Why I Don't Care About This Topless Activist (photo via EV Grieve) For the past few weeks a woman named Moira Johnston has been walking around the New York City fighting for her right, and every woman in New York state’s right, to bare bear boobs. Unlike her breasts, this woman’s agenda has been well-covered by the local media and national blogs. You can check out a NSFW interview of Johnston discussing her wrongful arrest after complaints were made about how she exposed herself close to a children’s playground here. I recently witnessed this woman’s dedication to her cause in the flesh as I exited the Union Square Petco and came face-to-face with her headlights. But I’m not interested in discussing her alleged activism. Her determination to inform all the ladies out there that they have every right to take off their shirts seems as pointless as that training bra I got in the 5th grade. It’s been legal for ladies to let their tah-tah’s swing in the breeze in this fine state since 1992. I’m fully aware. I feel like this was one of the first things I learned upon moving to New York, along with how to re-light the pilot on a gas stove. You’re fighting for a right that everyone knows they have. This right isn’t exercised often because, well, it’s kind of creepy. What is the point you’re trying to make here, topless lady? I can let my boobs hang low for everyone to see, just like a man? But I rarely see men walking around topless, and I think it has something to do with the fact that it would be weird. I know I can do it, but kind of like skydiving, I choose not to. There are a multitude of equality issues that women are fighting for on a daily basis — right to choose, fair wages, maternity leave, access to health care — and this is what you chose? We get it, women walking around without tops is totally legal. Now do us a favor and put your shirt back on. After spending five years as a hedge-fund assistant, Katie Ligon has a wealth of time on her hands after being gracefully let go. She lives in Brooklyn. Tweet her at @busy1883. Follow us! Go ’head and click and Follow Us for more updates straight to your news & nonsense feeds. Warning: NSFW interview by Joey Boots </noscript>
Topless New York 25.05.12 @ 1:04 pm Katie - If you don’t want to take your shirt off in public, don’t do it. That’s your right just as much as it’s Moira’s right to take hers off. The right to be topless in public matters, and here’s why: Every time you break down one more barrier, one more myth that puts women in a lesser, more “shameful,” less autonomous category, no matter how small or seemingly inconsequential, the rest of the fight gets easier. You know why you think it’s creepy? Because someone once told you it is, because women’s bodies are naughty. And you know better than that. http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1047897717/topless-new-york-exhibit-calendar-and-book
JeremyHinnant 25.05.12 @ 2:36 pm I know that it is a right that has the ability to be exercised but what is the real advantage to a women walking around with her shirt off. I highly doubt that most women just walk around topless in the privacy of the own home on a day to day basis. Equal rights for everyone but in this particular thing, does it really matter?
Jsmith 27.05.12 @ 12:06 pm gross, even men topless are disgusting, why would women want to join them! People don’t have any commen sense anymore. And I am trying to raise a 16 year old boy with self respect. Only certain blessed people can get away with being topless.
bobby_b 29.05.12 @ 5:45 am Eh. Not a big deal. She can parade around stark naked if she feels it necessary. But she must cover her hair. Her bare hair tempts otherwise decent and godly men, tempts them to stray from our ways. This must stop, or ,millions will die. Oh, and . . . “gross, even men topless are disgusting . . . And I am trying to raise a 16 year old boy with self respect” Then you’d better stop with the “our bodies are disGUSTing!!” garbage. Thinking of yourself as being physically disgusting is not the same as having self respect. Honest.
Cirsiumc 31.07.12 @ 11:51 am Really katie? You dont want her to exercise her right to choose to go topless? Your agenda is not above hers! You want her to choose one of your causes. Yours are no less or more important than hers. You do not get the right to choose for others. Stop being arrogant.
Lisa C. 31.07.12 @ 3:00 pm What exactly does showing your boobs accomplish? Isn’t that something we try to KEEP our young women from doing? I certainly will not force MY daughter to exercise this “right”. Sounds like something some perverted legislators passed to get free peeks at breasts. Oh, and to answer my own question… IT DOESN’T ACCOMPLISH A DAMN THING!!!
Lisa C. 31.07.12 @ 3:03 pm And for all the people saying “it’s fine, it’s fine, it’s her right”…If your child’s teacher wanted to conduct class bare-chested, being man or woman, would it be OK then? They have the right to do so. Or can they only exercise their rights on their own time?
northierthanthou 31.07.12 @ 6:01 pm It would appear that the author cares enough to write a story about here.
CG 01.08.12 @ 1:12 pm I’m a native New Yorker, and I’ve seen many men walking around topless in this city over the years. A few have nice bodies, most – not so much, yet we don’t give them a hard time. If women choose to do so, more power to them. It might be jarring the first time you see it. You might hear a few giggles or gasps. But after awhile it’s becomes no big deal. I suppose that is what Ms. Johnston is trying to accomplish. Breasts are just a body part. No big deal.
jaime 08.09.12 @ 6:14 pm This has everything to do with women’s health, from my perspective. I’ve had endometriosis and other pelvic issues for over 10 years, and have had a lot of horrendous experiences with doctors. Euphemism, embarrassment, and ignorance (among other things) keep women’s health care lagging behind. No, she isn’t raising money for planned parenthood or putting an end to human trafficking- but I see the demystifying of our bodies as a great thing. Good message. I would go topless if it weren’t for unwanted attention from men- and that’s the point! the more we cover up, the worse it gets.
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