"...it's hip hop bay area thang, it's how we dress out here." -Guy Wearing Baggy Pants
"...its just apart of being hip i think." -Cop
I figured that I'd include this on the blog considering the presence of baggy pants throughout the short history of rap/hip hop music. This whole blog entry started with The Chicago Times article, "What do baggy pants really say?"
The article talks briefly about baggy pants and its association with racial tension and gang problems. James Thompson, an African American who enjoys the fashion, talks about not being allowed in a bar because of his baggy pants. It is important to note that his friend, a white guy, was let in the bar sporting the same fashion trend. After considering how he is treated differently at his job because of his work attire, Thompson basically sums up the basis of the article saying, "The difference is that a non-black person who wears baggy clothing isn't considered a thug" in the same way a black person might be.." Misconceptions of baggy pants are also highlighted in Haaziq's online video report on Baggy Pants.
This video focuses the fashion of baggy pants and the dangers that cops see with the trend. "The bigger the pants, the more that could possibly be concealed on that person." says an officer in the video. He goes on to say, "...when suspects are fleeing, They're gonna grab their pants in a manner in which you now can not see their hands that good. And those movements may be misconstrued by an officer, especially if their not complying with an officer's commands." Dangers of baggy pants are also highlighted in the following hilarious video:
What we can learn:
Baggy pants are a means of expression, just like every other aspect of rap and hip hop. The misconceptions come from a lack of understanding of the culture. Race relations and social conflicts also play a part in the baggy pants conflict. And although it is unjust to denied into a bar because of a fashion trend and because of the stereotypes that are associated with that fashion trend, it is not uncommon to be denied entry into an establishment because of dress code (This means you Stupid Ghost Bar, at The Palms in Las Vegas!. Denied over my shoes. I tried to buy the shoes off of a security guard just to get into the damn place). No matter what opinion you subscribe to, the baggy pants trend is most likely gonna survive for a little while longer (that or skinny jeans, pick your poison). If we can learn anything from these reports, its to bring a change of clothes to the club, watch out for police trying to tazer you on account of your size 48 jeans, and don't fear those wearing "killer" baggy pants.
