Boobs on Bikes: Sex, money and votes
by Dylan Quinnell
Boobs on Bikes. What do I think?
Well, the first question that comes to mind is: why?
Parades usually have a point, ones that happen down Auckland’s main drag at midday, anyway.
The Santa parade is meant to spread a bit of cheer, and quite possibly chuck in a bit of advertising.
Hero parades are a statement about freedom of lifestyle and expression, as well as being a loud, colourful extravaganza.
Boobs on bikes, as far as I can tell, is about sex, money and votes.
Let me declare my background. I am a heterosexual Christian male. But before you start ranting about crazy Christians, let me remind you that Christians, like all people, have varied views that range from the conservative to liberal.
I would put myself on the more liberal side. Nudity doesn’t bother me.
And yet after running up and down central Auckland’s streets taking photos of topless women for AUT’s newspaper, I feel slightly sleazy and dirty.
The difference of course is that this parade was all about pornography.
Don’t kid yourself for a minute that mayoral candidate Steve Crow is fighting for women’s rights, or freedom of expression. His presence at the Boobs and Bikes parade was purely to win over new voters.
But Mr Crow wasn’t the only male presence at the parade.
Thousands of men were in attendance - most of them had undoubtedly escaped from their offices at lunchtime so they could cop an eyefull of a topless porn star’s wares.
I was, however, personally surprised by the number of women who turned up. Although, as one of my female friends commented, most of the women there probably feel like they have to be okay with it.
But the truth of the matter is you don’t have to, girls. And you don’t have to ride down Queen Street topless to be appreciated, either.
Now guys, honestly, would you be proud if your wife or girlfriend took part in the parade?
What people do in their own time, that’s their business, as long as it doesn’t harm others or society.
The issue here is the objectification of women and what it says about our culture. That, plus the fact the parade occurrs in a very public place - so we have no choice but to witness it.
I just hope voters see Mr Crow and his publicity-seeking ways for what they really are.
What do you think of the Boobs on Bikes parade? Tell us what you think by submitting a comment below.