Back in the 1970s, a truly strange fad briefly captivated the nation: Streaking, the practice of removing one's clothes and running about stark naked in a public place, whether a ballpark or a meeting hall, a college campus, or even an Academy Awards ceremony. Streaking should not be confused with nudism. For nudists, nakedness is a lifestyle; nudists are private in their state of undress and socialize only among themselves. Streaking is an act of exhibitionism. It is meant to shock and amuse and attract attention.

The fad reached its peak in 1974. That March, over six hundred University of Missouri students disrobed and marched across the campus, while being cheered on by fifteen hundred onlookers. "The Streak," a nonsensical song recorded by singer-composer-comedian Ray Stevens (1939–), then zoomed to the top of the record charts. In it, Stevens captured the essence of the streaker when he sang, "He ain't...