I consider myself to be an unabashed Newshound. I am addicted to the daily reading of current event news from a myriad of sources, absorbing along the way a multitude of op-ed pieces. I pride myself in attempting to maintain a knowledgeable opinion on a majority of news-worthy topics that make for intelligent conversation with those of like interest. One cannot expose oneself to this daily barrage of information and not on more than infrequent occasions come across a story of human interest that makes one stop and consider the lunacy involved. Such was my reaction when I read the Reuters and USA TODAY reports about a multitude of "naked people" braving cold and damp weather just to get their photographs taken. On Sunday, May 6th, the renowned photographic artist Spencer Tunick convinced a record number of 18,000 people in mass to disrobe in Mexico City's Zocalo Square. (No mention was made as to whether or not representatives with the Guinness World Book of Records were on hand - presumably appropriately attired - to document the alleged record). Tunick has garnered a world-wide following by conducting nude-in photo shoots throughout the world, with Amsterdam slated next on the schedule in June.
The photo at top contains but a small sampling of the individuals who, for allegedly the sake of art, elected voluntarily to turn their best assets towards Tunick's camera lens. One can only wonder why such a large gathering of diverse human specimens would bear their all in close proximity to thousands of strangers, especially when one takes into account that the Mexican people as a rule are rather prudish. Most men will wear shorts only while on vacation and the women shy away from revealing clothing, such as mini-skirts, in order to avoid unwanted whistles and cat-calls. So why the sudden lessening of social decorum? Said one female participant, "This event proves that really we're not such a conservative society anymore. We're freeing ourselves of taboos." And apparently all of their inhibitions, as one reporter witnessing the event wrote that the crowd enthusiastically performed the "wave" in unison...which evokes an unavoidable visual of 18,000 people flapping more than just their arms!
History attests that the Roman and Greek societies observed a more liberal view of public nudity. Public baths were in vogue, as were many athletic events performed by both sexes sans clothing. In modern-day western societies the idea of parading around in one's birthday suit is not only vigorously frowned upon, it is in all but a few locals outlawed by statue. Nudity mistakenly and unfortunately becomes equated with sex. The former doesn't foreshadow the latter. It is the suppression of the appreciation of the human body that leads to the unquenchable heighten titillation in this country that Madison Avenue and Hollywood thrive upon. Not that I am advocating that we should all forsake our fig leafs and throw personal inhibitions to the wind. Aside from the obvious observable fact that many of we Americans have enough body weight for two people, there is also exposure to the harsh elements of the environment...sunburn or chill winds on a bare bottom is a circumstance to be avoided.
I guess the bottom line is I have no personal problem with the 18,000 men and women shedding all of their clothes for Tunick's Mexico shoot. Their personal choices are their personal choice. Would I follow in their bear foot foot prints should Mr. Tuncik announce he was coming to our area for another of his exposes, say at the Don Cesar Beach Resort? I think it would be a hoot! I'd join right in with the hundreds or thousands of fellow "nudies" and place my best attributes along with theirs to the test. However, count me out if the "wave" breaks out. I do have my pride.
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