Intelligencer

Brooklyn Tan

Not everybody has a beach house to go to. A random survey of pasty sunbathers in Williamsburg’s McCarren Park.

Published Jul 15, 2007

(Photo: Todd Selby)

Doesn’t it get hot sitting out in the sun?
Yes…. 55
No…. 36
No response…. 9

Are you using sunblock?
Yes…. 32
No…. 67
No response…. 1

How tan do you aspire to be?
“Chocolate.” “Cinnamon.” “Like toasted sourdough.” “Bronze god.” “Italian-farmer-like.” “Spanish.” “Olive.” “Greek.” “Crispy.” “Mexican.” “Native American.” “Wesley Snipes.”

Who are you hanging out with? (Check all that apply.)
Significant other…. 21
Friends…. 66
Dog…. 7
I’m alone…. 10
Hoping to meet someone…. 3

How good-looking is this crowd?
Intimidatingly…. 5
Stimulatingly…. 16
Cute enough…. 44
Not ugly…. 16
Hadn’t noticed…. 13
No answer…. 6

What did you do to prepare to be on display out here?
“Got drunk.” “Got out of bed.” “Normal grooming.” “Bought an $8 earring on St. Marks.” “Dressed in tight clothes.”

Would you sunbathe nude out here if you were allowed to?
Yes…. 32
No…. 66
No response…. 2

What’s the main reason you’re here?
“Soccer.” “To get outside.” “Avoiding the mice in my apartment.” “To play guitar and nurse a hangover.” “Frisbee.” “Wiffle ball.” “Sexy hipster girls.” “Cute boys.” “To people-watch and drink beer.” “Softball.” “To eat brunch with my boyfriend and his dog.”

Would you describe this environment as:
Very cruisy…. 26
Not particularly cruisy…. 34
Not cruisy enough, damn it…. 19
There are other people here?.... 9
No response…. 12

When people ogle you, you:
Ignore them…. 28
Smile…. 46
Give them the finger…. 6
Cover up…. 2
Quietly seethe…. 7
Invite them over…. 5
No response…. 6