Naked As We Came

Nudity is dubbed generally acceptable in the confines of our homes, on our personal computer screens (for some), and in the case of children under the age of eight, according to Oregon state law.

In response to these views, Jenn Moss, a resident of Ashland, has been under constant scrutiny. Known as Ashland’s Naked Lady, Moss enjoys her bike rides in the nude. Her attitude of the matter is that she is not behaving in any way that is meant to be offensive and speaks of the acceptance of nudity in Europe and other countries.

Moss also shares her views of pornography and on intimate relationships. She reiterates her belief in sacred monogamous relationships, along with keeping pornography a matter of personal choice.

I am not discrediting the concerns people have for her actions, marking them as offensive for families or for any other reasons, nor am I going to discuss whether what she is doing is right or wrong.

Rather, I would like to talk about Moss and her hobby, if you will. First of all, I would never have the courage to go out in public naked, let alone ride a bicycle with nothing but a g-string.

In this way, I commend her. Let me explain. If you look at the act as some “chicken soup for the soul,” you may begin to understand and even relate to Moss.

Leaving your house without the complications of clothing and riding away with complete freedom must be a very liberating feeling.

A feeling that many of us long for and can all confess have sought after at one point in our lives. I am sure that there are other ways one can be liberated, but this is her way.

If it were my choice, I would go for a walk or sit outside with my earphones in.

Music liberates me, it sets me free from the worries of the week, and Moss just so happens to find her escape through taking a ride on her bike.

Sure, she is as bare as bare can be, but that is her release. I cannot help but admire Moss, because she is just trying to do her thing.

I think we are all trying to fit. Fit into a group, fit into our own groove, and essentially, fit into our own skin.

If we can take anything from Jenn Moss, it is her courage funded by her confidence and emancipation.

As we each strive to make a name for ourselves and find liberation, we can only hope to reach originality, naked as we came.