Strange trends not new to this generation

By Sue Carlton, Times columnist
In print: Saturday, March 22, 2008

Jacob Settle’s hair has raised questions about him speaking at graduation.
	[JOHN PENDYGRAFT | Times]

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News item: A stellar student at Seminole High School fears his freaky new hairdo could thwart his chances for giving the valedictory speech.

News item: State lawmakers concerned about students in baggy boxer-baring britches consider a get-tough bill that could mean suspension for repeat offenders.

Maybe how we feel about these stories shows our age, a little like counting rings on a tree trunk. (Use of the word "britches" could put me in the grand oak category.) They're also an interesting illustration on how the world evolves.

First, Jacob Settle, a National Merit finalist with a 4.8 GPA, invites to four universities, a nice smile and a "fauxhawk." His hair stands in tall spikes like an angry rooster, a look that might give certain people the urge to cross the street to avoid someone similarly coiffured.

On the offending pants, some that look large enough to accommodate not one but two teenagers: They may be worn even below the behind line with the waistline displaying at least the top of one's undies. The trend started in jails, where inmates are issued baggy uniforms without belts. Today the style can be seen in suburban malls across America.

It's what kids do, a friend (and also a father) says when we get to talking on this. "Next, kids will be wearing their zippers down or something," he said.

The NAACP opposed the baggy pants measure. There's a pretty good "With all that ails this state, this is what you people want to legislate?" argument, too. Now the effort looks to be dead, with even Gov. Charlie Crist against it. "Actually, it's a look I like to sport myself when I'm out clubbing," the governor said — okay, he didn't, I just wish he had.

In truth, Crist said something smarter, recalling his own high school days when people fretted over the length of someone's hair. "What's important is what you learn, not what you wear," he said.

Sure, there is a good argument that such fashion statements come off defiant, aggressive or weird, that they can thwart acceptance or even getting a job. But who knows when outrageous becomes acceptable and radical goes routine? How many soccer moms sport belly piercings or discreet tattoos?

All of which has been going on since some caveman told his cavedaughter she was not going out in that skimpy Sabertooth skirt. I have a memory (best forgotten) of shocking fluorescent pink and chartreuse clothing and my mother claiming related vision impairment.

Maybe there's comfort in the fact that the kid making parents crazy now will one day be tearing out his own (receding) hair over his child's shaved head/tattoo/piercing/clothing/freakish makeup or whatever the next generation cooks up.

To those who would express themselves by greasing their locks high or belting their pants low: know you may take heat for it, that you have choices, and that this is the way of things.

It's how it works, the young pushing limits, the older grousing about indecency and disrespect.

Just, please. Not the zippers.