Wednesday, June 1, 2011

World Naked Bike Ride

So I've been asked by Bill over in Albany about the chance to have us promote the World Naked Bike Ride event that's taking place over in Albany. I'm sort of reluctant to, but there are enough reasons to that I will do so with some explanations.

While using nudity as part of a protest certainly does bring attention to events that choose to use such methods, it seems to make it a bit of a spectacle. While having us women ride around town with our tops off would certainly bring attention, it would also bring the attention of the local media. To me this seems like a double edged sword. On the one hand it seems like this is exploiting women who are willing to participate in this, bringing attention to an event that may not otherwise have so much media coverage. On the other hand, if it is being used as an educational tool to educate the public about women's topfreedom rights in the state, having the media and the public as a whole in attendance seems like it "could" be a good thing.



Photo courtesy of spinneyhead

I'm hoping that by discussing the various angles here, those of you who truly do have an interest in exercising their topfreedom rights, or educating others about their rights, that at least some of you will consider participating in local events like this. A weblink for the Albany ride, for those of you who might be interested in participating or spreading the word: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=140986699268769



Photo courtesy of jennfarr

I truly hope that people, particularly other women, will comment and discuss this subject, no matter which side of the issue they are on.


Photo of 2009 Albany bike ride courtesy of altuwa