link ‘Pants on the ground’ goes viral: Top five Larry Platt covers / The Christian Science Monitor – CSMonitor.com
So cool that a brotha editorializes on the goofy trend that is still the rage among youths. As the article alludes to, the origin of low riding pants derives from prison where no belts are allowed and wearing of pants this way signified, to put it tactfully, availability. Somehow, this manner of dress became fashionable when these young men got back on the street, since this gave them ‘street cred’. Typically, these were low level criminals and it made some sense to convey this image, since this let the other posers on the street know that they had legitimate tough guy status and better not to mess with them.
Like many antisocial signals, this fashion statement found favour among posers, among ‘rap artists’ and consequently into the mainstream through music videos and publicity photos. It’s particularly amusing to see clean cut young white or Asian kids in leafy suburbs all over north america adopt the fashion preferences of their rap heroes; as if they had empathy with the ghetto lifestyle, living in comfortable suburbia and driving mommy’s Lexus to chill at the mall.
Adults are no less vulnerable to illogical fashion dictates as well of course. Among women, the idea of having a tattoo across the small of their backs, referred to as a ‘tramp stamp’ seems to be so popular that tattoo artists are practically mainstream in their profession. In the Midwest, you can see these places pop up like nail salons in the malls. In the old days, a greasy guy named Spike or Carlos did the painful deed in a filthy back room. The unlucky ones would get a free dose of hepatitis with the new ink. Nowadays, moms can get inked alongside their daughters while someone serves them iced tea.
Men are just as amusing. The Harley Davidson company has managed to propagate the idea of the freedom loving rebel on a motorcycle. Of course, being a rebel these days is much more convenient with large multi level corporate stores selling all things involved with the Harley lifestyle from clothing to jewelry, to baby clothes and even motorcycles. The formula for clothing is fairly consistent however, leaning mainly to black t-shirts, jeans and of course black leather.
It looks like everyone can show their individuality… in a me too kind of way.
link Mass. Senate candidate looks for boost from ‘rock star’ Bill Clinton – Local News Updates – The Boston Globe
Widely seen as a referendum on the current administration, the incumbent Democrats are bringing in the “big guns” to try to rally any waffling democratic voters in the state by-election. The vote should not even be that close given that the Massachusetts seat is as much a Kennedy heirloom as a Democratic stronghold.
Somehow, the natives appear to be a bit restless and the unthinkable has a possibility of happening. They may lose this iconic seat to the Republicans. This is akin to news that Warren Beatty was now sleeping with men. Well, you win some, you lose some I guess, but the strategy of the incumbent party is amusing as well as perplexing.
Because the race is so close, the rock star Bill Clinton and Obama himself are popping in to sway the hesitant. The Barrack and Rock tour will lend badly needed support for the Democrat Coakley. I’m unsure of the logic here. President Clinton is a great humanitarian and still commands audiences everywhere he goes. However, his ignominious exit from office had a lot to do with being a little less than forthright in his versions of events. President Obama is arguably the reason why the electoral race is as close as it is, so another serving of him would not seem to be of help to Coakley. These guys are as useful as body hair at a porn shoot. If we’re just bringing people with recognition to the race, why not bring in Rod Blagojevich?
Politics is a pretty rough contact sport and Bill’s willingness to stump with someone who recently put the knife into his wife’s back as a Presidential contender last year is that hardball game on full display. Winning is the only objective and loyalties are often confused at best, twisted at worst, but always about expedience. It’s just business. But if you have to bring in the “big guns” to a tight race which historically has been a stronghold for your party, MAYBE SOMETHING’S WRONG WITH YOUR POLICIES.
Meanwhile the challenger, Scott Brown, has Rudy Giuliani stumping for him. Isn’t Rudy the guy that once wore a ballgown, wig and full makeup smooching Donald Trump at a roast? If this election is lost to the incumbents it’ll be to a team with a guy who once wore a dress in public! And they say republicans are no fun.