On Tuesday, January 25, 2000 2:57 AM Damien Broderick
d.broderick@english.unimelb.edu.au wrote:
> The more I hear about the bizarre restrictions in the Land of the Free,
the
> happier I am that I'm living in Oz. Can't be certain, but I'm fairly sure
> you could stroll in a swimsuit or a feathered chickensuit or a giant
> plastic pizza from the Yarra River to the middle of Melbourne without
being
> molested by police (although they'd surely keep an eye on you, and it
might
> help if there were several in the company, so you're not mistaken for a
> lone escaped lunatic or drug fiend having an unusual reaction). On the
> other hand, you *might* be assaulted by any number of jeering out-of-work
> young ruffians, the kind who are always picking on Bart Simpson.
>
> But I might be wrong about this. It's not something I've ever done, being
> too skinny and unsightly. Anyway, it's usually too damned cold.
>
> If you chanced to be in Sydney during Gay & Lesbian Mardi Gras, you'd be
> joshed for *not* wearing gold lame arseless panties, inflatable bra and
> wings, and glittery tiara, or full traditional nun's habit and bushy
beard,
> while strolling down the centre of the road. Do they do that in Harvard
> Square? Even one day a year? If not, don't blame us anal Aussies.
Actually, during Gay Pride events, laws are usually laxer on public nudity.
At least, that's how it is in NYC. I'm sure it's the same with other areas
and Pride events. It's too bad such looseness in enforcement doesn't find
much application outside the gay community.
Though I think the US is not as free as it could be, one must also be
careful when generalizing from one region to another. Where Sasha lives is
one of the most taxed and regulated parts of the US. But naturism is still
a big problem in the US, nonetheless.
As for me, you have to pay if you want to see.:)
Daniel Ust
http://mars.superlink.net/neptune/
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