Baggy-trousered Helsinki boys denounce American law banning low-slung legwear
"Everyone should be allowed to wear what they want"
By Mikko-Pekka Heikkinen
"Lawmakers should leave baggy trousers alone. There is nothing wrong with them."
This was the considered opinion of the young men dressed in low-slung baggy trousers who were interviewed in downtown Helsinki on Monday afternoon.
The youths expressed in unison their objections to the law recently introduced in certain towns in the southern United States, which bans the low-rider style saggy trousers - popular in the hip hop culture - as indecent.
In the Louisiana town of Delcambre, for one, wearing such low rise pants and - forgive the pun - making an ass of yourself may also result in a fine of 500 dollars or imprisonment of up to six months.
In Finland baggy trousers seem to be primarily a male garment. No girls or women were found dressed up in such items on Monday.
This is what some of the Helsinki teenagers had to say on the subject:
Salomon Nzinta, 12, Helsinki
"I have no idea of what's wrong with wearing such clothing items. Wearing them should not hurt anybody. Baggy trousers feel comfortable and they look fine. A tight belt helps to keep them up. At home I have a pair of Kani's. I wear them often."
Riku Kyöperi, 17, Helsinki
"Pretty stupid. Surely anyone can dress up the way that feels right to the individual. And if one loves the style, why should it lead to sanctions? I agree that appearing naked in a public place is not on and is punishable by a fine, but if one covers up with items of clothing, regardless of their style, it should be alright. Right?"
Antti Baijukya, 15, Helsinki
"Of course I am against the ban. It is like saying that high heels are wrong. It is unfair and unnecessary. The low-riding baggy trousers differ from many other styles. Most people wear their trousers really high. When dressed up in a suit, the trousers are sometimes worn even above the waistline."
Sakari Olsbo, 14, Espoo
"People should be allowed to wear baggy trousers without having to worry about getting a fine. Everyone must be allowed to wear what they want. I have worn baggy trousers for three years, since the fifth grade. I wear them because they are relaxed. Really good saggy trousers cost EUR 200."
Helsingin Sanomat / First published in print 4.9.2007
MIKKO-PEKKA HEIKKINEN / Helsingin Sanomat
mikko-pekka.heikkinen@hs.fi
