Unless you don't normally look at men's pants, you've no doubt noticed a recent shift toward denim in the type of pant worn by young men here at Penn State. The rise in denim wearage has come with a cost, however, and the cargo pant seems to be paying the brunt of it. A heated debate has been aroused across campus concerning all aspects of the newest pant controversy.

"It's blasphemous," said Graham Ford (freshman-history) referring to the rise of blue jeans. "Cargos are an American tradition and people who are switching to jeans are selling their soul for fashion."

Two popular stores in downtown State College, The Gap, 206 W. College Ave., and Abercrombie & Fitch, 134 to 140 S. Allen St., reveal just how wide the denim/cargo disparity is. The Gap product line currently features 18 different styles of jeans in nine different shades, compared to a mere two styles of cargo pants, one a wool cargo and another a traditional cargo, available in three hues. Abercrombie & Fitch offers 10 styles of jeans and almost as many rinses, compared to five styles of cargo pants in seven different colors.

A number of students, such as Ford, think this isn't right. "Honestly, no, I don't think it's fair," he said. "I think it's pant discrimination."

The Gap declined to make a comment, while a representative from Abercrombie & Fitch failed to return phone calls.

Dave Trettel (sophomore-finance) harbors no anger concerning the lower availability of cargos, however. "They should sell what's in demand so it's fair," he said.

Like it or not, then, jeans are back, but not like you may have remembered them. Current cuts feature a low-rise and a wider-at-the-ankle boot fit; the finish is often distressed and worn in.

Some, such as Brian Francis (junior-chemical engineering), greet the change as a breath of fresh air. "I'm glad to see there are many new styles of jeans rather than just plain blue."

Kate Specchio (junior-biology) begs to differ. "I think it's weird, the whole dirty, brownish pant thing." She also adds that the new styles must fit just right "or it's not too attractive."

Another disputation has arisen over the pragmatics of the two rival pants. Proponents of each respective lower garment cite several practical advantages.

On the cargo side, many emphasize the pockets and more comfortable fit. "There are many things you can do with them such as carrying books," Francis said.

An added benefit, Francis said, is also the ego-boost cargos can offer. "Maybe cargo pants were popular because they made people feel special because they carried around all that extra stuff."

Many aren't fooled by the extra pocket room, however. "If you're working with masonry you can't wear cargos," said Blake Teitelbaum (freshman-electrical engineering), obviously referring to the many students who work in the masonic arts. "If you spill concrete on jeans it's no big deal," he added.

Even Francis admits there is a downside to cargos. "I'm skinny so the cargo pants are harder to keep up."

With such heated opinions, many wouldn't be surprised to hear of fights breaking out, but Bryan Donovan (sophomore-information sciences and technology) stops short of expecting religious factions. "I don't think there are any crazy cults," he said.

In fact, perhaps to help curb religious-like zeal, Old Navy produces a cargo-jean. This denim product is quite simply what it claims to be: a pair of jeans with cargo pockets. While the intention may have been a good one, it seems to have caused more trouble than it's actually worth.

"I think if nature had intended a cargo-jean, nature would have made one; we shouldn't play God with pants," Ford said.

He's not alone in his ill feelings: "It's the ugliest jean I've ever seen . . . honestly," commented Francis.

Still, a few enjoy the idea of a cargo pant. It seems like a perfect compromise between the two poles of denim and cargo pants. "I guess if you're looking for jeans with more pockets that's the way to go," said Doug Evans (freshman-mechanical engineering).

Despite this medium, the cargo-jean apparently isn't bridging the gap. The pant seems to have failed to find a considerable market, leaving jeans and cargo pants to battle it out. Jeans definitely have the upper hand in terms of availability and current popularity, but there is still a faithful following of the classic cargo pant. This fact has pushed some jean supporters to recognize the value of pant tolerance.

"Whatever you want to wear, that's cool," Donovan said. "There's no reason to hate somebody because they wear jeans or cargos."

If only it were that simple.