Playboy Snowboards Arouse Debate in Vermont

Some see sexism in Playboy line; others demand free speech

By Matt Cantor, Newser Staff

Posted Jan 5, 2009 12:53 PM CST

(Newser) – Racy snowboards have created a snowball of protests in liberal Vermont, the Boston Globe reports, where manufacturer Burton makes a Playboy line plastered with giant images of naked women. While some in Burlington say free speech guarantees their right to ride what they want, others worry about the effect of the boards on the city’s “pristine” image. "When you really think about it, it's a young man standing on top of a naked woman's body," says one Vermonter.

Some parents don’t want their kids seeing the pictures; Vermont’s Girl Scout Council may press lawmakers on the issue. Complicating matters is politicians’ fear that the backlash could drive Burton, a key employer, elsewhere. “Burlington is the San Francisco of the East Coast,” said one city lawmaker. “It blew me away that people are this upset for this long about this issue.”

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Protesters march in front of the Burton snowboard headquarters in Burlington, Vt., Thursday, Oct. 23, 2008. (AP Photo/Toby Talbot)

Protesters march to the Burton snowboard headquarters in Burlington, Vt., Oct. 23, 2008. (AP Photo)

A sample from Burton's "Love" line. (Burton)

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An ad for the boards. (DealerRideShop)

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When you really think about it, it's a young man standing on top of a naked woman's body. I probably could have gotten past it, because I try to have an open mind, but seeing it like that, it's offensive. - Nicole Zarillo, 38, Burlington resident

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Playboy Snowboards Arouse Debate in Vermont