Naked Runners; that part of the headline was designed to turn heads. The article is about a semi-organized event; in this case a naked run through the local mall with a pumpkin on your head. I am presented with a mental image of two of the citizens of Boulder; naked, one female and one male. Oh yes! Each of our citizens has a pumpkin for a head.
Now this might sound a little silly; but the citizens do have a head under the pumpkin. So what we really have here is a citizen in a headdress, so not naked. The costume or headdress is minimalistic; but it is large; orange and carved into some parody of human expression. So far they’re not really naked, and that large carved pumpkin is most certainly demanding ones attention. Not their genitals.
Given the history of this event; that it has taken place a number of times before. The event has some tacit acceptance. People have gathered to enjoy the activity. I am sure that the businesses located in this mall experience an increase in sales. The mall owners have not; to my knowledge; called and lodged a complaint with the police. There needs to be a generalized clemency. There needs to be a coming together of minds. I am sure that the citizens of Boulder can get together and decide; do we want the event or don’t we. Create a private environment on private property. The mall becomes a clothing optional zone for the period of this event. Sell or give away tickets. There is going to be the “what about children?” issue.
I have in my life, spent hours, days, and years with people who accept the human body and don’t demonize it. Being natural, being naked, being normal to me is just that; normal.
