I think freedom of expression is very important, so I strongly disagree with the suggestion that young men who wear saggy pants should be ticketed or forced into community service. They're not breaking the law, but they do have some explaining to do to the fashion police. It looks ridiculous to show the world your underwear. (Does anyone else remember that character in "Splash" who wore her bra and undies on the outside of her clothes because she'd been struck by lightning? I digress...)

I wonder if these kids realize they're giving others permission to discriminate against them. By dressing like prisoners (or Jared Fogle after eating only Subway for a year), they're telling employers not to hire them. They're begging to be underestimated. They're filling in the blanks for people who would stereotype.

I certainly don't think this is the most pressing issue for our state lawmakers to be focusing on, and it would surely bother me if Sen. Eric Adams used public money to fund a campaign against a personal (albeit unfortunate) fashion choice. But Adams is using his own campaign funds to get the message out. He's not trying to ban clown pants or legislate fashion. He's a concerned member of a community who wants to help young men help themselves; he just happens to have a bigger soapbox than his neighbors.

In his online video, Sen. Adams says "Don't surrender control of your own image." I think that's a really profound statement.
Watch Sen. Adams' message here:
www.adams.nysenate.gov

Brooklyn Sen. Eric Adams equates the sagging pants trend with negative caricatures of Black Americans, and he’s launching a “Stop the Sag” billboard campaign with slogans such as: “Raise Your Pants, Raise Your Image.” The lawmaker says he used $2,000 from his campaign fund to pay for the ads.

Adams says the trend began with prison inmates and urges young people: “Let us not be the ones to make our community seem foolish.” He says the image “represents an immature disregard for the basic civility, courtesy and responsibility that our young men should display.” Do you agree? Do you view saggy pants as a self-imposed caricature of young Black men, or simple self expression? Is this an important issue for a state lawmaker to tackle?

E-mail your thoughts, along with your first name and neighborhood, to the address above.

I totally agree with Adams. I am often offended and think of it as public indecency. I know I am put on edge when I see the male youth dressed like that and I am Black American. Why is liking like you belong behind bars cool in communities of color?

Danielle
Bronx

I ABSOLUTELY agree! These young men are sooo deluded! They do not accept and realize how unappealing and unattractive this look is. I'm embarrassed and ashamed for all of them. Why would you promote prison culture as if this is something to be proud of? And, maybe if the young ladies out there would be honest with these guys too to help discourage this, maybe it would stop! My daughter hates this, and she's 22!!

Hendrilitas

Applaud the billboards NOW let's get to a REAL issue...
"Why is OK for a back rapper(pc correct african american) to use the N word or students YELL at each other in the trains "yoooooo N_____er" and YET GOD FORBID a white person uses the N word its deemed HATE.
Does that mean that the N word is a good word
Pants are an issue when one manufacturers underpants yet stop the N word and you STOP HATE
If you want people to "be better" stop internal hate

Bruce V.

I think that saggy pants do look absurd; however, I think this is less an issue about appearance and more about the divide between youth and adults. Are we to go on a hate campaign every time there is a fashion trend that (mainly)older people don't approve of? Again, I do feel it looks absurd, but as a 23yr old man, I feel there are far more important things to publicly campaign against than one's appearance. All of this why? Because someone with a bit of influence managed to rally enough troops who share their same opinion? Really?
Again, I can admit, even in my young age of 23, that this "trend"
looks ridiculous, but frankly, I think the senator should take the torches and pitchforks elsewhere and fight for a cause worth publicizing. This topic is much ado about nothing!

James from the Bronx

People will discriminate against men of color period, so why focus on sagging pants, it's kids way of expressing themselves. How is it hurting someone? Just because it intimidates the status quo does it mean its wrong? If you want to discriminate against a black or Latino kid you will, the sagging pants serves only as a crutch for your bigotry.

Dan

I agree with Senator Adams. I do not see the sagging pants as a caricature of black men. When I ride the subway it seems like all races wear their pants saggy. Someone has to show these kids how to dress the Senator may as well be the one..

That's All folks!
Eddie J
Brooklyn

Kudos, kudos, for Eric Adams, it's high time this message be made like that to make young Black American males know that doesn't look nice, this only benefits them. Dressing that way makes them look like they are up to no good.
Exaggerated piercing and tattoos should follow suit with young Caucasian American teens because that too can be ugly and scary on some, and it does not send a high image about them either even if they are “smart”.
Pulling up, concealing it is better if you want to earn a living. As far as worrying about other stuff this too is important and young Americans must hear feedback about their physical appearance, alteration, etc. After all, they are expressing themselves through their appearance and its impression can be welcomed or unwelcome from the receiver that sees it.

Anna
Kips Bay

What planet is he on?
This has been going on for years.
So with all of the problems we have this is what one of the so called lawmakers can come up with, no wonder
we are in the shape we are in.

maxxiee
mp

wow I have been concerned with this issue for years now as many Christians are- at the look of get this the Prison look- maybe they think it makes them look tough- or mean?? who wants to see someones butt hanging out- Crude-Rude disgusting behavior- I mean no -one takes them serious as far as an education or demonstarting any responsability to school or work- dressed like that we can only tell they DO NOT want to ever serve as a Policeofficer- or as a Fireman, EMT, ambulance drivers - as lets get serious they can barely walk never mind run or ever help anyone- the biggest laugh watching anyone dressed like that walking up the stairs of the train or Bus - just too laughable- But its great that we have someone with guts and to tell the truth to turn around such ignorance and arrogance of false Pride -to be taught that nothing begets nothing - they need this help -and this false frame of mind- its desructive and leads to an empty future for these kids and yound adults-. Hey you should put up a donate button -These are good causees for NYers to participate in-

colleen
rockaway park

Thank you Eric Adams. This is not positive self expression. This is a misguided mess and perhaps the celebrities who are cashing in on this should stop thinking about their bottom line and say something as well.

Allen. Hudson Heights

I agree with him completely
I for one dont understand why they wear them that way
its not attractive and they cant even walk right
not attractive at all

Jim UWS

I think there are more important concerns for Senator Eric Adams to invest $2000.00 in campaign funds (re baggy pants.) People in Brooklyn & the other boroughs are homeless,jobless, hungry-victims of crime ,abuse etc. & his claim to fame is the baggy pants issue. As a call viewer I feel my time is more important than wasting it on such a topic.

Elizabeth, LIC

BRAVO!!! to State Senator Adams for being a hero to all of our communities. The problem however, is more State Senators, Council-members, Assembly-members, our Mayor, Governor Etc... should get behind him. He should not be alone in this endeavor.

Eric D.

I don't think it is a self-imposed caricature and it is not entirely a simple self expression. I don't know why many young men (including White and Hispanic) wear their pants sagging like that but I do know how one would keep one in a constant "state of war." Make them uncomfortable for a long period of time! Try it? Women, you go around wearing a tight bar day after day and see how you would feel. Men, you try wearing your pants at the middle of your butt or below it. Man, it is no joke, it is uncomfortable plain and simple. A person who is uncomfortable will most likely make a decision he would not normally make because he is on edge from being uncomfortable and that includes violence.

Eileen

It “represents an immature disregard for the basic civility, courtesy and responsibility"? Are we sure he wasn't referring to the rest of the political boneheads who come up with these nonsense initiatives? While we're at it, lets get a movement going to ban the color gray because it's too sad, or maybe we can eliminate pencils since you might poke yourself with them. Of course I'm not serious, but with a possible ban on sarcasm no doubt coming up for a vote, who knows? Look, i'm not a fan of "the sag", but there are way more important issues we need to face...such as the lack of Eggo waffles & who will be my second baseman in my fantasy league...

-Luke, Grant City, Staten Island

SELF EXPRESSION? CARICATURE IS MORE LIKE IT. THE ONLY THING MISSING IS THE ROUND RED NOSE AND CLOWN CAR. WEARING THE PANTS THAT WAY ALSO CAUSES A STUPID TYPE OF WALK NEEDED TO PREVENT THE PANTS FROM FALLING DOWN, ADDING TO THE COMEDY. SMARTEN UP YOUNG MEN, YOU'RE BETTER THAN THAT.

JOE, BAY TERRACE

Well, it is about time that someone spoke out against the sagging pants look. I am pleased that an African American male told the youth to pull up their pants! While I have seen males of many other ethnicities sagging their pants it would been an even bigger outrage if non African Americans had pointed out this disgrace. When riding the subway I have observed men's cracks's exposed and rubbing on the seats. When they get up the next family sits down with small children and these children use their hands to boost themselves onto the seats. The children & their parents have no clue that where their hands have touched was where someone else's crack has been exposed! Talk about unsanitary...yikes! Then the little ones start to suck their thumbs. I wanted to puke. Don't try to tell the parents because they probably curse you out and tell you to mind your own business. Perhaps, if harmful diseases went into the butts of the saggers they might decide to pull those pants up and keep them up! I hope that someone explains that sagging pants don't work well for interviews either and the saggers probably would say that how a person dresses shouldn't be the deciding factor for hiring, but, trust me it is a factor. You can't tell me that when the saggers go to the doctor that if he came out with sagging pants on that it would be just fine with them. Funny that you don't see the saggers hiring attorneys with sagging pants to represent them when they go to court?? And you know why they don't pick someone looking like that because they know that they would lose their cases for certain! Lastly, in some ways you can't even blame the males...I saw a father of a 2 year old male being dragged by his cursing father because he kept tripping and falling. Both the father and the toddler were dressed in sagging pants. The father should have been carrying his toddler. I guess parenting skills need to taught to the parents...go figure.

Kathy from Throggs Neck da bronx

I feel that people should be able to wear fashion the way they feel. Fashion is fashion. No matter what you think! Putting signs up to telling people what or what not to wear is sensorship. Hippies went thru it to.

Blue Michael

Yes i do agree with Eric Adams.However i do not think that the bill boards will have any impact on PULL UP YOUR PANTS. Perhaps this may be a way to raise revenue by imposing a fine .This is not just a black or hispanic issue but a white issue also..And yes we do have more pressing issues in N.Y.C.

Antonio from Bayridge/Dyker Heights.

I tell people at my job “People who keep their pants down either got out of jail or want to go to jail. PUT YOUR PANTS UP!”

Jay A

Back in the 50’s Elvis Presley and his hips were seen as the end of American Values. The 60’s came around and the Beetles with their long hair was another sign of the end of American way of life. I have lived long enough to witness multiple signs of the end of the world as we know it. Kids showing their boxes will not be the end our society, but what troubles me is that these styles came from the prison culture. Prisoners forced not to wear belts, cause their pants to hang down. Back in the 80’s kids did not wear shoe laces with their sneakers, came from prisoners who shoe laces were taken away because of the fear they might use them to commit suicide. If our society is so depraved that our youth heroes are inmates, then our society is beyond salvation.

-- Pablo, Lower east side

I think low pants reflect the boys latent homosexuality

Jim
Staten Island, NY

I'm just glad we've gotten all the big issues (like the economy, crime, disease, domestic abuse, the environment, transit, and education) out of the way so we can deal with the immensely important problem of fashion trends of teenagers.
If anything, having a politician disapproving of their behavior will make teens even more likely to engage in it. And they say politicians are out of touch.

Jordan
Flushing, NY

9:34pm:
I am a regular viewer of /The Call/, and a fan, but tonight's episode (Monday, March 29, 2010) was disappointing. The issue was teenagers wearing baggy jeans and Sen. Adams' campaign against it, which is fine, but there was not one email or phone call in opposition; every caller was expressing praise and agreement. That's misrepresentative of people's opinions, and leads to a boring show. If you don't allow people to challenge politicians on a call-in show, your show becomes a campaign commercial, which is most likely what Sen. Adams was hoping for.

[Editor's note: We try to balance the conversation as much as possible, but we didn't get a single call that disagreed with Sen. Adams' campaign. I was honestly surprised there weren't more people who, at the very least, thought lawmakers had more important things to do.]

I think its great too many of our African American youth have low self-esteem and low image of themselves due to the historical racist treatment in America along with the gross poverty lives that tend to give life to negativism's from within our communities as a direct result of inequality and injustice.

Stephanie, from Corona

Big loose baggy clothes should be banned. It gives a bad impression when people look at you, so put a belt on,pull up your pants,cover your underwear,no one wants to see your crack!

Michele
Great Kills

I think saggy pants are great because I can tell right away that I am dealing with an uneducated, possibly criminal individual. It's like a big "I'm stupid" flag hanging of their butt. Don't outlaw it.

Brandi from Flushing

I support the youths' decision to wear their pants any way they like! I've been so influenced by this topic I'm currently working on a stage production that explores all aspects of this dynamic. It's not has heavy -as this seems to have become. Pardon the pun.

Kerry H.

And society condemned how we dressed in the sixties! Go figure.

Ralph/Bayridge

I think that State Senator Adams's campaign is so interesting, especially since he is posing at as something to spark conversation. Wearing one's pants low is for a lot of young people a fashion statement and stopping them from what they think is expressing themselves is always very difficult. But of course many don't know the origin of the style or that it perpetuates stereotypes that can end up being harmful to the young men who sport the style. Perhaps a number are wearing the style in solidarity with their disproportionally incarcerated peers, which would be one thing. But a disproportionate number of their peers are also terribly underemployed and already suffering the consequences of negative stereotyping. Sen. Adams is such a great representative. I live in his district and receive consistent updates and messages from him. He is clearly aware of the issues affecting his community. Maybe some will take the message to heart immediately, maybe some will get food for thought and gain new awareness. Either way he is making a contribution.

Greta S.
Brooklyn

I think pants saging is not a problem if you want to dress in that manner then you can nobody can stop you from doing what you want, even tho its not professional but it shall be okay.

William from corona, queens

THANK YOU VERY MUCH FOR BRINGING UP THIS TOPIC, IT IS EMBARRASING TO SEE YOU MEN WALKING AROUND LIKE THIS, I DON'T WANT TO SEE ANYONES UNDERWEAR, SOMETHING SHOULD HAVE BEEN DONE ABOUT THIS A LONG TIME AGO, WHY ARE THE PARENTS LETTING THEM WALK AROUND LIKE THIS?

MLC

I agree with the politician. Come one guys pick up your pants because no one wants to see your baggy drawers. Have a little class and cover up those boxers. You just look silly and if you don’t realize it, perhaps this show will let you know how ridiculous you look.

Cheers!
Mike
Staten Island

We need more African American and Latino leaders to give the same message as Eric Adams!
At present we have too many alleged Leaders who give minority children the wrong message! Minority children are being brain washed to believe if they dress well they are trying to be white!
The reality is you have to dress in a certain attire if you want to be hired and it's not wearing droopy pants!

Lee C

I can't believe this is even a topic, that you should have to legislate something which should be common sense. Once, when I was climbing the steps at 207th street to catch the 1 train, a young man with the waist of his pants well below his buttocks attempted to speed past me to catch the approaching train. Because his stride was restricted he kept stumbling on the stairs and barely made the train, but not before stumbling through the turnstile and nearly falling through the open doors, all because his pants were down nearly halfway down his thighs. I was doubled over with laughter, but, God forbid, he would be pursued by someone with a weapon. Only a fool would continue to dress in this manner.

Keith G.

Thanks for highlighting important social issues on NY1. I think this is another example of the government making a decision for the "Common Good."
I personally do not prefer the "below the belt " look, as I also do not think a very large woman should wear tranparent white tights in public, however; I do not want to forget something I read many years ago... in the vein of "to each his own".
"Don't start thinking you know what's right for someone. They might start thinking they know what's right for you!"
Das Energi
Paul Williams
However, I am hopeful that our beautiful intelligent young women of color will guide their men to fashion sense nirvana!!

Paula E.

I have a 5 year old brother who goes to a catholic school in the bronx, but on the way there and back my parents and i are always appalled by the horrible sight of young men's underwear. As an older sister, I do not want my brother or younger children to be exposed to such sights. I completly agree with this campaign and hope that this stops immediatly. Thank you.

April
14 Years Old
Manhattan

I am all for fashion and understand trends
However, while on the J train last summer a young man was wearing his pants exposing his underwear and parts of his buttocks.
He was asked by the lady he was standing in front of to raise his pants because she had no desire to see his partial frontal nudity. He responded, in an intimidating way, by stating shut up or I will show you more. The lady fearfully declined to respond.
I stepped in by stating “have you no shame. You need to check yourself. How would you like for someone to speak like that to your mother or sister.”
Some folks are fearful and being intimidated to speak up at times
I agree with Senator Adams
We have click it or ticket
We should have lift-it or ticket

Regards
Pete L.
Concerned citizen
Bushwick/Bed Stuy, Brooklyn

I think the parents need to monitor what are youth is wearing.

David W.

I'm all for kids pulling up the pants ...I have a 16 yr. Old and I have to pull his up everytime he walks out the door...if we gone teach the boys how to pull up pants we have to teach the girls that short skirts are not the way...

dee from harlem

You could be the nicest smartest most respectful kid in the world but if your underwear is showing people will assume the worst about you & act accordingly!

Teri
Queens

ERIC... THANK YOU FOR BRINGING THIS OUT AND EXPOSING IT ON A MORE SERIUOS NOTE. HOW CAN ANYONE DONATE TO THIS CAUSE. HAVE A WEB SITE DEDICATED?

BILL - STATEN ISLAND

I hate low pants, and i would love to run up to these punks and pull them down so they can trip. But i don't. Anyway, last year in Tennessee, a law was passed banning low pants. What was the reaction? lower pants, the african american community took it as an attack against them and the pants came down even more, what the state senator is doing is the same thing, great! pants around the ankles now. This won't change, spend all of your personal money you want, nothing's gonna change. what these "kids" need is a good kick. i'm 26 btw

ren q.

I commend both of your guest for doing the right thing.
I am interested in the leadership approach to this issue. Rather than condemning for the most part young men, the approach is positive and sends the message that sagging is a problem.
Where's the money coming from? I assume its not coming from the State of NY.

Johnny R.
From East Harlem

[Editor's note: Sen. Adams says he is using money from his campaign fund -- not tax dollars -- for the billboards.]

I would like to say that this is NOT a race issue whatsoever, and the Senator is making this one. Plenty of white, punk, skateboarders dress with their pants low as well and have for a while. NOBODY should dress like that in a professional setting. But, who are we to judge how we want people/kids to dress outside of school/work? It's called freedom of expression, and it's a fad. As soon as parents and senators campaign against this, it just becomes MORE cool.

Thanks,
John - Murray hill

I think Saggers should not be fined but instead they should be punished to do community work.

Francis, Forest Hills, Queens

I see it all the time, I don't like it at all I don't think it's respectful . I think they should be ticketed because why show your underwear? We don't need to see your draws fellas !

Remy
Harlem

as a mother of 2 grown sons, i recall the days of unlaced shoes and doo-rags. it was strictly forbidden for them to not tie their shoes or wear doo-rags when in public. sagging pants are disgusting and parents and grandparents, neighbors, teachers etc. need to send the message that it is NOT acceptable. it is not the trend nor is it attractive...frankly it is offensive. so parents, start with the young ones that it will not be tolerated. it takes a village...

betty l.
brooklyn

Im not a big fan of saggy pants, I think it looks ridiculous. But I believe that politicians should concentrate on bigger issues such as the budget cuts being made at centers of education. Concentrate on giving young people a better education and give them the proper tools to leave that ridiculous street mentality and the pants will rise along with their expectations in life.

yogi

The idea of sagging pants to me damages the image of african american youth and other races. Many may not notice that when someone looks at them that may not understand the reason they sag their pants it causes a reaction from other people to think of them in a negative way. I would like for it to stop it does not look good and as a female it isn't attractive.

Thank You
Nia, Clinton Hill

Just wanted to say that i agree with the gentleman...this problem starts in the home....most of these teenagers don't have jobs to buy any clothing so the parent needs to take charge...for too long this generation of parenting has slacked off and allow the most tideous of things to go by....i'm a 33 year old mother with a son....i make it my business to let any young man wearing his atire in such a tacky state how unattractive that is...and mothers of daughter should tell them not to allow any young man to approach them who doesnt take pride in their own appearance...this new generation is lacking in serious discipline which has been taking out of the home and into the judicial system.

"Ms Edwards"

This saggy pants thing goes far beyond NYC. This a great beginning and all our communities need to play a part – I mean the schools, the churches, parents and everyone – hey the should post signs like they do “no shoes no entry” “baggie jeans no entry”... this is a serious problem and we need to address it –All of us because it’s not only the African Americans but Caucasians also and my fear is the very very young is following. We are behind you!

Sharron S.
Parkchester, Bronx NY

First, I must say "Hats Off" to Sen. Adams, this issue has gone too long without being addressed. Its ugly and it portrays poor self image among young people. Where are the parents in these homes? The state can't do it alone....

Kevin, Pelham Pkwy Bronx

I think it looks disgusting. They look like thugs and prisoners. It makes them walk a different way. It may cause medical problems.

"Silk"

I think you are focusing on a symptom and not the illness. Teach kids self esteem, positve self expression and participation in the community.

Enrique
Astoria

You neglected to have a medical doctor on The Call this evening. The youth needs to hear about the impact on the hips and knees, leading to medical issues, and possible hip and knee replacements, after years of following this jail trend.

Marlene

My wife and I who are both from the UK recently saw a young kid crossing the street at 37th and 6th Ave.
As the traffic lights changed to green, the traffic started to move, the kid who was half way across began to run.........and his pants fell down around his knees. He looked so embarrased with all people looking and laughing.

"Liverbird"

Is it just me, im 25 and have never worn saggy pants. But shouldnt wear pants that way also be a fire hazard. I mean come on can u really run in an emergency when your pants are just above your knees?

Gabriel
Parkchester, Bronx

This a style. It might have come from jail. But its a fashion statement & Young men are doing it yes. We grow out of it eventually when boy becomes a man. Just because certain people don't like it and they disgusted by is not gona change things. Adults have to lead without a forcing hand. But it's just a fashion thing. At least a young black Man is bonding with his son. How many young black men have a father figure

Jean G.

I feel like this is just a fashion statement . They will eventuality get over it . They see it on hip-hop videos and rap stars wearing there jeans the same way . If we make it an issue they are going to want to continue to wear there jeans the way they want. Yes I understand its disgusting but the new generation happen to be very eccentric and we need to embrace there creativity. Soon another trend wit take over the entertainment industry and the saggy pants will be gone ... this can't be a big deal .

Jasha

I am one of the Parent/Grandparents who has been against this look since it started. I understand the loose look but the showing of under garments look has got to go. I can't see how this look is acceptable if I was a young lady I would find it hard to want to walk with a guy who did not dress as well as I did. Schools and Parents should work together and work toward a more acceptable look. We should appeal to Rap Artists to stand strong and start a trend help our young men to let this unsightly look go. I have yet to hear a good reason for this look. These folks can't even walk correctly. I would love to be there once they get older and look back at themselves. I hope this trend ends soon or we will be seeing the real rear-ends of it keeps up.

From a very concerned Granny,
Debra C.

I salute Senator Eric Adams for acting on what all "men" have been feeling. Our children have become "followers", their only concern is peer approval and attention getting; they are toys are us kids---retarded adolescents---they don't want to grow up. Boom boxes, saggin pants, Bling, are all designed to say "look at me!" I want attention even if I have to look like a clown. Why does an eighteen year old ride a bike made for a 5 year old? "Hey, look at me!" We need posters placed everywhere showing them how they look. Dredge up all of those old stereotypes and place them in the middle of them. Make them look in the mirror.
MSNBC's depiction of prisoners is based on stereotypical images of prisoners being mindless violent people. They never show you anyone walking around with their pants saggin, it just doesn't happen in prisons. Men don't dress like that. The only ones deprived of their belts and shoelaces are people on suicide watch, because they may hang themselves, or people in protective custody (punks, in the prison vernacular). Those who claim that this was some kind of prison fashion can only be talking about the two categories I mentioned.
These kids want attention, that's all. Their message is "Hey, look at me!" Loud music and Bling Bling is just another way of saying "Hey look at me!" Attention starved followers are what they have become. Adams is going to make them look in the mirror and see the clowns they have allowed themselves to become, duped into becoming. Hopefully this will go nationwide, viral.

The People's Voice!
Joseph Jazz H.