I must admit that in the beginning I doubted that we could elect a little known, mixed raced dude from Illinois president of the United States. However, the American people were desperate and believed that Obama could bring about change. So the mantra, "Yes We Can" became "Yes We Did".With the belief in the power of the human spirit to transcend the boundaries of race, class and political ideology to change the face of America politics, I call on all who believe in change to launch a new campaign I believe we can also win. For now I'm calling it the Pull up Your Pants, Pull Down Your Blouse Campaign. The campaign is aimed at modifying the behavior of primarily young males and females who probably due to no fault of their own, have no sense of ancestral memory or sense of appropriateness. The young men look as if they are wearing a soiled diaper and the girls look as if they want to be the Pillsbury dough girl.
I believe the male pants sagging trend has single handily contributed to the increase in male incarceration and the rise and prosperity of the prison industrial complex. It's hard as hell to run from the Po Po if you can't run because your pants are around your ankles and you are afraid they will fall off. Young women seem to be screaming for male or female attention by showing off their midriffs, even when the midriff is a pregnant stomach. Sorry ladies, this does not reflect the beauty of motherhood.
This campaign like the Obama presidential campaign will call for inter-generational, multi-racial, multi- class participation. It will require parents, educators and everyday community folk to sport bumper stickers with the slogan BYPU/BYBD and to lovingly admonish those seen sporting the look. You get the picture. Because of my faith in the power of strategic marketing and Obama mania, I think we have the opportunity to end this long over due fashion trend.
For those of you are more economically minded, there is something in it for you as well. Think about the number of belts that will be sold and the number of young men and women who will be able to contribute to the U. S. economy because they now can actually apply for a job and seal a business deal with a firm handshake without the worry of showing all of their goodies or lack there of. Young women can center their focus on the beauty of their minds and what's above their waist instead of below. It will allow those who they desire to attract to view them on a much deeper level than mere physicality.
Even some in the hip-hop community feel enough is enough. Rapper Da' Priest has written rap song on the issue. He calls on young black males in particular to stand up and pull their pants up. Checkout the YouTube video: Pull Your Pants Up!
The origins of this fashion faux pas is said to have began in the prison system due to inmates not being able to have belts for safety reasons. Others have also said that it suggest a male inmate is sexually available or a man on the outs is open to homosexual activity. Given the widespread homo-phobia in the hip-hop community I find this unlikely or indeed a bitter irony. Regardless of the origins, it's past time to put this trend to rest. The most successful icons in the hip-hop community get it. They realized that in order to roll in the world of commerce you must dress the part. Can we all say Jay-Z, Common, P Diddy and Russell Simmons.
Of course I expect a backlash from many who feel telling people how to dress is a violation of their right to freedom of expression. But hey, two years ago and even now, people had a hundred reasons why a black man couldn't or shouldn't be president. THE YES WE CAN (2) campaign will be the icing on the cake for black people in particular and the community at large.
Beginning the week after president elect Obama's inauguration, I will be forming my "virtual" campaign management team. If you are interested in getting on board, please contact me on this blog.
PULL YOUR PANTS UP/PULL YOUR BLOUSE DOWN 2009!
No comments:
Post a Comment