THE tendency for males to wear their pants below the waist is a trend that has migrated from the innercities of the US to the shores of Jamaica.

Even though TEENage is against the practice, we cannot overlook the fact that everyone has the right to freedom of expression. But as with most things in Jamaica, the responsibility that come with the ‘right’ is overlooked.

TEENage agrees that the perception of the nation at large that the wearing of lowslung jeans is indecent, but isn’t this attention a waste of time?

In fact, calls for the police to deal with the issue would be a waste of time. The constabulary, we are sure, has more serious issues to deal with using its limited resources.

This attention to minor social issues, too often, distracts the nation while more pressing issues are either left unresolved or left hanging in the balance.

Is a man dressed in sagging jeans considered more ‘indecent than a women whose derriere is not covered by her jeans? Is the woman/young girl who goes on the road in a brassiere more acceptable?

TEENage is quite sure that it is just as offensive to see a woman’s underwear above her pants or jeans and showing cleavage as it is to see a man wearing his pants below his waist. Why are there not calls for these women to be punishable under the law like those who want men with their underwear showing to be punished?

Are we also in a position to outlaw excessive tattooing or piercing, which in some cultures is the norm?

Even though citizens have a right discuss the moral standards of the nation, one really has to be careful of the message they are sending. In a country like ours, the way you are raised and the social institutions you have passed through do influence who you become.

We advocate for the promotion of antistereotyping because in a situation like this that has the potential for public uproar, it is better to be certain than to assume. We have to rid ourselves of the perception that how you dress is an accurate description of you as a person since this practice of wearing your pants below your waist started like any other trend — with someone expressing himself/herself.

We have to be more proactive than reactive because it will be harder nowadays to advocate change when people have become so accustomed to something.

Overall, we think that criticisms are made against both men

and women.