While driving to work the other day, I heard a song that some of you may remember and one that certainly made me smile — “The Streak.” Yes, the “Ethel, you get your clothes on” song. Follow the link and give it a listen, but only if you want to smile.
This 1974 No. 1 hit single by comedian Ray Stevens was sparked by the streaking trend that was awkwardly popular during the time, especially on college campuses around the country.
If you were in college at the time or remember the TV coverage, you may recall this naked explosion. As such, this definition of “streaking” was invented. The most covered incident happened in March of 1974 at the University of Michigan. Students wanted to introduce the idea of streaking to the masses with about 70 students going sans clothes and about 1,000 there to watch. This made Ann Arbor known as the location of the first large-scale streak.
I was 6 years old at the time, but even I took part in streaking. One of my brother’s friends convinced me to run naked back and forth across the door to his family’s living room while his sister was studying there. He laughed. I giggled. His sister didn’t find it so amusing. I haven’t seen her since. Thank goodness.
I wasn’t the only naughty one. The Catholic students at the University of Notre Dame even sponsored a “Streakers’ Olympics” in 1972.
Streaking’s history, even on college campuses, goes back much further. The first recorded incident was in 1804 at Washington College (now Washington and Lee University) when George William Crump was arrested for running naked. Crump was suspended but later went on to become a U.S. Congressman. Go figure.
Even Snoopy, the popular character in one of my favorite comic strips, “Peanuts,” got into the act as part of his Joe Cool persona. He took part in streaking by removing his trademark sunglasses and collar in his effort to appear naked.
Some say this streaking trend was linked to the sexual revolution. Others say it was backlash against feminism. Still more say it was in response to the campus protests of the late 1960s and early 1970s. I say it was good, clean fun… with nothing on but a smile.
Don’t look, Ethel!
Have a terrific Tuesday, and thanks for reading.
Shane Goodman President and Publisher Big Green Umbrella Media shane@dmcityview.com 515-953-4822, ext. 305 |