“Don’t look, Ethel!” Do You Remember, STREAKING?

By | September 19, 2017

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A streaker ran across the stage flashing a peace sign at the 46th Academy Awards presentation.

Those of you who remember the spectacle of streaking, remember that it was widely recognized, in the 1960’s and 1970’s, as the act of a person running nude through a public event, although the first documented incident in the United States occurred in 1804. As a rule, it was usually the amusing result of someone seeking attention for a particular cause. 

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The act of streaking, as originally defined, was not, necessarily a hobby or popular activity. Streaking was first recognized in London, England, as early as the year 1799. The word, “streak,” was originally associated with the concept of something being done quickly; hence, running. At that time, as known in England, a streaker would perform by running, albeit fully clothed, through a well-attended event, for the purpose of drawing attention to a cause. Somewhere along the line, it was realized that streakers could draw much greater attention doing something more provocative; like exposing their most intimate body parts! Well, of course, whoever came up with that concept was a genius! Nudity gets attention! And, better yet, as a sport, there were no uniforms or equipment to buy… a streaker was fully equipped at any time and any place!