Dumb laws are making a comeback and the latest one to be seen in our own state is an ordinance banning baggy pants. Yes, those pants you see Chris Brown, Zac Efron and Justin Bieber wearing, the ones that fall beneath the waste and show off their boxers, are now becoming illegal.
According to the smokinggun.com, “Council members in the city of Cocoa voted 3-1 to ban ‘a person in public view’ from wearing pants or skirts below the waistline.” The new ordinance will require people who wear baggy pants to pay a fine that increases with each offense, topping out at $100.
On Oct. 23, 2012, the city of Cocoa announced the passing of this ordinance in their town which will be enforced starting in January 2013. Residents say the ban is to preserve their neighborhood’s family-friendly image.
As crazy as it sounds, Cocoa is not the first Florida city to support and enforce this ban. In 2009, a teenager was arrested in Riviera Beach, Fla. for wearing baggy pants. Although the law was abolished in Riviera Beach and deemed unconstitutional, it has been resurfacing ever since it started.
The city of Cocoa, however, will not be putting anyone behind bars who wears their pants too low. Still, I think it is ridiculous to condemn someone for their choice in attire. I don’t care for baggy pants.
In fact, I think they make the wearer look like they got a hand-me-down from their fat, older brother and tried to make it work. But if someone likes their baggy pants, who am I to tell them they can’t wear them?
Furthermore, cities making the argument that baggy pants make their community look bad need to take a closer look at the people and influences surrounding their children. Baggy pants or the lack thereof will not make or break a community. That argument is empty. Unless a man is wearing his pants below the waist without boxers, his low-hanging pants are not indecent.
There are countless men in the spotlight embracing this fashion trend including Prince Harry, who has been spotted in pants falling below the waistline and exposing the top of his boxers according to dailymail.co.uk.
In addition, there are varying styles and prints on boxers nowadays. Men don’t buy the plain black or white boxers they used to buy. If they want to wear their pants below the waste they can find boxers that will match the rest of their outfit. American Eagle, Lucky Brand and many others make boxers with attractive styles on purpose. I’m not saying they are made specifically for baggy jeans, but they are definitely meant to be seen.
To the city of Cocoa, Fla.: it’s time to face reality. Baggy jeans and pants are here to stay and they are not a negative depiction of one’s character or of a city. Boxers are nothing more than short shorts. Who cares if we can see them? With the abolition of Riviera Beach’s law I think it’s safe to say this ordinance won’t last long either.
Kelly St. Onge can be reached at kelly.st.onge@theminaretonline.com