Marching for right to bare breasts, women faced with sea of cameras
The picture-taking bothers the event's organizer, who says partial female nudity shouldn't be remarkable.
By Edward D. Murphy emurphy@mainetoday.com
Staff Writer
PORTLAND - About two dozen women took a walk down Congress Street topless Saturday, attracting a large crowd as they tried to preach that partial female nudity is not worthy of attracting a crowd.
The lead five women in a group that marched topless from Longfellow Square to Tommy’s Park on Saturday cross at the corner of Free and Congress streets in Portland.
Gordon Chibroski/Staff Photographer
Bare-chested men and women walk together along a Congress Street sidewalk Saturday in Portland as part of an effort to promote equal opportunity public toplessness.
Gordon Chibroski
Related headlines
The point of the march was that a topless woman out in public should attract no more attention than a man walking around without a shirt on, said Ty MacDowell, 20, of Westbrook, who organized Saturday's event and promoted it on Facebook.
But as the event got under way in Longfellow Square, the marchers were soon outnumbered by scores of onlookers -- mostly young men eagerly snapping away with cameras and cell phones.
MacDowell said she was surprised by the turnout of those interested less in challenging societal convention than in seeing partially undressed women.
"I'm amazed," she said, and "enraged (at) the fact that there's a wall of men watching."
MacDowell said she understood that for women, going topless in public "is not socially acceptable yet, and obviously there's going to be a reaction to something that breaks the norm."
But, she said, the picture-taking was particularly upsetting.
"A lot of people were taking pictures without even asking," she said. "Even if you're somewhere where people are fully clothed, you should ask."
One of the marchers said she wasn't surprised by all the attention because partially nude women in public "is so taboo."
But Adrianna Tibkey, who recently moved to Portland, said the march "was really, really fun, and it's nice to know it (going topless) is legal here."
Most of the onlookers were men -- but not all of them.
Tammy Walker said she shared the marchers' viewpoint, even if she wasn't prepared to join them in going topless.
"I think it's great," she said. "You (men) can let it all out -- why can't we?"
Some of the men in the crowd thought the marchers were naive to think women going topless would ever be commonplace.
"If they were looking for no reaction -- that's just crazy," said James Gilley of Gorham.
As the march started toward Tommy's Park in the Old Port, it picked up more onlookers and the curious. Through Monument Square, there were more than 500 people -- a mix of marchers, picture-snappers, oglers and people just out enjoying a sunny, warm day.
Laurie Francis of Livingston, Mont., was enjoying the sun and a cup of coffee in Tommy's Park with her family, in Maine for a vacation, when the boisterous group swung into view.
She said the event led her to conclude that Maine -- where nudity is not illegal as long as genitals aren't on display -- is more progressive than her home state.
"You don't see this" in Montana, she said. "Everyone's wearing a lot of layers in Montana at this time of year -- including bras."
But Francis said she thought women promoting the concept of going topless as no big deal "is a nice idea."
Police said there were no incidents or arrests. Officers said their only concern was that the marchers stay on the sidewalk, since they hadn't gotten a permit that would allow them to walk in the street.
MacDowell said many of the marchers encouraged her to continue her efforts to promote public toplessness, but she said she will try to avoid a repeat of what occurred Saturday.
"We'll have a topless adventure," she said. "Go fly a kite or something."
Staff Writer Edward D. Murphy can be contacted at 791-6465 or at:
emurphy@pressherald.com
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101 COMMENTS
bfinqc said...
Just another excuse for attention and cheap exhibitionism. The only place where men need to be bare-chested in public is the beach. I, for one, do not like the sight of hairy, bare, pot-bellies anymore than I want to see flabby, pendulums. Enjoy your youthful, firm breasts now ladies. In a few years you'll be lucky if your significant other wants to ogle them.
April 4, 2010 at 1:41 AM Report abuse
Player said...
A waste of time based on naivete and sensationalism. Grow up ladies.
April 4, 2010 at 4:52 AM Report abuse
UofA said...
MacDowell- get over yourself! "ask before taking someones picture"?? Who do you think you are, Obama's monkey? You got the reaction that you broads and the male gays marching with you got now go home or get back to work on your corner on Sherman St.
April 4, 2010 at 5:00 AM Report abuse
inland said...
Imagine her "outrage" if nobody bothered to show up at all? Even from behind it was a scary sight. In the photo one of had more hanging from her back than most do on their fronts. Im so glad I saved the time and gas and stayed home sunbathing naked on the lawn with my own wife.'
April 4, 2010 at 5:24 AM Report abuse
DTOM said...
"But, she said, the picture-taking was particularly upsetting." ---- reeeeally ? ---- "A lot of people were taking pictures without even asking," she said. "Even if you're somewhere where people are fully clothed, you should ask." ---- reeeeally ? ---- ---- Sounds to me like she reeeeally hadn't thought this through. ---- ---- UofA - I don't get the 'monkey' thing. Discredits you every time... imho. Just sayin'
April 4, 2010 at 5:34 AM Report abuse
DTOM said...
Just curious, did the PPH photographer 'ask permission' ?
April 4, 2010 at 5:35 AM Report abuse
fattubbo said...
"Even if you're somewhere where people are fully clothed, you should ask." Um, if you're out in a public street with no reasonable expectation of privacy, don't expect people to ask permission to take pictures.
April 4, 2010 at 6:07 AM Report abuse
fattubbo said...
I'd also like to comment on this whole double standard, "men can do something and we can't so wwwaaaaaahhhh!" We have all sorts of double standards that work against both genders. Some of these double standards are a heck of a lot more important than who gets to run around bare boobied or not. Maybe Ms. Whiner needs to take a few more years to grow up and open her eyes to the real world of what is and what is not important.
April 4, 2010 at 6:12 AM Report abuse
mutt said...
I'm glad my wife has implants they are perfect size and firm and not going anywhere. With brave woman like this maybe going topless will be no big deal. The comments here are so misogynistic it's scary. Geez funny when a country has actual doers and thinkers it trickles down to people actually doing and thinking on their own. Yes we can!
April 4, 2010 at 6:17 AM Report abuse
heyjoe said...
mutt... So what your saying is your wife has 2 personal float devices....Yes she can...Williard Beach MUST be the spot....
April 4, 2010 at 6:28 AM Report abuse
Cliff said...
Haven't seen that many folds since the WSOP tournament.
April 4, 2010 at 7:00 AM Report abuse
DP said...
What has happened to decency?
April 4, 2010 at 7:04 AM Report abuse
nikonwilly said...
Great job Ladies....It is Amazing that a crowd this size would bother to follow some bare breasts...something you would expect from adolescent or young teens,,,Oh MY!!! Boobies.... Pathetic Mainers
April 4, 2010 at 7:14 AM Report abuse
mutt said...
Uofa are u into beastality?! Every comment always refers to a monkey or something. Oh I know your a racists AND a mysogynist!! Wow what Renaissance man.
April 4, 2010 at 7:18 AM Report abuse
baha said...
Were those women in the picture? Looked like men from behind.
April 4, 2010 at 7:19 AM Report abuse
mutt said...
Omg it is Easter and celebrating the day Jesus rose from the dead to prove we who believe in him will have eternal life. And the story we are posting most about is about womans breast!! Yikes I have to leave now. Not one story in this rag of a newspaper. If it was some vague afican or Mideast deal we would be inundated to the last detail. What's up with that!!!???
April 4, 2010 at 7:33 AM Report abuse
Biddy said...
Geez guys are we that desperate to look at a woman's breasts here on Maine? Seeing it's Easter I'll skip the Republican jokes for the day.
April 4, 2010 at 8:27 AM Report abuse
Player said...
Mighty kind of you Biddy. You are achieving a level of tolerance not thought possible. And to think, all because of a topless show...
April 4, 2010 at 8:34 AM Report abuse
Godless said...
I can't believe that the same people who are against gay marriage and against Obama would also be against breasts. Is there anything you guys are for?
April 4, 2010 at 8:36 AM Report abuse
badjuju said...
NEWS FLASH! (no pun intended) Men get to stand while peeing,and they can write their names in the snow. Why not try that on the streets of Portland? Men don't need monthly hygiene products, try that in white pants in Portland. Men don't expect privacy in a PUBLIC setting. Face it, you might want to be men, but your not. Boo friggin hoo.
April 4, 2010 at 8:37 AM Report abuse
tax22dth said...
Welcome to Maine (Neanderthols)
April 4, 2010 at 8:39 AM Report abuse
jack33 said...
Was there any sign indicating what was going on? All the photos are from the back so it's hard to know if the purpose was exposed (ha) or if it was just a bunch of chicks hanging out (ha). . What would have been GREAT is if any men walking with them also stripped off their shirts - to make the point that it's about shirtless people, not men or women. But men, at least not straight men, usually aren't swift enough to get it and join in without it being explained to them. . But the bitterness of the organizer says quite a lot, perhaps more than she meant to say about her own attitude.
April 4, 2010 at 8:44 AM Report abuse
NaCl_dog said...
Your so vain........... you probably think this song is about you don't you? don't you?
April 4, 2010 at 8:45 AM Report abuse
Obamination said...
Biddy read the hate prevention whine fest right before this one.
April 4, 2010 at 8:53 AM Report abuse
AXeL said...
Gravity is inexorable.
April 4, 2010 at 8:54 AM Report abuse
Wingnut said...
You know, yesterday I remarked that had the walk been about breast cancer, the turnout might have been more supportive, more dignified. But after sleeping on it, and then seeing the pics this morning, my opinion has changed. I don't want to see either men or women walking around town barechested. It's all about decorum people. Save your toplessness for your own yard. Shirts cover up lots of things - extremely hairy chests, skin flaps, etc. If you're at the beach, fine, but if your about town doing business, have some class.
April 4, 2010 at 9:25 AM Report abuse
MainelyJack said...
Any woman who has breasts worth looking at that thinks exposing them publicly won't interest men clearly has no life. This is just another carnival act from the Portland gay community.
April 4, 2010 at 10:29 AM Report abuse
MainelyJack said...
BTW - That is a stupid headline. The women have the right to walk around topless in Portland. It isn't against the law. So why "March" for it?? Craving attention? Get a job and a life.
April 4, 2010 at 10:31 AM Report abuse
c2hpcG1hdGU%3D said...
Personally, I don't care to see anyone bare-chested, men or women, except in the privacy of my own home. Most men and women are not all that attractive without clothes on.
April 4, 2010 at 10:38 AM Report abuse
Iwatch said...
Saw it on the TV news. That is one of the ugliest spectacles ever seen in Sanctuary City. Please people, keep your shirts (and bras) on!!
April 4, 2010 at 11:30 AM Report abuse
mcallas said...
the organizer is 20 years old. her heart was in the right place, but she failed to factor in REALITY, and the fact that a demonstration is the act + the reaction, not just the act alone. The disgusing crowd should have been totally expected. Never forget reality. And make sure your activism does more good than harm.
April 4, 2010 at 11:37 AM Report abuse
common_cents said...
What, no SUN BLOCK spray in or rub on? ...where's nurse Rowe when she's really needed to take a stand against melanoma? ...and no tick inspections in those crevices?
April 4, 2010 at 11:55 AM Report abuse
dispatch said...
morons
April 4, 2010 at 12:14 PM Report abuse
Mainedog said...
Bothered by picture taking? Isn't that why they were out there! From the look of some of them IT SHOULD BE AGAINST THE LAW!!!! Put those flabby things away until you lose some weight!
April 4, 2010 at 2:35 PM Report abuse
Felix said...
HEY WHY DIDN'T THE MISSUS GET ME TO THAT EVENT. SOUNDS LIKE A ROLLOUT OF THE GOOD, THE BAD, AND THE UGLY!
April 4, 2010 at 4:11 PM Report abuse
Felix said...
HEY WHY DIDN'T THE MISSUS GET ME TO THAT EVENT. SOUNDS LIKE A ROLLOUT OF THE GOOD, THE BAD, AND THE UGLY!
April 4, 2010 at 4:11 PM Report abuse
YmFtYmllZTEwMA%3D%3D said...
All satan wants is an excuse to mess up this World more!!!
April 4, 2010 at 4:17 PM Report abuse
mtc said...
All those cameras will take all those pictures to post on the internets to be found by future employers and future family.
April 4, 2010 at 7:56 PM Report abuse
wheelie said...
Why must men go over board just because the women decides to go topless. All these guys must do the saame thing when they show on some channels the tribes where they go topless. Whats the big deal, so some women decided to go topless. For those that took pictures, they can go buy a playboy mag or go online and stare at naked women online, but local ones that want to go topless, guys should just go onto their daily business and not stare. Use common sense guys, get your own woman and ask them to show you their breast and be prepare to get slapped.
April 4, 2010 at 8:31 PM Report abuse
ACHILLES said...
The lefties constantly seek to lower the bar of what's decent, socially acceptable behavior.
April 4, 2010 at 9:36 PM Report abuse
MeJeepNut said...
Hmmmmm,why didn't they just ride bikes ?
April 4, 2010 at 10:12 PM Report abuse
David said...
Yet more proof that most people really, really need to keep their shirts on.
April 4, 2010 at 11:12 PM Report abuse
limeade said...
the men taking photos are 2 embarrassed to join!!
April 5, 2010 at 12:48 AM Report abuse
null said...
Half-naked women strolling down a public street are shocked that young men would photograph them. Contenders for the 2010 naiveté award? More at: www.eightfits.blogspot.com
April 5, 2010 at 4:52 AM Report abuse
Blanco said...
I am here representing MSABIP, Men Supporting Attractive Breasts In Public. This past demonstration in no way will be condoned by MSABIP. Once they say berlow the waste lines, err, waist lines, MSABIP cannot sanction the demonstration. To be a MSABIP sanctioned function, we will pre screen all applicants in order to protect the public interests and appetities.
April 5, 2010 at 7:31 AM Report abuse
Since1710 said...
Big deal. Boobs? I see 'em everyday, so what. If it's look but don't touch, who cares?
April 5, 2010 at 8:25 AM Report abuse
paperbackwri said...
Maybe that's why the Grand View burned down; no one liked to see bare breasts here in Maine.
April 5, 2010 at 8:39 AM Report abuse
SiddFinch said...
Wait until those gawkers find out some of those women are former men.
April 5, 2010 at 8:43 AM Report abuse
august1 said...
I had to laugh when I saw this, the organizer was offended by all the camera's? She got exactly what she wanted, ATTENTION! Looks like she needed it to, ick!
April 5, 2010 at 8:47 AM Report abuse
ZVJ0d25ncg%3D%3D said...
Ewww! OK. You made your point. i'll keep my shirt on from now on if you keep yours on.
April 5, 2010 at 8:48 AM Report abuse
Portcitylive said...
Memo to the organizer: Just because you can do something does you should.
April 5, 2010 at 10:04 AM Report abuse
AKMaineiac said...
Use common sense guys, get your own woman and ask them to show you their breast and be prepare to get slapped. *** Are you kidding? "my own woman."? Directly from the mouth of a Liberated woman I'd expect too? I don't need "my own woman", nor to "get one". If one decides she's mine, she's mine, but that's her decision not mine. Last one who decided that liked showing me her breasts, and never slapped me for looking, or much else for that matter. Goofballs want to walk around in public without a shirt on, letting themselves hang out, they shouldn't be surprised when someone looks. Then they might take a picture. From the rear, not too sure I'd look more than twice... "Hmmmm... (now where was I?) What in the...?"
April 5, 2010 at 11:02 AM Report abuse
august1 said...
Check out the picture of the woman with the purple pants on, up to her bubbies! That just made me laugh!!!!!
April 5, 2010 at 11:08 AM Report abuse
Badoog said...
And no $5 donut or $2 cup of coffee to go with them? Any skin showing in Maine in early April is going to raise eyebrows.
April 5, 2010 at 12:04 PM Report abuse
stinkyspot said...
I think pretty much once you hit puberty you are a scumbag if you go out in public shirtless.
April 5, 2010 at 12:04 PM Report abuse
RC10 said...
Headline: "Marching for right to bare breasts..." Apparently women already have the right to bare their breasts. So what hell are they really marching for? Just like there should be (but are not) minimum intelligence standards to serve in the Maine legislature, there should be minimum aesthetic standards for women AND men to bare their breasts in public. There are some things we just don't need to see.
April 5, 2010 at 12:07 PM Report abuse
Blanco said...
Charge them a permit based on their body weight, the larger ones should have to pay extra.
April 5, 2010 at 12:10 PM Report abuse
bW9qb21hbg%3D%3D said...
Why would Ms. McDowell be surprised by the high percentage of male onlookers...duh. As long as it is unusual and titillating (no pun intended), in view of North America's attitude to public nudity guys are gonna look. This isn't Coventry. In Ontario, Canada where I live it was ruled by the courts that women over the age of majority (18) could appear topless in public. This was brought about by a lawsuit brought by a woman in Guelph who wanted to make the same point(s) as Ms. McDowell. To date, and it has been a few years since this ruling was made I have seen zero women taking advantage of their right to let their puppies breathe. If women did go topless it would very soon become so common that no one would especially pay attention but as long as it is unusual, it will draw undue attention.
April 5, 2010 at 12:13 PM Report abuse
JayTee said...
There is no expectation of privacy in the public. If you decide to stroll down a city street topless, you have the right to do that. However, Joe Perv also has the right to take your picture and post it on the Internet. he doesn't need your permission and don't think for one second that all the participants aren't already there.
April 5, 2010 at 12:18 PM Report abuse
MM said...
I'd like to say she was a little naive, but at 20 you should know what men look at on a women. She's so enraged that she plans on doing other demonstrations. Does that sound like someone who is enraged? Sounds like she liked the attention and wants more. Someday when she grows up she's going to say to herself, "What was I thinking?"
April 5, 2010 at 12:20 PM Report abuse
GomalioFung said...
OMG!!! The horror!! THE HORROR!!! I thought I was being attacked by a herd of upright mad cows!!! Please, ladies. Don't take any MORE off!! You'll blind us!!!
April 5, 2010 at 12:54 PM Report abuse
GomalioFung said...
PLEEEEEEZZZ ladies. Holstein cows do it better. Don't try to compete. I threw up a little in my mouth. I've always wondered what trauma caused a man in his middle years to turn gay. Now I know.
April 5, 2010 at 1:02 PM Report abuse
GomalioFung said...
PLEEEEEEZZZ ladies. Holstein cows do it better. Don't try to compete. I threw up a little in my mouth. I've always wondered what trauma caused a man in his middle years to turn gay. Now I know.
April 5, 2010 at 1:05 PM Report abuse
DarthBobo said...
To all those condeming silly boys attracted by 'boobies'.... It's called nature and all the effort and hope you are putting into the suppression of that nature is foolishness. There are more than 5 Billion people on this planet which, in no small part, is due to male attraction to boobies. Men looking at a womans chest is shooting a bullet, a Woman looking at a mans chest is throwing it, really really hard... It's not even close..
April 5, 2010 at 1:36 PM Report abuse
NickName123 said...
these are folks that insist their view on things should be the norm - along with gay marraige, windmills, everything green, free healthcare....... loopy. they get the media megaphone to amplify their view......
April 5, 2010 at 2:20 PM Report abuse
Eggeyes said...
"I'm amazed," she(MacDowell)said, and "enraged (at) the fact that there's a wall of men watching." She left out S T U P I D
April 5, 2010 at 2:23 PM Report abuse
LordNelson said...
Maine: The Sweater State! I love spring as much as anybody...but this is just well... NUTS..... How do you think that march would go over?
April 5, 2010 at 2:44 PM Report abuse
QWRtaXJlcg%3D%3D said...
If she is enraged that's too bad cause a woman's body is sexually desirable to most men! Bare breasts are a sexual turn on for many men and there is not much one can do to help that? What the hell did she expect? Walk around half naked and you will get ogled and have pictures taken at the least! Dimwit!
April 5, 2010 at 2:58 PM Report abuse
SkQ1MjA1 said...
We as American’s have become a group of people that enjoy judging others by the way they look, talk, dress, their size, their skin color, the car they drive, the house they live in and etc. We should look at the heart and soul of a person. Cloths is a means to hide from ourselves and others. It shouldn’t matter in our minds in seeing a nude baby, a person in there twentys or a person 100 years old. We are male and female from birth, a child of God and need to be respected as that individual. Being unclothed or partial clothed does not make a person indecent, for a clothed person can be indecent. Indecency comes when a person act or behave sexualy in front of others, not just being topless. Saying all of that, there is proper dress clothing that we do need to follow in soceity. But if a male is allowed to be shirtless, a female should be allowed too
April 5, 2010 at 3:41 PM Report abuse
Page5Girl said...
"Godless said... I can't believe that the same people who are against gay marriage and against Obama would also be against breasts. Is there anything you guys are for?" answer: sheep!
April 5, 2010 at 3:52 PM Report abuse
Festus2 said...
"Omg it is Easter and celebrating the day Jesus rose from the dead to prove we who believe in him will have eternal life" Who wants eternal life? 80 years or so would be enough for me. And, don't start with hellfire and brimstone. All of that was invented to keep the parishoners in line. 'Be good or you'll go to hell'. Yeah, right.
April 5, 2010 at 5:57 PM Report abuse
pphreader said...
Of course there were oogling men there.What did these ladies expect?
April 5, 2010 at 6:41 PM Report abuse
RyanJ said...
I myself do not understand why women can walk around with all of their breasts exposed except the nipples. As soon as they expose their nipples it is bad. Men have nipples and can expose them, why not women? How did women being topless become a taboo? I bet at the beginning women were topless so they could feed their children, it is just natural. Let it be that way now
April 5, 2010 at 11:04 PM Report abuse
Q29sdHN0ZXI%3D said...
One has to wonder at the mentality level of some of these women. I think they are a disgrace to all nice women/ladies. No one wants to look at saggy boobs anymore than they want to look at fat butts rolling down a street. Maine seems to have a problem with outrageous antics. Kinda like that idiot, FEMALE prosecutor that goes after approximately 4 men a month for rape of some sort...despite their innocence. One doesn't need a reminder to stay the hell out of Maine.
April 6, 2010 at 8:00 AM Report abuse
stinkyspot said...
Page5girl... I like God... Dont care a lot for Obama, could care less about Gay Marriage... but I love breasts. And, I have chisled good looks, a muscular body and a nice pleasant face but I have hair on my back. Sorry :(
April 6, 2010 at 8:35 AM Report abuse
c2Fuc3BvcnRz said...
lol Ty thinks people should ask to take photos in public. I guess they didn't teach the First Amendment in her women's studies college classes, which is the very thing protecting her she leads the herd along the Portland paths.
April 6, 2010 at 9:31 AM Report abuse
SL said...
Oh my. Welcome to Maine, now shield your eyes, it ain't pretty people it ain't pretty! Who is being discriminated against? Women are allowed to go topless, great, it's not against the law. Sooooooooooooooooooo... what's the deal?
April 6, 2010 at 9:45 AM Report abuse
cGFwZXJwdXNoZXI%3D said...
Are the lives of these ladies so bereft of meaning, that achieving parity in all things with males will some how fill their empty lives. Is this not the ultimate in penis envy?
April 6, 2010 at 9:58 AM Report abuse
cGFwZXJwdXNoZXI%3D said...
Are the lives of these ladies so bereft of meaning, that achieving parity in all things with males will some how fill their empty lives. Is this not the ultimate in penis envy?
April 6, 2010 at 10:07 AM Report abuse
cGFwZXJwdXNoZXI%3D said...
Ryan J: I like your style. I think us men should encourage the ladies to express themselves more fully by going topless. After all they bought the causal sex during the 60s. And that turned OK. So GO GO Ladies.
April 6, 2010 at 10:16 AM Report abuse
ProConserv said...
I will wager that all of these women are..."LIBERAL PROGRESSIVE DEMOCRATS"! Portland...what a S**thole!
April 6, 2010 at 10:24 AM Report abuse
stinkyspot said...
How would this rally have gone if they were all open carrying handguns...? which is also legal in Maine.
April 6, 2010 at 10:25 AM Report abuse
upnorth said...
Pairs of oven mitts walking down Congress St. Sheesh!
April 6, 2010 at 11:03 AM Report abuse
upnorth said...
ProConserv: Don't you know that wagering is sinful? tsk tsk
April 6, 2010 at 11:07 AM Report abuse
null said...
Why don't we change the sign for Maine"THE WAY LIFE SHOULD BE" TO " "GET A LIFE MAINE" What a disgusting way to draw attention to your state..shame..shame..on all of you. I f you didn't expose half your body..you would not have to worry about guys talking to you chest! Cover those saggy things up!!!
April 6, 2010 at 11:26 AM Report abuse
SacoSam said...
Ladies, for it to be considered anything other than "remarkable", it has to happen regularly. How often do you see men going shirtless downtown?
April 6, 2010 at 11:29 AM Report abuse
Rebecca said...
"I'm amazed," she said, and "enraged (at) the fact that there's a wall of men watching." Really?
April 6, 2010 at 12:40 PM Report abuse
Hipupchuck said...
Anything that is hidden for centuries draws attention when brought out. If they were out all the time it would be no more attention getting than a bare man. Same goes for nudity. It's not a big deal in a nudist resort.
April 6, 2010 at 1:37 PM Report abuse
BonusEleven said...
REAL women don't need to take off the shirt for men to notice them! These little girls are amatures and from what I've heard, rather gnarly chested amatures at that...gravity ALWAYS wins!
April 6, 2010 at 1:55 PM Report abuse
ShineOn2 said...
Awesome! Go women go! Take back your bodies. America's attitude towards shirt-free equality is so immature & repressed--as we can see from the onlookers & comments posted here--that society needs a parade to wake up. Quiet protests and loud ones--both valuable. Thank you to the organizers and participants. Freedom loves to open to the sky
April 6, 2010 at 3:14 PM Report abuse
cGFwZXJwdXNoZXI%3D said...
ShineOn2: I like your style. I think men should encourage the ladies to express themselves more fully by going topless. After all you bought causal sex during the 60s. And that turned OK. So you GO girl GO Go Go P.S. I'm not quit clear on this concept. Who took there bodies and why ?
April 6, 2010 at 4:34 PM Report abuse
constrict said...
The disgusting thing about this event were the amount of trashy men who brought their point-n-shoot cameras and even bought disposable cameras at drug stores. Everything got worse when a couple of girls started posing (in a sexual manner) for photos and one 'photographer' by the name of Jim Townsend was taking trashy, not even artistic photos of some stripper, even telling her to lick her lips, ect. Those few girls forgot what this event was for.
April 6, 2010 at 7:29 PM Report abuse
null said...
Get a life MacDowell. I ought to post photos on Flickr.
April 6, 2010 at 8:44 PM Report abuse
null said...
What a pathetic group of militant, small-town, unintelligent "women." I'm in my 30s now and if I ever did something like this at age 20, I would still be mortified thinking back on it. These people need to grow up, get jobs and some responsibilities like the majority of adults. I'm embarrassed for you girls.
April 6, 2010 at 8:56 PM Report abuse
balou said...
NICE RACKS!!!
April 7, 2010 at 11:43 PM Report abuse
sapereaude1 said...
Much as I enjoy looking at nicely shaped women's breasts, I find that anyone of either sex who goes topless, and men who go sleeveless, in outdoor public places is really exhibiting poor upbringing.
April 8, 2010 at 8:18 AM Report abuse
MainenCrisis said...
A woman who is amazed at attention from being topless is either incredibly naive or has an IQ below 80. Ever heard of a strip club? Men pay hundreds of millions a year all over the world to see women topless....of course not women like the ones in the picture...blech!
April 8, 2010 at 9:45 AM Report abuse
QXJjaExpZ2h0 said...
You "bear it" and we'll share it" How is the weather in Maine today, "Nipply" Venus de'Milo can have my arms, I don't know, maybe it's just me.
April 9, 2010 at 7:16 AM Report abuse
joeybrooks11 said...
Great example of why our healthcare tax dollars are so high because people in Maine are fat and out of shape. Obesity related illnesses and medications are skyrocketing in Maine. Obesity-Attributable Health Care Spending (millions of dollars) ... Maine. $360 MILLION DOLLARS... Hmmmm???
April 9, 2010 at 10:11 AM Report abuse
bubbagump said...
Judging from the back view the front view has got to be pretty nasty on as few of those broads!
April 9, 2010 at 11:09 AM Report abuse
bishop26 said...
UofA- Mellon Street is the red light street, and the girls made a good point (despite their naivety) The men looking and ogling worked well in support of their point; it needs to be more common place for a topless woman to be seen as a woman, and not as a sex object. The more bare breasts are out there, the more these men will get over it and move on more easily.
April 15, 2010 at 11:49 AM Report abuse