Pants On the Ground (1st Article/3rd MP)

In Boston, Massachusettes, the first set of American Idol auditions were held. This was the first set of the first round auditions in the 9th season of the show. American Idol is a singing talent show where people from around the country audition and move up through the round until eventually, 1 winner is picked. In the beginning of the process, the judges vote if the contestants go to Hollywood or not and if they progress from there. Once the number of contestants gets to a certain round, the audience members and people across America get to put in their votes on who should be the next American idol.
On January 12, 2010, the Atlanta auditions were aired. On this particular episode, a 62 year old man names General Larry Platt auditioned. One of the audition requirements states that you must be between the ages of 16 and 28. Larry was already too old to audition although the judges let him sing anyway. He performed his own original song, appropriately titled "Pants on the Ground". His performance became a viral hit, since the show was aired. The lyrics to the song go something like this:

"Pants on the ground
Pants on the ground
Lookin’ like a fool with you pants on the ground
Gold in your mouth
Hat turned sideways, pants hit the ground
Call yourself a cool cat looking like a fool
Walking down town with yo pants on the ground
get it up!"

Platt was a civil rights activist in Atlannta, Georgia. In fact, September 4th, 2001 is designated as "Larry Platt Day" becuase he was honored for his civil rights movements. His goal with this song, "Pants on the Ground", was to reach out to African Americans that have come so far in society since the times of Rosa Parks and MLK. Platt is trying to point out that African Americans have finally gained respect in society and now they stereotypically walk around with, well, their pants dragging. Platt is saying that they need to honor their gained respect and pull up their pants, straighten their hat, and look appropriate.