LIVING IN SOCIETY REQUIRES SOME "CLASS"
Jim Hite

Because of a doctor's appointment and the need to attend two meetings over a four-day period in late August, Joyce and I were in Atlanta when the story broke about the Atlanta City Councilman who wanted to pass legislation banning the wearing of pants that were well below the hips and showed a person's underwear.

As you can imagine and may remember, this created a firestorm of controversy, although most of those interviewed on the television news thought it was a great idea. Those who voiced their opinions commented that for someone to be dressed that way in public is offensive to common decency and that they themselves should not have to witness such exposure!

On the other side, the usual arguments of constitutional rights and freedom of expression were presented. When questioned as to the relationship of such dress to the hip hop and gang culture, a lawyer avoided a direct answer.

I do not know where all this stands at present in Atlanta. According to media reports, Hawkinsville passed a similar law a couple of weeks ago. However, as with most news of this type, it's front page and top of the broadcast for a couple of days, then interest fades.

But there is an interesting sequel. A week later, Joyce and I were in Macon to take part in the Labor Day races. After the events, we went to one of the nicer restaurants to replace lost carbohydrates. Lo and behold, in the booth next to us was a large man who looked to be in his late 20s or 30s wearing an undershirt with his black pants well below the middle of his rear, his white boxers highly visible.

I guess, to be honest, this is a minor blip on the radar of current events. There are far more important things that deserve attention. And it is obvious that no one will change his or her opinion whatever laws are passed, rules made, or columns written.

Psychologists have a field day with this, saying that this "style" is simply youth expressing harmless rebellion, trying to fit in, attempting to imitate their role models in the world of entertainment.

However, it would seem that such sloppiness is more than this, more than just a "fashion statement."

I keep coming back to something I've mentioned several times in the past. To live in society, there must be something I best see as "class." I do not mean a high-society, haughty attitude that sees oneself as better than others. Rather, it is living and acting in a way that is courteous and respectful. Talking loudly on a cell phone in a restaurant is discourteous to the extreme. Flip-flops and shorts are appropriate for the beach, totally inappropriate for church.

In the past couple of decades, we have become a more and more confrontational society. In far too many instances, argument has replaced discussion; self-righteousness has replaced respect for others.

So maybe this sloppy dress business is just one more item on the list of "in your face" attitudes quite prevalent in today's society.

Whatever the case, we're missing something. I do not and hopefully never have canonized the past just because it is the past. I know and realize that disagreement has been with us since Cain thought his brother had the inside track to the Almighty.

But I just don't remember the vitriol being as bitter as it is now. Discussion is out, opinionated shouting is in. Differences in opinion make the one who is different un-American, un-Christian, whatever.

Granted, it's a long way from pants below mid-tail to a breakdown in civility. But I do wonder if both are part of one continuum.

It was just a thought.