Oct 3, 2007 6:35 pm US/Central
Dallas Councilman Wants Law To 'Tighten Up' Pants
by Steve Pickett
DALLAS (CBS 11 News) ―
A fashion trend could soon be illegal in the City of Dallas. Once again there's talk of outlawing sagging pants and a prominent city leader is on point.
One Dallas city councilmember calls it's an issue as important as crime. Dwayne Caraway says the trend of baggy and saggy pants must end and he wants an ordinance to 'tighten' up waistlines.
"It's a disrespect, number one, to themselves and then it's a disrespect for all females," Caraway says.
Some adults cringe when they see young people with their pants several sizes too big, barely hanging on their buttocks, and showing their underwear underneath.
In some form or another, some young people say they wear their pants sagging as a sort of badge of honor. Sagging or bagging pants began as a fashion statement, but showing ones boxer shorts underneath has become an added sign of independence, machismo and even gang affiliation.
Caraway is fed up and says he wants a ban on the style of dressing, particularly those who decide to have their underwear become part of their outerwear fashion ensemble.
Many of those who wear their khakis low and baggy say a law would be narrow and small. "They can't tell us what to do with our own clothes," says student Chris Morris. "If they're not buying our clothes then they shouldn't have no say-so about it."
Students Nicole White and Ashley Sanchez told CBS 11 News that city officials need to focus more on the drug and alcohol problems of students and not be so concerned about their pants.
Some other municipalities across the country have addressed the issue of sagging pants. Several Louisiana towns have ordinances that prohibit sagging pants. Punishment for having your underwear showing includes fines and possible jail time.
Caraway plans to hold a press conference Thursday to further express his views and ideas for a possible ordinance proposal.
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