The urban space carries an identity of its own. Its dynamic form keeps us mesmerized. The various cultures trapped within its boarders stand alone and merge at at the same time, managing to retain its individual identity while engaging in hybridization. The people of the urban tend to be trend setters and invigor others to adapt, become 'up-to-date', look cool and fashionable.
From the urban powerhouses of the world we have inherited famous fashion designers who give us styles that makes us look and feel beautiful, powerful, fancy. From the urban streets, we have gained fashion that is practical in everyday uses while still remaining stylish. Then sometimes, we have a clash of fashion that makes you wonder how can anyone be comfortable and think that they look good in that. Need an example?
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| Source: tweentribune |
Let's step into the world of "sagging".
Sagging, as defined by Wikipedia, is a manner of wearing trousers below the waist, revealing much of the underwear.
Whilst it is not a style confined to urban areas, its origins (outside the US prison system) is in the urban sphere. It is said that it is a rejection of the values of mainstream society. What values, one might ask? The value of "everyone not wanting to see your underwear"? The value of "disrespect to other persons using a public space"? And isn't it ironic that a style that was supposed to go against all that was mainstream turns out itself to be...mainstream.
Our celebrities, who exemplify what is urban in their mannerisms, way of dress and general lifestyles, seem to endorse such style, making it even more popular within wider society. They have to be careful of the examples they set.
Source: ew.com
Freedom of expression is welcome in any sphere of life. It's what makes a plural society. It gives definition to the urban city. It keeps us from being bland photocopies of each other. But, like everything else, there are limits. Not limits on creativity, but on the way this creativity is expressed in public places.
Urban spaces are a conglomeration of people from all walks of life, of all ages and from many different backgrounds. We must be ever conscious of this fact.
Many things have been said about Trinidad and Tobago, a lot of them things which we should not be proud of. A common one is, "If America catches a cold, T&T sneezes." We imitate too many things here in our small island state. We are a melting pot of cultural ingenuity. We are a highly creative people. We have a style of our own. Yet, we choose to soak up, like a Sham-wow in a pool of water, the styles of urban America that they themselves are trying to rid.
We have reach the point where this sagging pants style is a pandemic. Where the headline on a daily newspaper is the banning of the style.
Our boys and men seem to put all logic aside when they don their pants. The crotch rides so low that they must walk with their legs far apart. Every three steps are followed by a pull up by the waist band so that the pants don't slip right off. Other road, parks, sidewalks, buildings users are privy to the colour and style of men underwear. I have come to the conclusion that plaid is most popular and WearWolf is an up and coming brand in Trinidad among the male population.
During the Carnival season, my eyes were accosted by as many underwear and bare bottoms as costumes.
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| (Trinidad Carnival "Style"?) [Disclaimer: NOT KEES!] |
The urban place is the home of new and emerging cultural trends. The clothes we wear are an expression of our culture and what we represent. It can show a particular stance we take or something we believe in. I am all for expression through what is worn. What I cannot condone is clothes that do not only disrespect yourself but those around you too. I believe this is exactly what saggy pants do. Be mindful of those around you. Let's not change the meaning of a "SAGA BOY."
The urban is the leaders of clothing trends. Let's lead in the right direction.
"Don't be into trends. Don't make fashion own you, but you decide what you are, what you want to express by the way you dress and the way you live."
-Gianni Versace
http://www.trinidadandtobagonews.com/blog/?p=7375&cpage=1
http://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-urban-clothing.htm
http://kevinbrown55.hubpages.com/hub/turn-my-swag-on
http://www.open.uwi.edu/sites/default/files/UWIOC%20Practicum%20Guidelines-%20Students.pdf
www.ew.com
Very interesting observation miss Maynard. This practice is very characteristic of most urban youths, particularly those who mimic foreign culture and perceive themselves as “rough necks”. It is a form of expression that reflects different things based on who the players are. For example, based on ethnicity and class, individuals can be considered as either thugs, wannabee or just stylish. Along this line, it must be noted that urban youths are very vulnerable to urban changes although they are thought to be very capable of influencing the character of urban space. Indeed, they help shape the character and experience of urban spaces whether it is accepted or not. As a result of the lack of parental guidance and break down in family and societal values, such practices have grown into the culture of young urbanites. Furthermore, this is complimented by the production style of some of the pants sold on the market. Therefore the question now is whether this practice is really an issue of concern or is it just a negative evolution.
ReplyDeleteRight. I actually had to look up "saga boy":
ReplyDeletehttp://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=Saga%20boy
Nice post. (theory?)