Leaders of the Masai tribesmen, invoking the glory of tradition, are now beginning to speak out in defense of Masai nakedness. For almost six months, the Masai have felt the lashing criticism of reformist Tanzania politicians who want them to modernize and dress up. The criticism has irritated even educated and westernized Masai leaders like Stanley Oloitiptip, a Kenya assistant minister who represents a Masai district in parliament. "If Almighty God could stomach to see the entire anatomies of Adam and Eve in their complete nudity," Oloitiptip told a recent news conference in Nairobi, "is it not a little prudish for an African government to have fits by merely viewing a casually exhibited Masai buttock?" The controversy stems from the conflict between sentimentality and reform that usually erupts during a time of great change. African political leaders believe the development of their countries often bogs down because of the refusal of traditional tribesmen to accept the change all around them...

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