People are happier with their pants off. It might not be
scientifically proven, but the
quarterly Undie Run in Westwood is definitely evidence that
supports the statement.
The issue is that, because this beloved tradition has grown from
a handful of students to more than 1,000 in only a few years, it
might be in danger of cancelation.
Anyone who participated in the event last spring can agree that
things may have gotten a little out of hand when students started
jumping on parked and moving vehicles along the route of the run.
(The run goes from the northern intersection of Gayley and Landfair
avenues to the corner of Glenrock and Levering avenues, and ends
where it started.)
Students should appreciate the event for what it is ““ a
chance to break social norms ““ and not as a reason to break
car windows and damage property.
University police have received complaints from many residents
about cars being vandalized and the level of noise. At this rate,
it might only be a matter of time before officers feel they have to
step in to keep things under control.
It is the responsibility of students to make sure they enjoy the
festivities in a responsible manner and to ensure there is no
reason for the authorities and the administration to shut down what
used to be a relatively harmless event.
We need to preserve this tradition so students can enjoy it in
years to come ““ unlike the previous finals week tradition of
Midnight Yell, which was banned due to students’ destructive
behavior and widespread damage of property.
To keep the Undie Run going strong, students need to control
their excitement and respect people’s property and the
law.
It is also important to remember that some of the safety
concerns voiced by law enforcement are valid, considering that some
of the students who are running in the streets are also under the
influence of alcohol.
The Undergraduate Student Association Council decided in early
November to create a committee devoted to finding a solution to the
safety concerns surrounding the Undie Run. But hopefully students
will take it upon themselves to be responsible so that intervention
will not be necessary.
This is one of few UCLA student-initiated traditions still
alive, and it provides us with an outlet for the pent-up stress of
finals week.
Once the end of the quarter hits, there isn’t much to look
forward to for a solid week except papers, exams and stressed-out
roommates. The chance to run around in offbeat costumes and
undergarments ““ or watch others do it ““ is something to
which students can eagerly look forward.
And for those students fed up with the noise, take this as a
communal break with fellow UCLA students. The whole thing only
lasts 30 minutes, and instead of reacting angrily, we invite you to
come out to your balcony and enjoy the festivities. After all, come
12:30 a.m., it’s back to the books for all of us.
When all is said and done, what matters at the end of the night
is that people tend to have more fun with their pants off. So, come
Wednesday night, shed those layers and let off some steam.