Taboo to brand-new

The last lap of Little 500 this year had everyone on the edge of their seats. But the 199 laps before did get a little repetitive.

My mind had time to wander every now and then. And with that, my eyes started to wander too.

No, not that, you perv. But I did begin to notice how much style has changed over the years.

I remember the first time I sagged my pants. I wanted to show off my awesome boxers or third-grade butt, which hasn’t grown since, I might add.

I’m pretty sure no one liked me for a week after that.

But looking at some of the guys and gals at this weekend who were strutting their stuff, I was wondering why they even needed a belt.

Or why don’t they just go all out and take those bad boys off?

Now some might say saggy pants may not be a social problem. Some might wonder what the significance of saggy pants might even be.

Well, just last week, saggy pants were fighting for their constitutional rights in Palm Beach County, Fla.

A judge ruled that the ban of saggy pants in the Florida county encroached on the 14th Amendment.

But it’s not only baggy pants we’re seeing more and more. Tattoos now seem more acceptable by the general public, too.

Every day, it seems like someone I know is getting a tattoo. I’d be right there with them if I wasn’t so afraid of my dad cutting it off of me.

Most people have heard an excuse somewhere along the line that getting a tattoo will hurt your chances of getting a job. And while that may be true in some cases, as new generations become the hirers instead of those being hired, maybe they’ll bring with them the knowledge that having a tattoo doesn’t automatically mean you were in prison or a gang. Maybe you’re just more of an expressive person, a quality most would admire.

So from dog tags to tube tops, from miniskirts to giant sunglasses, I am all for the movement that forwards style.

But we need to remind ourselves that we can take it too far. And lately, some people have been doing just that.

I blame “Twilight.” Sorry to everyone who loves the book or movie, but it has bred a population of people who literally think they’re vampires. I don’t care how you dress playing vampire, but when you think you plainly are a vampire or that you’re going to be swooped up by one, you need to re-evaluate the situation.

After last week, I’m not going to be surprised if people start thinking they’re pirates.
But such people are the exception, not the rule.

So to you people out there sporting some sweet shades, pastel-colored shorts and matching flip-flops, keep doing what you’re doing.

Just understand that you’re not, and never will be, a vampire-pirate hybrid. Sorry.