Issue date: 9/4/07 Section: Opinion

One of the most common things seen around campus is the extreme popularity of offensive T-shirts. On anyone from a mass communications major to a student in business, offensive and graphic tees can be spotted throughout campus.

These shirts are growing in popularity and can be found anywhere. They can be found online, at thrift stores and, most recently, on the backs of students around campus.

The slogans and designs of these shirts can be as simple as a funny quote from "Old School" all the way to the phrase, "I love hot moms." Offensive? Comedic? To some it may be both.

To say cringing is the result of seeing one of these shirts is a far stretch. However, where can we draw the line? Picture this: opening up the time capsule that was unearthed last week and inside was a T-shirt that happened to say, "I love the way Hawaiian girls grow their coconuts."

Times have changed, but what is going to happen in 20 years when these shirts become more offensive, pick out more people and become more vulgar.

At sporting events these shirts are becoming an at-home hobby. "Muck Fizzou," is a shirt I recently saw online for sale by a student from the University of Kansas.

Shirts that have comedic quotes and pictures can be funny, but tasteful as well. No need for profanity or over-the-top sexual innuendos. Owning these shirts is not a crime, nor will it ever be. But, there is a time and a place for those items to be worn.

Sunday morning breakfast with Grandma Ethel is not the proper place to wear a T-shirt with a giant picture of a stripper bending over on a pole with the saying, "I'm in love with a stripper" in giant sequined letters. The early-bird special crowd at Denny's may just lose their appetites.

Now, if it's Friday night and Johnny Partythrower is having a bash in his three-bedroom loft, you better make sure that you wear your brand new "I'd tap that…" T-shirt. Johnny Partythrower was totally jealous of your sweet "T."

Now, the issue comes when you enter onto this public university. Should you feel bad wearing these types of T-shirts or is this just another way to express yourself? Do you feel comfortable with a half-naked female on your chest in front of your English professor?

There is a good chance that someone you network with on campus while attending school will help you professionally after graduation. Now, what would you rather be dressed for? The party at the loft? The Sunday morning breakfast fiasco with Grandma? Or would you rather be dressed in a decent manner?

There are certain things people remember. They remember the sharp-dressed, professional student. And they also remember the college student who just woke up and put on a T-shirt with Napoleon Dynamite on the front.

When you wake up tomorrow morning, look at what you put on. Consider what you wear not to be only a fashion statement, but also a representation of who you are.

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