Since the immersion of Hip-Hop into American media in the 1990’s, the fad of sagging has become more and more popular. Some even believe sagging is almost synonymous with young African American culture. While it may be more prevalent in African American communities, sagging is also seen across the world in a variety of different cultures. It is in fact a fashion trend. Then why is there so much more attention on this fad than any other? What makes sagging different? Many people propose that it gives a poor representation of the African American population as it is mostly tied with young black Americans. But just because sagging is often seen more in the black community, I do not think the issue should be a huge target for political candidates or civil rights activists. It is only a trend that is currently prevalent across the world, and like all past trends, it will eventually die out on its own.
Similar to other fads, sagging has seen a rise in its popularity due to celebrities and other role models engaging in the practice. However, it is different than other trends in various ways. In addition to crime and violence often being associated with young black youth who sag their pants, many people are anti-sagging because of the public indecency that occurs when someone has their pants down to their knees. In a speech before the 2008 presidential election, Barack Obama stated that people “should pull up their pants. You are walking by your mother, your grandmother, your underwear is showing. What's wrong with that? Come on. Some people might not want to see your underwear. I’m one of them." There is little to no political undertone to Obama’s displeasure of sagging. Regardless of the color of the person, sagging simply can offend people due to the skin and undergarments being shown. In addition, sagging illustrates an overall sloppy image, regardless of race. In the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver, Japanese snowboarder, Kazuhiro Kokubo, was not allowed to participate in the opening ceremonies because of his sloppy appearance, which included low riding pants. Race played absolutely no rule in the official’s displeasure of Kokubo’s style of wearing pants. It was messy and unprofessional and they did not want that to be shown. While I understand that sagging has the potential to have larger implications for African Americans, there are logical reasons to be against this fashion trend that does not reflect any cultural bias whatsoever.
Even in the face of all these criticisms, sagging has been profoundly popular for 20 years demonstrating a testament to the immense popularity of hip hop. Its presence not just in the black population, but in white and Hispanic populations as well, demonstrates its universal attractiveness. But I truly believe sagging is above all else a fashion trend. Its popularity will eventually diminish, and similar to the sweat bands and leggings of the ‘80’s, it will be replaced by a new fashion fad.
BY FARRELL DILIBERTO
I think you make some valid points. The point I find most interesting to point out is the comment regarding the 20 years that this "fashion fad" has been around. I feel that a fad should not be considered a fad if it last longer than at most a few years. The definition of fad is "a fashion that is taken up with great enthusiasm for a brief period of time; a craze.". A 20 year time period is much more than a "brief" period of time. Although I understand the argument claiming that sagging is a fashion fad, I would have to disagree. I think that sagging is developed within social dynamics in the hopes to great a particular facade. Although I feel that everyone is entitled to their own ability of self expression in what they decide to wear and how they decide to present themselves, I do wish that the sagging fashion statement were put to rest.
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