Although the terms "naturist" or "nudist" are convenient labels, I tend to agree with Wayne that they can be problematic - creating an "us and them" mentality. In fact, using the term "textiles" to refer to people wearing clothes has become quite derogatory. Even naturists are textiles at times! Being naked should be regarded and promoted as a dress code of choice in appropriate situations.
Yes, social media is probably the worst place that would-be naturists should learn about clothing-optional life - particularly (though not exclusively) American based sites, with their confused mindset over nudity and sex.
My personal recommendation is to seek out reputable naturist websites such as British Naturism, Get Naked Germany, Hauraki Naturally, or similar for the country of your residence.
I think that this article like most "overthinks" the subject. I simply have a great respect for nature, for all living things I share this planet with, and for myself. I live and act as nature intended, I was born nude and I use textiles when needed to meliorate temperatures, protect against insects and mainly ignorant people. This means I often use textiles simply to avoid complications like a fine or worse. Jerry
Jul 21, 2022·edited Jul 21, 2022Liked by BOPBadger
Great article. Even though I identify as a nudist for convenience, I think that labels cause more problems than they solve, and I find a lot of what I read on nudist/naturist accounts, though well-meaning, is off-putting.
Jul 30, 2022·edited Jul 30, 2022Liked by BOPBadger
I dislike when I see "family-friendly" resorts advertise events that are 18+ or 21+ only. Nudism should be all about families, and kids should always be welcomed. Conversely, events that attempt to appeal to young people often specify "under 40s only". We have to include everyone. If you don't like being around kids, or older people, perhaps nudism isn't for you. Young people can learn a lot from older folks, and us oldsters like me are energized by younger people, and they help us to feel young again. Well, younger, at least.
Then there's the stigma of the single male. I think it's unconscionable that some resorts still won't allow single males, or have a limit on them. It's only a very small number that really are sexual predators. Some males, not used to nudity, will find it sexual. But if they actually attend a club, they'll find it's not what they thought, and either quit or give nudism a chance (and probably find it amazing). The excuse given is that some women feel uncomfortable around single males. Well, the only way they'll get comfortable, is if they get used to being around them, and discovering that they're not all perverts.
Another thing that bothers me is how some people are always posting about traveling to this or that destination to visit nude beaches, resorts, etc. They make it sound like everyone should do that. Well, there are a LOT of people like me, who are limited by money, geography, disabilities, or other concerns, and we simply cannot do those things. Perhaps it's partly petty jealousy on my part, but I'd rather see them trying to include others who don't have the same opportunities they do. If we ever want to "normalize nudity", everyone needs to have those opportunities, IMO. Push for, or contribute to establishing resorts in places that don't have them, and establishing more nude beaches (a lot of this is unique to the US). It feels like AANR is more dedicated to keeping nudism out of sight behind tall fences, so they can draw more people to their resorts. Also, from what I've heard, a lot of "affiliated" resorts do not conform to their non-discrimination policy.
I'm sure there's more, but it's early morning and I'm exhausted, so I'll leave it there. I really appreciate your posts, and look forward to more of them.
Hearing your comments about people posting travel pictures at various nude beaches, I had never thought of them as anything other than a celebration to be shared. I am lucky that I live in a place where nudity on a beach is not illegal, but for many, the rules where they live are restrictive. I also don't travel to exotic places very often, although my partner and I are about to head to the UK for 4 weeks. I know not many call the UK exotic, but we haven't been anywhere for a while, so it will be an adventure for us.
I enjoy seeing posts where people visit places and where nudity is displayed as normal. It helps me to believe that as naturists we are making progress in being accepted. many of the images I share are more about the here and now, in my backyard or local beach. For me, the idea of normalising nudity is more about the normal activities that we all do every day, but without clothes. That doesn't mean I don't enjoy people's travel snaps as well. I have a collection of naturist friends from all over the world and I enjoy seeing them post events in their lives.
I accept that there will always be an element of bragging when an image is posted while on holiday in some exotic place but isn't this the social media world that we live in? We might not like it, but it is a reality that isn't going anywhere.
I guess living somewhere where nudity is not illegal, I am less worried about establishing resorts and special enclaves for nudists. I prefer a world where clothed people and nudists can co-exist in public rather than having to go to a specific location.
Here in New Zealand, I see the landed naturist clubs as having passed their best before date. Many are too restrictive and exclusionary. Many of the naturists that we meet up with regularly are part of the online community, and we get together at various local places.
Most of the nudity my partner and I practice is at our home, or in the summer months, at a local beach. It is less about others giving us opportunities, and more about us living on our terms.
Well, I did say that may be some petty jealousy on my part. I'm not perfect. But....
"I prefer a world where clothed people and nudists can co-exist in public rather than having to go to a specific location. "
Me too! That's exactly what I want! I guess sometimes it feels like people are telling me that if I don't visit nudist venues, I'm not a nudist. (actually having that argument on Reddit right now lol) That's what I object to. I've always said being a nudist is about your attitudes and feelings about nudity, not what you do.
I agree that family-friendly should be inclusive and not age-restricted. I also find the restriction on single males peculiar. I know some of the reasons it is done, but I feel it is the wrong approach. I am working on a future blog on this topic, so thank you for your comments.
Although the terms "naturist" or "nudist" are convenient labels, I tend to agree with Wayne that they can be problematic - creating an "us and them" mentality. In fact, using the term "textiles" to refer to people wearing clothes has become quite derogatory. Even naturists are textiles at times! Being naked should be regarded and promoted as a dress code of choice in appropriate situations.
Yes, social media is probably the worst place that would-be naturists should learn about clothing-optional life - particularly (though not exclusively) American based sites, with their confused mindset over nudity and sex.
My personal recommendation is to seek out reputable naturist websites such as British Naturism, Get Naked Germany, Hauraki Naturally, or similar for the country of your residence.
I think that this article like most "overthinks" the subject. I simply have a great respect for nature, for all living things I share this planet with, and for myself. I live and act as nature intended, I was born nude and I use textiles when needed to meliorate temperatures, protect against insects and mainly ignorant people. This means I often use textiles simply to avoid complications like a fine or worse. Jerry
Great article. Even though I identify as a nudist for convenience, I think that labels cause more problems than they solve, and I find a lot of what I read on nudist/naturist accounts, though well-meaning, is off-putting.
Thank you. I appreciate the feedback, I would be interested to hear what you find off-putting, and how you think naturists could be less divisive.
I dislike when I see "family-friendly" resorts advertise events that are 18+ or 21+ only. Nudism should be all about families, and kids should always be welcomed. Conversely, events that attempt to appeal to young people often specify "under 40s only". We have to include everyone. If you don't like being around kids, or older people, perhaps nudism isn't for you. Young people can learn a lot from older folks, and us oldsters like me are energized by younger people, and they help us to feel young again. Well, younger, at least.
Then there's the stigma of the single male. I think it's unconscionable that some resorts still won't allow single males, or have a limit on them. It's only a very small number that really are sexual predators. Some males, not used to nudity, will find it sexual. But if they actually attend a club, they'll find it's not what they thought, and either quit or give nudism a chance (and probably find it amazing). The excuse given is that some women feel uncomfortable around single males. Well, the only way they'll get comfortable, is if they get used to being around them, and discovering that they're not all perverts.
Another thing that bothers me is how some people are always posting about traveling to this or that destination to visit nude beaches, resorts, etc. They make it sound like everyone should do that. Well, there are a LOT of people like me, who are limited by money, geography, disabilities, or other concerns, and we simply cannot do those things. Perhaps it's partly petty jealousy on my part, but I'd rather see them trying to include others who don't have the same opportunities they do. If we ever want to "normalize nudity", everyone needs to have those opportunities, IMO. Push for, or contribute to establishing resorts in places that don't have them, and establishing more nude beaches (a lot of this is unique to the US). It feels like AANR is more dedicated to keeping nudism out of sight behind tall fences, so they can draw more people to their resorts. Also, from what I've heard, a lot of "affiliated" resorts do not conform to their non-discrimination policy.
I'm sure there's more, but it's early morning and I'm exhausted, so I'll leave it there. I really appreciate your posts, and look forward to more of them.
Hearing your comments about people posting travel pictures at various nude beaches, I had never thought of them as anything other than a celebration to be shared. I am lucky that I live in a place where nudity on a beach is not illegal, but for many, the rules where they live are restrictive. I also don't travel to exotic places very often, although my partner and I are about to head to the UK for 4 weeks. I know not many call the UK exotic, but we haven't been anywhere for a while, so it will be an adventure for us.
I enjoy seeing posts where people visit places and where nudity is displayed as normal. It helps me to believe that as naturists we are making progress in being accepted. many of the images I share are more about the here and now, in my backyard or local beach. For me, the idea of normalising nudity is more about the normal activities that we all do every day, but without clothes. That doesn't mean I don't enjoy people's travel snaps as well. I have a collection of naturist friends from all over the world and I enjoy seeing them post events in their lives.
I accept that there will always be an element of bragging when an image is posted while on holiday in some exotic place but isn't this the social media world that we live in? We might not like it, but it is a reality that isn't going anywhere.
I guess living somewhere where nudity is not illegal, I am less worried about establishing resorts and special enclaves for nudists. I prefer a world where clothed people and nudists can co-exist in public rather than having to go to a specific location.
Here in New Zealand, I see the landed naturist clubs as having passed their best before date. Many are too restrictive and exclusionary. Many of the naturists that we meet up with regularly are part of the online community, and we get together at various local places.
Most of the nudity my partner and I practice is at our home, or in the summer months, at a local beach. It is less about others giving us opportunities, and more about us living on our terms.
Sorry to ramble on.
Well, I did say that may be some petty jealousy on my part. I'm not perfect. But....
"I prefer a world where clothed people and nudists can co-exist in public rather than having to go to a specific location. "
Me too! That's exactly what I want! I guess sometimes it feels like people are telling me that if I don't visit nudist venues, I'm not a nudist. (actually having that argument on Reddit right now lol) That's what I object to. I've always said being a nudist is about your attitudes and feelings about nudity, not what you do.
I agree that family-friendly should be inclusive and not age-restricted. I also find the restriction on single males peculiar. I know some of the reasons it is done, but I feel it is the wrong approach. I am working on a future blog on this topic, so thank you for your comments.