Sen. Robert Ford said he will propose a law banning the style, taking statewide an effort by some Charleston City Council members to outlaw it locally. Youths who show their underwear as they walk are emulating prisoners who can’t wear belts, said the Charleston Democrat.
“If these guys want to look like prisoners, what’s the next step?” Ford said Friday. “We, those of us who fought civil rights battles in the ’60s and early ’70s, anticipated wonderful things for African-Americans once we broke down a lot of barriers.
“This generation hasn’t built upon anything,” said Ford.
Other black leaders were quick to criticize Ford’s statements.
The president of the state chapter of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People called them “unfair and inaccurate,” saying the style is not limited to young African-Americans and most youths don’t wear their pants that way.
Lonnie Randolph said the better approach is for parents, clergy, educators and community leaders to intervene and teach youths how to better present themselves.
“Where do we go next? Is a preacher’s robe too long? Is a lady’s dress too short?” Randolph asked. “We are standing on thin ice and treading in dangerous waters.”
Rep. David Mack, D-North Charleston, said the state should not prohibit a specific style, but lawmakers could tweak indecent-exposure laws to deal with all clothing considered too revealing to wear in public.
Ford’s statements come days after three Charleston City Council members announced they would consider a citywide ban on saggy pants.
Last month, Jasper County Council delayed final action on an ordinance to make sagging pants illegal, due to questions about the legality and enforcement.
The proposal would make it a misdemeanor to appear in public with pants more than 3 inches below the hips. Violators could face 30 days in jail or a $500 fine.
The idea has taken off nationwide, with towns in Ford’s native Louisiana among those adopting a ban. But statewide efforts in Louisiana and elsewhere have failed.
The interim executive director of South Carolina’s American Civil Liberties Union chapter said the government can’t tell people how to dress. But Graham Boyd said the local chapter hasn’t taken an official stand.
We're a little surprised The Palmetto Scoop hasn't been all over this, given that The Bryant Park Project reported last fall that saggy pants are so gay.
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