I know that as a feminist, extravagant displays of sexualized female flesh should bother me. But this latest bit of news from the Associated Press brought only a blush to my cheek and a twinkle to my eye. A saloon-style striptease, intended as a lighthearted break at the Australia and New Zealand Climate Forum, was brought to an abrupt halt when several delegates walked out ten minutes into the performance.
Rebecca Gale, who led the troupe from Miss Kitka's House of Burlesque, said she didn't understand what the fuss was about. "The most that any of the girls get down to is vintage lingerie, which is corsetry and stockings," Gale told Australian Broadcasting Corp. Radio. "There wasn't even a midriff on display."
Environment Minister Ian Campbell canceled his department's sponsorship after learning of the show, as did the Agriculture Department. The Australian National University, which organized the conference, issued an apology the following day.
C'mon, Australia, it's just a few dancing girls. Don't get your panties in a ruffle.
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