Atlanta baggy pants war goes on........

Atlanta officials buckle not in saggy pants war

The Atlanta Journal-ConstitutionPublished on: 08/29/07

Atlanta officials did not decide Tuesday whether they should become fashion police.

However, they did agree to continue to debate whether the city should regulate whether folks can walk around Atlanta with saggy pants and exposed undies. Council members expect to create a 10- to 12-member task force soon to further the debate and decide whether Atlanta should —- or can —- pass a law to control fashion.

Either way, the issue drew heated discussion from a crowd of about 55 who packed the first City Council committee debate on the subject Tuesday afternoon.

Here's what some folks had to say:

Dave Walker, East Atlanta: We got old and forgot there are fads. They come and they go and no legislation is going to get rid of natural trends. We have no right to legislate what folks wear.

James Allen, Atlanta: It bothers me as a black man. They dress down. They talk down. Some of the things they do are downright lowdown. It sickens me. We need to teach them in a way they will become prospects, not suspects.

Yemaya Bourdain, senior at Clark Atlanta University: This is absolutely asinine. I can't believe this is the best you guys can come up with. As if we don't have enough already targeting our black youth. Who can this help?

Clyde Wilson, Atlanta: It is a problem. Not just the men wear their clothes down, the women do. If you dress like a prostitute, they are going to treat you like one.

Naomi Ward, Atlanta: I am supportive of the ordinance. It is not just unsightly. It is what it represents. It is restrictive and constrictive. It restricts the physical movement. And it constricts the mind.