Cynthia Loyst

LUSCIOUS LIPS - episode 2-20

For one reason or another, this story had been on the back burner for quite some time. When I took the story over, most of the interviews had been completed. However, it soon became obvious that there were some missing elements. As I began arranging a few extra interviews to fill in those blanks, my producer (Brad) suggested that some 'streeters' would probably be necessary to complete the story.

Definition: streeter (noun)

from the television world, a 'streeter' is one who symbolizes the 'everyman/everywoman' perspective
normally found in highly populated areas, the 'streeter' generally hates being approached by television cameras

I am guessing that people who work in news are much more at ease with the concept of streeters. Being that I don't have a news background, the idea for me was immediately terrifying. I mean, it would be one thing to approach a complete stranger asking:

    Q: "Do you think Mayor Mel is doing a good job?".
    A: "Well, yes I think he's doing a fine job and blah, blah,     blah..."

It's quite another thing to ask:

    Q: "Do you think that men are subconsciously reminded of the female     genitalia when looking at women's lips?".
    A: (pause) "You are one sick woman."

At least, that was what I predicted would happen when I went on my quest for the slippery streeter. Turns out I wasn't too far off the mark.

You see, I have very large lips. Therefore, approaching people and asking about lips - the conversation inevitably turned to my lips. The best streeters were the people who looked at me as if I had the plague. The worst were the people who, while staring right at me, would emphatically say:

"I think big lips are really frigging ugly."

(hmm, okay, thanks for your time, have a nice day...) But I'm much better now. I can even see the value in the streeter's voice - even when it insults me. However, for this particular story - I chose to edit them out.

Cynthia Loyst
Segment Producer, SexTV