Why Australians are so obsessed with naked protests – from Extinction Rebellion to saving the seals
WHETHER it’s in the name of refugee rights, opposition to fur, or greater action on climate change, the Aussies will use an excuse for a naked protest.
Here’s our rundown of the causes that have moved activists down under to get their kits off over the years.
EXTINCTION REBELLION
This weekend saw the latest instalment in what has rapidly become a worldwide protest movement calling on governments to step up their efforts to avert climate change.
Activists from the Extinction Rebellion marched through central Melbourne, as they have marched in London, New York, Berlin, and dozens of cities besides.
But it being Australia, this was a naked protest.
And the event saw demonstrators showcase a full and colourful range of mankinis, nipple tassels, and body paint.
ANIMAL RIGHTS
How else to protest people wearing fur coats than by wearing nothing at all?
The naked protest is a method long used by People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) and other animal rights groups.
Other causes to have moved activists to strip off include bullfighting and the Pamplona bull run, the exporting of live animals, and the culling of seals in Australia.
PETA says its demonstrations give people a “unique opportunity to use their bodies to make a statement regarding issues that they’re passionate about”.
HELP FOR REFUGEES
In January of this year, Saudi teen Rahaf Mohammed Alqunun drew attention around the world when she fled her Saudi family and boarded a one-way flight to Australia.
The 19-year-old was stopped by authorities during a changeover at Bangkok airport, but succeeded in barricading herself in a hotel room.
She took to twitter to issue a plea for sanctuary to world leaders, and was later granted asylum in Canada.
Before her case was decided, shows of support sprang up around the world, including, of course, a naked protest in Sydney.
GLOBALISATION
As long as there have been protests, there have been protests against globalisation, multinational corporations, and income inequality.
And on this age-old cause, Aussies have put their trademark stamp, with naked protests outside a variety of international meetings held down under.
In 2000, demonstrators ran laps naked around the venue for the World Economic Forum, held that year in Sydney.
And in 2007, naked protesters gathered outside a summit for the Asia-Pacific Cooperation, which was met to discuss free trade between Australia, east Asia, and North America.
WORLD NAKED BIKE RIDE
And to close, a naked event for all nations.
The Worldwide Naked Bike Ride is an annual bike ride to raise awareness for cycling safety, environmentalism, and body positivity.
Rides have taken place in LA, San Francisco, Helsinki, Vancouver, and Madrid.
The dress code motto is “bare as you dare”, not that the Aussies would do it any other way.
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