There is not much of a generation gap between my children and I.
Compared to the late 60’s, early 70’s when the term was coined, I’d say
today there is only a crack. Whereas my parents’ music, clothes, and definitions were
very different from mine, I hear my music redone with a different beat on my kids’
stations, and I see my teenage styles coming back.
There is one area though, of difference. Sagging.
The other day I had my nine-year-old and his friend in the car. The
conversation began with the Pokemon craze, which they are both into. However, they
commented, even in Pokemon, some kids were going too far wearing Pokemon pants, socks,
even underwear. "How do you know kids are wearing Pokemon underwear?" I asked.
In unison they responded, "Sagging – you gotta sag!"
Ah, yes. This is a difference.
One of my favorite stories about sagging is a friend who met with
her son’s PE teacher about his performance. The teacher said her son’s
participation grade was way down because his pants sagged so much he couldn’t really
do anything effective. My friend turned to her son and said, "You will pull your
pants up. If your teacher tells me this problem continues, I will arrange my schedule to
be at school each day during PE.I will stand behind you, and if you can’t keep those
pants up, I will be right there to help you." This is an image that always brings a
smile and worked for her boy too. He knew his Mom would do it.
I like to pull aside boys I know and whisper, "I just wanted to
let you know discreetly that your underwear is showing." They usually get an
embarrassed smile and pull those suckers up.
There is something I think could really solve the problem, and
it’s fun too. You remember it, "I see London, I see France, I see (insert
name)’s underpants!" It is a catchy phrase that used to inspire blushing and
embarrassment in the pre-sag society. Time to bring it back.
I think if parents and grandparents and just adults in general would
unite, we might find our way out of this underwear outerwear scene. Can you imagine the
effect of three or four adults turning in a K-Mart to sing this tune to a youngster? Or if
you were too shy to be so bold, you could lean in and softly hum the tune by someone. If
all adults did it, kids would have to smile, and in fear of humiliation, I think we would
see a lot of pants pulled up whenever an adult came in sight.
So, in the great traditions and lyrics of our times folks,
"Come together – right now," or "Imagine there’s no . . .
unsightliness," and let’s put a stop to this crazy kid stuff! Then say a prayer
of thanks that rather than war or injustice or prejudice, all we need to unite against is
underwear.