been incarcerated! If you look at any history book with pictures of slaves or sharecroppers, you will see pictures of children and adults in baggy pants perhaps tied up by ropes or belts, and why is that you ask? Probably, because Black families have formerly worn hand me down clothing and presently in order to not have to buy clothes every six months when children grow the most purchased clothing in bigger sizes, so that, as we say,” they can grow into them”. So, instead of feeling ashamed of having hand me down clothing or pants that didn’t quite fit well at the beginning of a new school year, youth began to wear it as a style instead of being ashamed of not having a lot of money! So, let us not make judgment on circumstances that we know nothing about and punish children or adults who do not “want” to or “cannot” afford to change their style to suit others in this free society that we call America!

By Patman

August 23, 2007 2:27 PM | Link to this

Hey Bryan, speak for yourself? I’m a black man and I find that saggy crap disgusting, I certainly don’t claim it as part of MY culture and yes it does need to be banned in public! It’s indecent exposure to be showing your drawers in public, plain and simple! Can you apologists for ghetto garbage for once stop playing that race card crap and start accepting the notion that we need to do better?

By DTC

August 23, 2007 2:45 PM | Link to this

All too often politicians, whether local or not, propose ‘laws’ to legislate ‘good taste’. If such a dumb law were to be enacted punishment should go to the PARENTS of anyone under 18 breaking it. That is the ONLY way you could even begin to ‘legislate’ what should be parental responsibility in the first place. The city has enough real crime. They should leave fashion (good or bad) out of the legislative process.

By Sarah Davis

August 23, 2007 2:46 PM | Link to this

My name is Sarah and I live in Dekalb County and I see so many of our young men and young ladies walking around with their underwear showing like its all good. They have no self respect nor respect for other people. Our young men know where the idea of the sagging pants come from but yet the Rappers promote it and they seem to have more influence over our childrens than anybody. The whole message says look at me I’m gay and ready for some action because that is what it means in JAIL. People need to seriously wake up before it is to late. My teenage son is 17 and he knows that it is not acceptable in our house so when he is grown and on his own then he can do whatever he wants but until then it is house rules. We as parents need to step up and be parents not our childrens friend. Tell them NO and mean it. Everywhere we go you will see these kids with the sagging and it is nasty. I’m sure MLK is turning over in his grave along with all the other Black Leaders that have struggled for our Freedom. I vote no to the sag f* whatever. This is a bill that is going to get a mixed response.

By Dani

August 23, 2007 2:54 PM | Link to this

Speaking of absolutely stupid laws proposed and passed by the Atlanta City Council, has anyone been arrested yet for tieing their giraffe to a telephone pole? This proposal ranks right up there with that one!! When will idiots learn that you simply CANNOT legislate matters of individual taste (or in the case of exposed drawers, lack of it.) As for indecent exposure of underwear, I would never consider a lady’s thong strap or bra strap indecent. Do exposed skimpy bikini bathing suit bottoms or maybe even exposed tu-tu’s on ballet dancers qualify for the ban??????? They are often worn under other clothing, thereby being ‘under wear’. What’s next in dumb ideas ATL City Council?

By Sally van Beuningen

August 23, 2007 3:32 PM | Link to this

You cannot be serious. This is the United States, not Saudi Arabia!

By Neal Johnson

August 23, 2007 3:43 PM | Link to this

Atlanta Councilman C.T. Martin should lose his/her next election for this. We need fewer Propriety Laws, not more. I’m angry it was even suggested.

By Rachel Price

August 23, 2007 4:03 PM | Link to this

So men can go shirtless, but I can’t show the edge of my bra strap? WHAT?

By jacob

August 23, 2007 4:31 PM | Link to this

I think this is very inappropiate. I work a professional job Monday through Friday where I where a shirt and Tie everyday, but on the weekends I enjoy baggy pants and other big clothing. I think this city has so many other issues to deal with that are far more important than baggy pants, like an overwhelming amount of drug use. What would this law do for the city? Make it look better? No if you want to make the city better try cleaning up the areas that the homeless are in and worry about the clothes that they need on thier backs.

By lancer

August 23, 2007 4:32 PM | Link to this

It is a fantastic idea to have laws that legislate indecency. This has to be done since “the people” don’t govern themselves.

By Angie

August 23, 2007 4:45 PM | Link to this

I never thought this fashion fad/faux pas would have lasted this long. Admitting that I don’t “get it” makes me feel old and prudish, but pull yer pants up people, I don’t want to see your undies sticking out the top or the bottom of your pants. (remember when that was “cool”?)

By PJ Butta2

August 23, 2007 5:05 PM | Link to this

Ya know … I realize it’s a personal choice for one to expose their underwear but why expose the rest of population to your Calvin Kleins! I’m glad there will be some type of ordinance against publicly exposing your underwear. Keep your underwear at home, where it’s personal! Hopefully other cities will adopt the same ordinance! You go Atlanta!

By Fooba

August 23, 2007 5:08 PM | Link to this

If we all walked around without clothes on that too would solve the problem of having exposed underwear.

By Pamela

August 23, 2007 5:17 PM | Link to this

I hope that the legislation can be passed. Common sense and respect doesn’t exist in society anymore and, unfortunately, we now live in a place where “Big Brother” has to make laws in order to govern people just in everyday things.

By Robert from Philadlephia

August 23, 2007 5:21 PM | Link to this

What’s a guy to do? I’ve worn boxer shorts all my life - always thought they were a lot less provocative than those skimpy briefs you see in the locker room. But who cares? If another guy’s crotch bothers you, you’ve got a problem. I’m going to have pre-dress anxiety which will cost me hours in front of the mirror to make sure my boxers aren’t showing at the hem of my Bermuda shorts. What if I wear bright colored boxers under white pants in the summer? Or what if I even wear white boxers under light trousers in the summer - they tend to show as well? How about I just walk around naked and then I won’t have any offensively conspicuous underwear showing - at all. rob

By John Galt

August 23, 2007 6:05 PM | Link to this

Always good to have the government solving our pressing issues.

Let’s fine folks with a BMI over thirty. Then we can really start to do something about improving the appearance of everyone.

By bustathug

August 23, 2007 6:28 PM | Link to this

ban the hats with brims worn sideways, and fat wimmens big butts!

By Charles

August 23, 2007 7:14 PM | Link to this

Just to set the record straight. There is obviously more than one Charles posting. The Charles who posted @ 11:42 is definitely not the same one who posted @ 12:03.

By michelle t

August 23, 2007 7:42 PM | Link to this

Since very few parents want the role of parent and instead opt for pal and allow their children to walk out of the house half dressed, I think this is a fantastic idea. The rule in my house is if I see your drawers then you lose your pants. Since it would appear you want folks to see your underwear then why not just show them. Young children copy everything older kids do, so why not expect older children to show respect, take pride in themselves and their appearance and present themselves as responsible young adults. They want us to respect them and treat them as young adults then they need to start behaving as such. And if it takes the governement, local or otherwise to do what the parents refuse to do, then I say good for it.

By Darlie

August 23, 2007 8:01 PM | Link to this

what a ridiculous law! government wants to control every aspect of our lives and we continue to allow it to happen! What’s next on their crazy list of things to do!It’s only a trend as many others we have seen , they come and they go ! Get over It!

By mark

August 23, 2007 8:31 PM | Link to this

it will never pass. i remmeber when the ywanted to pass a bill to make ’ all restaurants in GA have sweet tea always ready”…seriously…how about all those schools, how about the crime…get out of our lives you rich white man!

By Eric Ervin

August 23, 2007 8:42 PM | Link to this

This is not a race issue, and any suggestion that it is constitutes a slap in the face to civil rights leaders who have fought for equality. As a black man, I’m offended by Debbie Seagraves’ suggestion that the proposed ordinance is “racial profiling.” Seagrave, executive director of the American Civil Liberties Union of Georgia, should resign her post.

By CA

August 23, 2007 9:10 PM | Link to this

This law is way over the top. If we try and impose this restriction, we will be asking for a lot of trouble. I agree in freedom of expression, so I would have to be against this resolution. The city could however require proper dress within the government buildings it manages. We can get into the discussion about it being the parents responsibility, but I think that belongs in another blog.

By liby

August 23, 2007 9:23 PM | Link to this

Ban it, its stupid…ban all stupidity ok? Im sick of it……

By Daleroy

August 23, 2007 9:34 PM | Link to this

Ok, so the city wants to ban display of undergarments. Does the city intend to prove intent or disregard intent when enforcing this proposed ban? I’ve seen plenty of people who show underwear and more because their clothes do not fit as well as they would like. Would an exception be made to those on a diet who can not afford to buy new clothes every time they lose 10-15 pounds? Will the city provide a clothing allowance to keep these people from breaking the ordinance?

This legislation would include training bras? I’ve personally found bikini tops and even one piece bathing suits to be more revealing, especially when they ride up. Perhaps we should ban bathing suits as well. If we pass broad legislation like, “it is hereby illegal to manufacture goods that lead to an indecent society,” we can pursue the manufactures of swimsuits in court and halt distribution.

Even exposing bra straps? Ok then, I’d like to extend the legislation to include nipple outlines. I am predicting that females are going to go without a bra when they want to wear spaghetti strap blouses to stay legal, and we should head that off before it starts. Come to think of it, let’s outlaw these blouses too because bra straps or nipple outlines are a certainty with this attire.

By Rediculus

August 23, 2007 9:36 PM | Link to this

Can’t we find better things to spend our time on?? Don’t you think? There are real criminals out there to deal with! And the lawmakers barely make enough time to do their jobs now. Why don’t we focus on making laws that matter? Maybe like doing something about the idiots that participate in torturing dogs! What a waste of carbon atoms!

By Amber Mendes

August 23, 2007 9:40 PM | Link to this

Disregarding whether or not you like it, Since when is it the Government’s job to decide what is or isn’t decent. It seems to me that the most important issue is why the government thinks they can pass LAWS that regulate morality. Whats next? If your caught drinking alcohol by the police you’ll be publically flogged for crimes against morality? This country keeps on getting more and more scary.

By MeMa

August 23, 2007 9:50 PM | Link to this

BY ALL MEANS LET IT BECOME LAW! That is a style that is so disgusting to look at. I am so tired of the “excuses” given for why they have to wear pants that looks and make the person walk as if there is an overloaded pamper in the pants. Straight nasty! Parents stop your child from wearing pants that are 3-4 sizes too big.

By Mkrais

August 23, 2007 9:53 PM | Link to this

How is this the least bit racist and where are the parents? My God people, what kind of job are you expecting to land dressed this way whether you are white, black, illegal… whatever.

I have seen people dress this way and quite frankly, they look like idiots. If that makes them feel cool, then let them be cool idiots.

By the way, make sure you turn you hat backwards, and don’t forget to apply for welfare.

We actually have to waste money passing a law on this. Don’t forget to blame the government the next time you are in a pickle or disaster and are tripping over your belt.

Loosers………Don’t you people ever think???????

By lva

August 23, 2007 10:17 PM | Link to this

Finally, someone has the courage to make stipulations for this idiotic trend. Your freedom of expression should not infringe on my views regarding decency. Why should you have the right to expose yourself to me? Some of you are down right ugly!!!…I don’t care to look, yet you parade yourselves like idiots on parade. Kudos to Atlanta!I hope Texas cities make a note and do something about our problem with this UGLY trend…

By DOK2000

August 23, 2007 10:25 PM | Link to this

It’s about time. (Clap, clap, and clap) I have been telling people with their pants half down for a long time to PULL THEM UP! Its very Ghetto it’s not just a BLACK THING it’s also WHITE & HISPANIC THING etc…..this demeaning behavior needs to stop. KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK ATLANTA.

By CSTYLE

August 23, 2007 10:31 PM | Link to this

wearing your pnats like that makes you look totally stupid. To purposely buy your pants 4X to big ten put a belt on only to lock it around your thighs and complete the stupidity by walking and holding your pants up. That’s the purpose of the belt. If the young kids only knew where the trend came from. It was started years ago by gang members in prison. They wore there pants that way to identify other members in prison without tippin the guards off. As much as I hate to see a young black man or kid walk around like this, it cant be legislated. Hopefully, someone will be able to get through that it looks stupid but further more you wil not make your self marketabke when it’s time for job searching. No one will want you around looking like that because it perpetuates a certin image that associated with trouble, drugs, and violence. With prayer this fad will too pass!

By Cynthia Dennis

August 23, 2007 11:06 PM | Link to this

This is not a black culture thing. This was orginated from jail and I bet the majority of the young people don’t know this. I think a law should be passed, because this is only the tip of the iceberg where our young kids are concerned. A lot of the young kids are heading in the wrong direction. When the law step in and told parents they couldn’t discipline their kids any more the kids took control. When God was taken out of the schools the devil came in, and last but not least when the leaders of the United States are more concerned with whats happening in other countries than in their own the youth will go astray.

By R

August 23, 2007 11:49 PM | Link to this

thank God someone is making a stand and trying to do something about this disgusting trend. i DO NOT want to see any of their asses, underwear, or any other body parts for that matter!!!! if they want to wear their clothing that way, they can keep it to themselves and inside their own house!!!!

By Colin

August 23, 2007 11:52 PM | Link to this

I think this is a very lame idea.

I agree very much with Dumbing Down. It’s a trend and it really isn’t herting anyone.

P.S. if you feel like debating this topic I’m up for a good debate. add me on aim: toxicity3440

By Christie

August 24, 2007 4:22 PM | Link to this

I think they should stop it, that looks HORRIBLE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

By Mary Madden

August 24, 2007 4:27 PM | Link to this

Personally I think the Taliban have slipped into our local government. Soon all women will be required to wear Burka’s. This is a very slippery slope . This is American and we need to remember it is a free country. We may not like what people wear or fail to wear or fail to cover, but we must preserve our freedoms and others rights.

By Fooba

August 24, 2007 5:04 PM | Link to this

Can someone explain what is indecent about underwear? I thought the purpose of underwear was to cover up the body parts that would be considered indecent if exposed in public.

If you don’t like it don’t buy it. If you don’t want to see it then turn away. Remember, someone may not like how you dress either at any given time. Do you want a law banning that proposed?

By Edie Rhodes

August 24, 2007 7:21 PM | Link to this

Bottom line. I do not want to see your underware, front or back. They just get lower and lower. Show it to your wife, girlfriend, boyfriend or husband at home. Show your young daughters and sons that wearing your pants so low that you have to stroll and pull with ever step is great. When your children are attacked by some lunatic, blame the police for not offering enough protection in your community. Do not teach your children to respect themselves as well as others in their community. By all means teach them that if they claim it is racial profiling the world will accept anything. BULL _ _ _ _. Edie Rhodes