A new law that almost passed in Virginia would have prohibited the wearing of pants that might be so low-cut that they're considered offensive. I've always considered my choice of clothing to be modest, but even the best of us slip up from time to time. As much as I keep myself covered, I'll admit that I have provided an underwear peep-show a time or two, but that hardly qualifies me for a run-in with the law.
States such as Virginia and Louisiana are beginning to crack down (no pun intended) on young adults that are apparently incapable of covering their bodies. Such violations are considered indecent, and it's only a matter of time before the law spreads throughout other states and a national dress code is put into effect. Fines can be as much as $500, and, get this, violators can even serve jail time! (As if prison overcrowding isn't a problem already!)
Petitioners for the law think that action is necessary because if parents cannot control what their teens are wearing, the law should provide regulations.
Some questions have been raised regarding the racial stereotyping in regards to clothing styles. Democratic Sen. Lionell Spruill argues that black men typically wear their pants lower. Therefore, the law targets one minority group in the attempt to cover the behinds of America's young adults. Spruill, also black, claims that with all the passing clothing trends in this country, why not just overlook the skin-bearing pants of this generation? He feels that controlling which clothes are allowed to be worn is violating the way Americans express themselves through what they wear.
From bell-bottom pants to puffy sleeves, decades have passed and so have clothing fads. Spruill said the low-cut pants craze will soon pass as clothing stores make way for new trends.
So, the question is then asked, who is to blame? The obvious choice is to point the finger at the bare-it-all young adults who could care less if it all hangs out. Parents have the most influence on their children, and it comes down to how well they can control them. Good parenting isn't letting children do whatever they want, it's knowing what is best for them and restricting what is not.
Popular clothing trends have made it difficult for girls to find clothes that are even relatively modest. Not to mention, celebrities have played the roles of trendsetters, and their fashion sense has caused the creation of the ever-so-popular skimpy clothing lines. Rather than fit comfortably in their clothes, girls feel they have to squeeze into jeans that are too tight and low cut. Bearing the belly button used to be considered risqu+â-¬, but now that's old news. These days, belly buttons are left out and accessorized to match any outfit.
If you ask me, I can't believe clothes are becoming so scandalous that there is a need for such a law. And honestly, I don't know how people can sport such revealing clothing. However, their time has run out to flaunt it all. I don't, by any means, agree with the law, but I definitely don't think that people should wear clothes that let it all hang out.
It's a dumb law, especially one with such a simple solution: Buy clothes that fit.
Write to Whitney at wlhoyt@bsu.edu
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