by Julia Coelho
The controversy over the appropriateness of yoga pants has recently been brought to the attention of the media after a man in his mid 60’s submitted a strongly-worded letter to the editor of the Barrington Times regarding his opinion on the pants.
“Like the mini skirt, yoga pants can be adorable on children and young women who have the benefit of nature’s blessing of youth,” 63-year-old Alan Sorrentino commented.
However, hundreds of women have protested this comment, proving Sorrentino’s opinion to be quite unpopular.
After the letter was published in the Barrington Times, it caught the attention of many readers, specifically women. In response to Sorrentino’s letter, over 300 women wearing different colored yoga pants rallied in Barrington, Rhode Island. They then proceeded to parade down the streets, holding signs that promoted positive body images, and making a point to walk right past the very home of Alan Sorrentino. At the conclusion of the parade, everyone met up at Hampden Meadows School to participate in a brief yoga session.
“Peaceful Pants Party,” “Love Yourself,” and “We Wear What We Want,” were only a few of the many signs that were displayed by the participants in the parade.
Some have argued that this parade was an overreaction to Sorrentino’s letter.
In his letter, Sorrentino claimed that woman over the age of 20 should not be wearing yoga pants, under any circumstances. In response to this comment, women older than 20 who attended the parade held up signs supporting the freedom of wardrobe of any woman regardless of their age or body type.
However, the “Peaceful Pants Party” became volatile, after Sorrentino received death threats from several of its members. Sorrentino was also asked to join the parade, an offer he quickly refused claiming it was “humiliating” and “a form of bullying” towards him.
Now, the real question lies in whether the Barrington Times should have not published this letter to the editor, or if they were merely exercising their freedom of the press.
Senior Kyra Siano shared her opinion the subject:
“I don’t think that the women that had a parade were overreacting because they were standing up for what they believe in and I respect that.”
Senior Angie Bullock had similar views, claiming that the parade demonstrated “not just the yoga pants controversy” but “the bigger issue of women’s body image.”
Some people, such as seniors Tom Kummer and Jay Loring, had opposing views on the subject.
“I think that they overreacted. Protesting is one thing, but sending death threats the guy is crossing a line,” Kummer stated.
Jay also agreed, claiming “it was blown out of proportion.”
Regardless of your opinion, the participants in the parade fought for their rights to wear what they want, which is respectable. The takeaway of this event is that everyone has the right to an opinion on yoga pants or even a woman’s body, but sometimes keeping your opinion to yourself is simply the better option.
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