I think we can have conversations, but it's about catching people at their right point. For some people, that will be never. For others, it may come as other social inhibitions are also being shed. I know there's a lot of talk about getting young people involved but I think it's really amazing when middle-aged+ people discover something new for themselves and get joy from it! How often does that happen once you hit a certain age?
It's wonderful you choose to have open conversations, and create more awareness in those who have curiosity. Good on you!
I don't hide it nor do I broadcast it except one evening I was in our small community talking to my next door neighbours when it suddenly dawned on me that for nearly half an hour whilst chatting I was wearing my "let the wind tickle your skin" T shirt from Nudims and proudly declaring I was a naturist. They never said a word. I'm sure the neighbourhood knows now but I care less.
Nice article dealing with the very common question which every naturist face sometime. As you have said very rightly the approach should not be to hide it & simultaneously not to make it public intentionally..
While I don't stand on a soapbox and preach it to the world, I don't hide the fact that I like to be free of clothing whenever it suits me. It's just another clothing option - nothing more, nothing less.
Proselytizing is pointless. If people want to know about clothes-optional living, there's plenty of info out there about it if they care to look. The best approach, in my experience, is to lead by doing. I don't tend to go to known nudist beaches these days. Rather, I go to my own local beach and strip off to swim. There are loads of camper vans there, as it's a freedom camping area, but nobody ever objects. The fear of offending is borne more often by an imaginative scenario in the minds of naturists than the reality of someone actually being offended. The same applies to hiking a forest track or cycling naked. Yes, you do meet the odd one now and again that gives a negative reaction, but hey - that's their choice. If they take offence, fine - it won't kill them!
I've just returned from a week at Kiwiburn - New Zealand's regional Burning Man festival. Our camp hosted a "Naked Rave" dance party. Over 200 people visited and stripped naked to dance and socialise over the course of the 3 hour event. And on the second to last night more than a thousand naked people danced and ran around the burning effigy! It's not a nudist/naturist event and few people there would label themselves as such. But, given the right appropriate environment and occasion, most people have no problem with nudity.
I have long-believed and often written about the damage we nudists (or naturists, if you prefer) do to our cause by remaining “in the closet.” We have a dismal public image. Most of the general public know almost nothing about naturism and let their imaginations run wild whenever they confront the topic. Lacking the ability to consider that nudity can happen without sexual activity, they believe that any nudist gathering must be little more than an orgy. They believe such nonsense because they’re ignorant, and they’re ignorant because we don’t tell them the truth, which we’re too timid to do, because that would reveal our involvement in the lifestyle.
So while we try to convince ourselves that there is no reason for shame or embarrassment about nudity, we act like we’re ashamed or embarrassed about it by denying our involvement to our family, neighbors, friends, colleagues, and aquaintces.
Because our image is so poor there are many naturists who fear ostracism if their proclivity to be nude is publicly exposed. The likelihood of that, I believe, is minute, but if the public had a realistic view about nudism, there would be no risk of exposure.
This problem is easily solved, don’t hide your lifestyle, be an advocate. Normalize naturism by showing that there are a lot of otherwise normal people who sometimes prefer to be nude.
I am relatively overt about it. I live a lot of my life naked, I don't want people to show up and get surprised. If I have put my lifestyle choice out there, they are prepared for what they may encounter.
I find most people don't care but you do find the odd one who will avoid you. On the other hand you find the occasional one who will embrace it.
Is a conversation about naturalism/nudism even relevant or appropriate anymore?
Arguably the nudist paradigm has been so out of step with society for so long. It instantly marginalizes people who are far more likely to sit somewhere else on the broad spectrum of body acceptance.
The generally perceived taboo of nudity in public is in near constant flux. Consider the proliferation of thong-wear this summer. It varies from near invisible strings that bare the whole buttocks, to the tiny material triangle that sits at the lower back fully exposing buttocks.
Clearly social attitudes have shifted significantly on this matter. Naked buttocks in public is considered okay.
Another example is a recent reader survey in the NZ Herald that asked whether women should be allowed to go topless at the beach and 76% of respondents answered yes.
These aren’t nudists or naturalists nor do I believe many visiting known clothing optional beaches classify themselves in that category.
The tide on social morality is incredibly slow to turn. I’m not at all convinced the nudist/naturalist conversation is ever going to speed it up. Ironically because so many practitioners still perceive public nudity as a taboo.
If this wasn’t a reality then you’d see far more at public beaches in countries like NZ and the UK where public nudity isn’t illegal.
While nudity is seen and considered to be a spectacle. Practiced by an exclusive group in specifically designated areas. Naturism/Nudism will maintain its irrelevance to the majority of people. It really is an outdated concept long past its use by date.
Let’s switch the conversations we’re having to simply enjoying the outdoors, getting into nature and enjoying the elements au natural like every other species on earth. No philosophical alignment necessary :)
A couple of decades ago I did have a custom license plate that read I NUDIST. I was younger and full of enthusiasm. My children were young. A (conservative Christian) neighbor refused to allow them to visit their new puppy and forbade their kids from playing with mine. I let the plate expire without renewal.
There are a LOT of conservative Christians where I live and I had no desire to make my children pay a price for my personal interests.
You need more options. Or at least the ability to pick multiple options. My general approach is to share if asked (nobody ever asks) but I will mention it if I judge the person has an open mind and a related topic comes up. I don't tell everyone because there are people who I know for a fact would react badly and I don't need the heartburn. Experience speaking here.
Everyone important in my life knows: my family and and anyone who I might consider a friend.
I avoid becoming evangelical about it because people who are evangelical annoy me. My nudism is not a religion or an ideology, it's a special interest. It is disrespectful to try to convince people who are dubious.. You can tell almost immediately if it will be someone's cup of tea without attempting persuasion.
My wife and I tell many people. Most of my relatives know; none of my wife's. We have never received a negative comment or question about it. No one has expressed any concern about orgies.
I recommend friends "Have a go" what have they got to lose.. but lots to gain. Freedom, Happiness, Comfort, No more tan lines, Acceptance. Less washing and ironing. Etc etc etc
My go-to line is, "The Creator designed humans to live naked in a garden. It's the textile fetish that is unhealthy." If I get another opening, "That's *live* naked; not "Go to a Caribbean beach 3,000 miles from anyone who would recognize you , take off your clothes and giggle, 'Isn't this sexy.'"
I have never been asked, but would gladly share if I was. I have shared with my spouse and an old friend. Neither has really cared enough (in my opinion) to ask ever ask any further questions from my sharing that I am a naturist.
We pretty much have the opportunity to tell everyone. The reason is people are always commenting on our tans, so that open the door to discuss our social nudity with others.
I think we can have conversations, but it's about catching people at their right point. For some people, that will be never. For others, it may come as other social inhibitions are also being shed. I know there's a lot of talk about getting young people involved but I think it's really amazing when middle-aged+ people discover something new for themselves and get joy from it! How often does that happen once you hit a certain age?
It's wonderful you choose to have open conversations, and create more awareness in those who have curiosity. Good on you!
I don't hide it nor do I broadcast it except one evening I was in our small community talking to my next door neighbours when it suddenly dawned on me that for nearly half an hour whilst chatting I was wearing my "let the wind tickle your skin" T shirt from Nudims and proudly declaring I was a naturist. They never said a word. I'm sure the neighbourhood knows now but I care less.
Nice article dealing with the very common question which every naturist face sometime. As you have said very rightly the approach should not be to hide it & simultaneously not to make it public intentionally..
Liked it very much..
While I don't stand on a soapbox and preach it to the world, I don't hide the fact that I like to be free of clothing whenever it suits me. It's just another clothing option - nothing more, nothing less.
Proselytizing is pointless. If people want to know about clothes-optional living, there's plenty of info out there about it if they care to look. The best approach, in my experience, is to lead by doing. I don't tend to go to known nudist beaches these days. Rather, I go to my own local beach and strip off to swim. There are loads of camper vans there, as it's a freedom camping area, but nobody ever objects. The fear of offending is borne more often by an imaginative scenario in the minds of naturists than the reality of someone actually being offended. The same applies to hiking a forest track or cycling naked. Yes, you do meet the odd one now and again that gives a negative reaction, but hey - that's their choice. If they take offence, fine - it won't kill them!
I've just returned from a week at Kiwiburn - New Zealand's regional Burning Man festival. Our camp hosted a "Naked Rave" dance party. Over 200 people visited and stripped naked to dance and socialise over the course of the 3 hour event. And on the second to last night more than a thousand naked people danced and ran around the burning effigy! It's not a nudist/naturist event and few people there would label themselves as such. But, given the right appropriate environment and occasion, most people have no problem with nudity.
I have long-believed and often written about the damage we nudists (or naturists, if you prefer) do to our cause by remaining “in the closet.” We have a dismal public image. Most of the general public know almost nothing about naturism and let their imaginations run wild whenever they confront the topic. Lacking the ability to consider that nudity can happen without sexual activity, they believe that any nudist gathering must be little more than an orgy. They believe such nonsense because they’re ignorant, and they’re ignorant because we don’t tell them the truth, which we’re too timid to do, because that would reveal our involvement in the lifestyle.
So while we try to convince ourselves that there is no reason for shame or embarrassment about nudity, we act like we’re ashamed or embarrassed about it by denying our involvement to our family, neighbors, friends, colleagues, and aquaintces.
Because our image is so poor there are many naturists who fear ostracism if their proclivity to be nude is publicly exposed. The likelihood of that, I believe, is minute, but if the public had a realistic view about nudism, there would be no risk of exposure.
This problem is easily solved, don’t hide your lifestyle, be an advocate. Normalize naturism by showing that there are a lot of otherwise normal people who sometimes prefer to be nude.
I am relatively overt about it. I live a lot of my life naked, I don't want people to show up and get surprised. If I have put my lifestyle choice out there, they are prepared for what they may encounter.
I find most people don't care but you do find the odd one who will avoid you. On the other hand you find the occasional one who will embrace it.
Is a conversation about naturalism/nudism even relevant or appropriate anymore?
Arguably the nudist paradigm has been so out of step with society for so long. It instantly marginalizes people who are far more likely to sit somewhere else on the broad spectrum of body acceptance.
The generally perceived taboo of nudity in public is in near constant flux. Consider the proliferation of thong-wear this summer. It varies from near invisible strings that bare the whole buttocks, to the tiny material triangle that sits at the lower back fully exposing buttocks.
Clearly social attitudes have shifted significantly on this matter. Naked buttocks in public is considered okay.
Another example is a recent reader survey in the NZ Herald that asked whether women should be allowed to go topless at the beach and 76% of respondents answered yes.
These aren’t nudists or naturalists nor do I believe many visiting known clothing optional beaches classify themselves in that category.
The tide on social morality is incredibly slow to turn. I’m not at all convinced the nudist/naturalist conversation is ever going to speed it up. Ironically because so many practitioners still perceive public nudity as a taboo.
If this wasn’t a reality then you’d see far more at public beaches in countries like NZ and the UK where public nudity isn’t illegal.
While nudity is seen and considered to be a spectacle. Practiced by an exclusive group in specifically designated areas. Naturism/Nudism will maintain its irrelevance to the majority of people. It really is an outdated concept long past its use by date.
Let’s switch the conversations we’re having to simply enjoying the outdoors, getting into nature and enjoying the elements au natural like every other species on earth. No philosophical alignment necessary :)
A couple of decades ago I did have a custom license plate that read I NUDIST. I was younger and full of enthusiasm. My children were young. A (conservative Christian) neighbor refused to allow them to visit their new puppy and forbade their kids from playing with mine. I let the plate expire without renewal.
There are a LOT of conservative Christians where I live and I had no desire to make my children pay a price for my personal interests.
You need more options. Or at least the ability to pick multiple options. My general approach is to share if asked (nobody ever asks) but I will mention it if I judge the person has an open mind and a related topic comes up. I don't tell everyone because there are people who I know for a fact would react badly and I don't need the heartburn. Experience speaking here.
Everyone important in my life knows: my family and and anyone who I might consider a friend.
I avoid becoming evangelical about it because people who are evangelical annoy me. My nudism is not a religion or an ideology, it's a special interest. It is disrespectful to try to convince people who are dubious.. You can tell almost immediately if it will be someone's cup of tea without attempting persuasion.
My wife and I tell many people. Most of my relatives know; none of my wife's. We have never received a negative comment or question about it. No one has expressed any concern about orgies.
I recommend friends "Have a go" what have they got to lose.. but lots to gain. Freedom, Happiness, Comfort, No more tan lines, Acceptance. Less washing and ironing. Etc etc etc
My go-to line is, "The Creator designed humans to live naked in a garden. It's the textile fetish that is unhealthy." If I get another opening, "That's *live* naked; not "Go to a Caribbean beach 3,000 miles from anyone who would recognize you , take off your clothes and giggle, 'Isn't this sexy.'"
I have never been asked, but would gladly share if I was. I have shared with my spouse and an old friend. Neither has really cared enough (in my opinion) to ask ever ask any further questions from my sharing that I am a naturist.
We pretty much have the opportunity to tell everyone. The reason is people are always commenting on our tans, so that open the door to discuss our social nudity with others.
T & K