Scapegoat ignores poverty and oppression as source of violence
Lawmakers in several U.S. cities are implementing laws that would see youth with baggy pants fined or even thrown in jail. Toronto school oficials have publicly considered similiar bans in school dress codes.
Punishments for wearing saggy pants in several US cities ranges from fines, community service, to six months in jail. In Trenton, New Jersey getting caught with your pants low may soon result in not only a fine, but also with an assessment from a city worker of ‘where your life is headed’. Atlanta Councilman C.T. Martin defends the law by saying baggy pants “has the potential to catch on with elementary school kids”. Adrian Harris, 43, a founding member of rap group Cold Crush Brothers sees it as “a form of rebellion and identity” and not a source of negativity or violence.
What is clear in all of this is that politicians like to ind scapegoats for violence and poverty. In this case, its once again hip-hop culture. If these politicians were sincere about providing opportunity and hope for youth, they would focus on how to provide jobs, afordable education and recreational activities instead of criminalizing how kids dress.
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