Now that classes have come to an end and finals are approaching, we all know what that means… Undie Run! Here at Chapman University and most likely other college campuses, the Undie Run often serves as a fun activity to celebrate the end of the year and take the stress off of finals. I would say I kind of participated last semester. As Orange was freezing over at a whopping 41 degrees that night, I decided not to do the whole underwear thing, so I wore a onesie. After all, you can never go wrong with a onesie. I saw many other students dressed just like me, as well as many dressed in underwear. Regardless, I had so much fun with my friends and I am really excited to do it again.
However, this semester I have seen a different side of the Undie Run in terms of the way it is being perceived. The things people have been saying about it really caught my attention, not necessarily in a negative way, but they made me curious to investigate the true intent behind why people join the Undie Run. I’ve been hearing people, girls in particular, saying things like “I have to work out twice as much this week so I can look good for Undie Run” or “I’m only eating kale starting Friday.” I’ve even heard, “Maybe Brad will finally notice me once he sees me in my underwear.” Needless to say, I was pretty terrified when I heard people saying these things. These comments have led me to believe that the Undie Run could possibly have other repercussions. It might be something more than a harmless event meant to de-stress a campus full of students in the middle of finals. In my opinion, the classic college event is being viewed through an unhealthy perspective. I don’t understand.
I do not understand why by some, the Undie Run is so blindly viewed as a fashion show. Take a minute to think about how you view the event. If you truly consider this Wednesday night as an opportunity to prove who has the best, tannest, fittest, whatever kind of body, that would be doing yourself a disfavor.
If you decide to participate this year, I encourage you to simply know why you’re participating. I know that we all have our own insecurities but you have to remember that those are the parts of you that make you unique and that make you sparkle. Please do not take off your clothes for anyone but yourself, nor attempt to change anything about your body to fit to the standards of what is “hot.” You are you, which is the most beautiful form you can be.
Personally, I see the Undie Run as a chance to assert freedom of expression in a time of pressure and constraint. Take advantage of a built-in study break. Running down Glassell in our underwear is an opportunity to embrace who we are. The Undie Run is not a reason to walk and impress down the runway, but a celebration of freedom. It is a time to be joyous and supportive of each other, not judgmental or critical.
By all means, participate. But do it for the right reasons.
