TO STREAK OR NOT TO STREAK?

Basically, streaking is the non-sexual act of taking off one's clothes and runing through a public place. There are definitely many who think that streaking is a mild form of flashing, a crime, and hence streaking should be a crime too. This way of logic definitely has its own sense, but I feel that streaking should not be banned, but banning streaking in Singapore should have a good effect on many aspects of its progress. I believe that there is nothing wrong with streaking, as long as you do not humiliate others with your act.

In the Straits Times, an article named "Just a naked blunder -Expelling the NUS streakers from their hostel is too harsh" It talks about nine male NUS undergraduates being expelled for streaking. That itself has spiced up the discussion about if streaking should be legalised and if the punishment from NUS was too harsh. The people supporting and against streaking launched arguments on the law, the freedom of choice, the impact on young kids, the "art of nature" and many more. In Singapore, any naked person in public could be fined SGD$2000, in the eyes of the law, streaking is not acceptable, and so are the undergrads. They should be grateful that their case did not fall under the strict laws of the Singapore government. Also, we can't consider the university to be a non-public place - everyday, tens of visitors show up at NUS.

Different countries have different laws. Singapore is one of the countries which have rather strict laws. But take for example the United States, they have more lenient laws. The University of Chicago even has an annual streaking event that is supported and cheered on by professors, passers-by and schoolmates. Its is taken as a method of expressing the ideology of freedom, youth and fun. It can also somehow be a method of self-exploration or maybe......... exploring others (ahem!)

There are numerous reasons why people streak. First, there is an essence of fun in streaking, people want the fun and, most probably, the stress relieving nature of streaking. This is true even in top Universities like Harvard. The act of streaking makes u feel exposed and the feeling of "carefreeness" especially if it is done in a group. This is the most important reason why I do not think that streaking is wrong. Streaking is also a method of gaining fame for some people. Some people have become famous and have been labeled "professional streakers" by the community. Many of such streakers run naked across soccer or rugby matches that are usually rather exciting and draws others' attention. I am not saying that they are ego and attention seeking, but I personally feel that looking at such a scene is definitely worth a laugh. To me, they are those daring professional jokers. But it is also true that some people streak because they are high on alcohol, and this is the exact reason why the NUS undergrads streaked. They celebrated their win of the Inter-Hall Games and drank till high, and they streaked.

I believe that Singapore will stubbornly (In my viewpoint) keep to the law that streaking should not be allowed. Singapore has tourism as an important part of its progress, how can she allow streaking to be legalised? Such acts of streaking in public can largely reduce the profits Singapore earn from its tourism. Also, Singapore is a largely civillised country and it is rather hard for it to accept streaking. Just imagine in the streets of the city, where all those lawyers, businessmen and parliment workers gather, wearing those high-class looking tuxedos and all out of a sudden, a naked man just bursts out and attracts people's attention. It will definitely a big humiliation to the people there and it just isn't unacceptable!

Some countries might not put any ban on streaking, and I believe that it is done out of understanding for the people who wish to feel "freedom", which is good! (In my opinion) But some countries feel that they still have a long way to go and they want their people to be more consevative in their actions. Either way, both have their advantages and disadvantages. Rounding up, streaking in Singapore could be banned for better progress of the country, but she should also consider the other choice as I think streaking can indirectly give people the drive (...) for progress!! XD