CAS AN 101 Study Guide - Final Guide: Marcel Mauss, Social Inequality, Anthropometry
Document Summary
In a country prided by its own sense of individualism, it would seem that new and personal fashion statements should be encouraged; however, that hasn"t been the case for the hip-hop-inspired sagging pants . The political backlash seen throughout the nation may very well be because, whether conscious or not, clothing style is a form of working class resistance. Many authorities have shown such outrage due to the fact that this hip-hop. Subculture is underhandedly challenging the self-interested standards placed by the cultural hegemony of the ruling- class. What was once an inescapable consequence of the lowest class (ie: prison life of criminals), has now become a symbol of pride against the suits of those living the better life (according to the billboards). The very fact that this has come to involve state legislation is only testimony to the effectiveness of such a form of resistance.