Howdy grthumongous-ga,
These are all more indicators of a "hip hop" fashion sense, and almost retro
hip hop at that, rather than signs of gang affiliation. Here is an excerpt
from the Wikipedia entry on hip hop fashion.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hip_hop_fashion
"The wearing of baggy clothes, often without the use of a belt for the pants,
originated from prison, where belts were among the first things confiscated
while new inmates were being given their uniforms. Hooded sweaters ("hoodies"),
military hats, field jackets and fatigues, Hi-Tek brand para-military boots and
Timberland boots were especially popular in New York City ...
...
There was a resurgence of traditional African-American hairstyles such as
cornrows and Afros, as well as the Caesar low-cut. Caesars and cornrows are
maintained by wearing a doo-rag over the head during periods of sleeping and
home activity to prevent the hair from being displaced or tossled. Doo-rags
soon became popular hip-hop fashion items in their own right."
Even an urban minister has taken to this style in order to identify with the
youth in his neighborhood. From the Washington Times article "Blood of young
Chelsea is on all of our hands" by Adrienne Washington.
http://www.washingtontimes.com/metro/20040506-110721-5640r.htm
"The pastor, too, preaches personal respect and responsibility. His telephone
voice mail suggests "if it's that important, start praying now." Mr. Young's
church in the 5100 block of Nannie Helen Burroughs Avenue NE is a sanctuary for
the desperate and the downtrodden. He said he often wears the uniform of the
streets (Timberland boots, cornrows and baggy pants) to draw in younger
people with whom his supportive, self-help sermons resonate."
Going sleeveless, adding the towel and handkerchief all seem to be fashion
touches as well. If the handkerchief was red or blue, those are indicators
for the "Bloods" and the "Crips," both gangs.
As the Wikipedia article goes on to state, "After the influx of the hip-pop
influence, hip-hop fashion became less based in actual street wear and more
in an idealization of such."
Obviously, if said male is sporting gang style tattoos, throwing gang signs
or packing a gun, one might want to reconsider the above.
If you need any clarification, please feel free to ask.
Search strategy:
Google search on: cornrow hairstyle gang OR gangs
://www.google.com/search?q=cornrow+hairstyle+gang+OR+gangs
Google search on: gang OR gangs Timberland
://www.google.com/search?q=gang+OR+gangs+Timberland
Looking Forward, denco-ga - Google Answers Researcher |
