July 1st, 2008
Michigan Fashion Police crack down on saggy pants
The Fashion Police may not be a real police force, but that doesn’t mean you can’t actually get arrested for committing crimes of fashion – not if you live in Flint, Michigan, anyway.
Following in the footsteps of Delcambre, Louisiana, and a few other US towns, Flint’s Police Chief David Dicks has told his force to arrest anyone spotted wearing pants that sag low enough to expose their butts.
"This immoral self expression goes beyond free speech," says Dicks. "It rises to the crime of indecent exposure/disorderly persons."
What do we think of this, then, Fashion Force? For ourselves, even although this site focuses on crimes of fashion, it is supposed to be lighthearted, and we’d have to say that we don’t actually think people should be arrested for the way they dress – unless, of course, the outfits are unquestionably obscene. And while super-saggy pants are certainly ugly, we don’t think they quite fall into that category. Crocs, on the other hand…
What do you think? Should the REAL police be able to arrest people for wearing saggy pants?
This weekend I went to a concert and there was a guy in front of me who kept jumping (kudos to the Kaiser Chiefs for this great gig) and anybody behind him (incl. me) could see half his butt, which I found really disturbing. And in the US the rules are stricter concerning being naked and stuff, so I can kind of see why they arrest people if they’re being obscene. But I don’t think you should really arrest them, just tell them to put some clothes on.
Honestly, this country has enough problems as it is, and we choose to spend our tax dollars on teenaged boys and their cracks?? What is wrong with the world today?
It’s so not public indecency. I think people are a little uptight about that anyway and while it’s silly looking, it’s an arbitrary law. Free country indeed!
It’s terrible to really arrest people for the way they dress. But I do hate that look all the same… Though doubt this would stop teenage boys from wearing their pants this way, indeed I reckon it’ll encourage it!
Everyone should be arrested and I mean ARRESTED who fails to cover up their buttocks.Those jeans are ugly and I hate even looking at anyone who is wearing them.
Goodness, half my generation would have been arrested under this type of law. I grew up in the time of micro mini skirts with VINYL “go-go” boots, crop tops & halter tops, and skin tight hip hugger bell bottoms so low the zippers were about 1-1/2″ long.
Kids will ALWAYS dress in a way to shock and upset their elders. It’s an age-old right of passage known as the Way of the Blossoming Hormones and Onset of Puberty.
I can see your point Janet C, but I am not a teenager any more, so ARREST them
dream come true, albeit a little harsh
Janet, I would have been arrested under this law too… When I was younger I used to wear skirts so short I’m amazed I *didn’t* get arrested!
maybe they should be given a small fee, but i don’t think it’s that crucial to arrest them. it’s unbelievably rude, though….
Well just about every guy I know would be arrested then. I don’t think it’s that bad, and besides, it’s damn funny watching them trying to run while holding up their jeans…
Can we fight some real crimes here….If there is really nothing better to do then stop people from sagging thier pants how about cutting police inforcement and lowering taxes. The US is getting a lil rediculous.
my brother wears his pants sagging it is …annoying but should they be arrested…no maybe just a warning and if they continue to do it then maybe a $25-$35 dollar fee