Link between theory and reality via public disrobing

In my Cities and Suburbs class today, we were discussing the process of urbanization. There are several processes involved in this process, one of which is a social process. As part of this social process, city residents develop a value system and world view that is distinctly urban. This includes things like greater tolerance for noise, crowds, and different patterns of living.

It also includes a greater tolerance for difference. We like to think this means tolerance for people who are different than us, like racial tolerance. Unfortunately, our ideals often fall short of the mark on that score. Nonetheless, city residents are remarkably tolerant of what might otherwise be considered strange behavior.

This was no better illustrated than at an annual event in Boston this past weekend: No Pants Day on the Subway. A New York City group called Improve Everywhere, whose mission is to bring excitement to otherwise unexciting locales, organized a not-so secret mass disrobing on the subway this past Saturday. The rules were that people had to be wearing underpants and they had to, ahem, keep their packages wrapped. The MBTA police were notified so no one was going to be hauled off for indecent exposure this time.

In reading the press reports post event, it appears that the organizers met their goal of spreading joy through chaos. While some folks inevitably were offended, it appears that the whole event was viewed as funny or, consistent with theory, was ignored altogether. My favorite picture of the event comes from Boston.com.


The young woman in the pink hoodie is doing her best to keep her eyes away from the prize, but if you look at the other two people, they are oblivious to the half dozen folks who are riding around the subway in their boxers in 40 degree weather.

As with all theories, there are contingencies that have to be accommodated. For specific strange behaviors (like public disrobing) intolerance may be the norm, but tolerance may be generated depending on the circumstance. This is aptly demonstrated by the story on this event reported in my university student newspaper. A young woman said that an gentleman sitting next to her was initially offended by the pantless young men in his subway car. His tone changed, however, when two young women in their undies walked by. He reportedly made a point of stating his approval of the whole event.

I just love it when current events coincide with my theory lectures.