Date: Wed, 15 May 1996 14:06:52 -0700

From: Peter McGraw pmcgraw[AT SYMBOL GOES HERE]CALVIN.LINFIELD.EDU

Subject: Re: Streak



On Wed, 15 May 1996, David Muschell wrote:



Having been recently graduated when the first streakers were exposed here

in Georgia, I wasn't there at the event(s); however, from my understanding,

the term derived from the rapidity of movement of said bare ones. Unlike

strippers whose purpose is slow removal of garments, streakers are

"pre-buffed" and zip quickly past their intended audience, streaking by.

Avoidance of arrest seemed to be the primary motivation, though perhaps the

speed and tendency of viewers to focus on "forbidden" body parts gave the

undressed hopes of remaining incognito.



David





As I recall it from the early 70s in Tennessee (though newspaper reports

indicated it was a national phenomenon), one thing the streakers DID keep

covered was their face - typically using a paper bag, with eye holes, over

their head. This must have been hazardous in some respects, but it did

(supposedly) keep them anonymous.



The fad prompted at least one popular song, "They Call Him The Streak"

(at least that was the first line of the chorus).



Peter McGraw

Linfield College

McMinnville, OR