A contact I follow on Twitter, Dan, recently posted a Tweet announcing how wonderful naturists are at telling other naturists that they are naturists and asked “what about telling those people who aren’t naturists?”
very well written & very thoughtful article. as said rightly, it's very difficult to inform non naturists that I am a naturist, especially where social nudism is illegal, the majority of the society has got rigid views about naturism. What I feel is that the naturist should declare without a slightest of hesitation & without any intention, about his/her naturism passion whenever the situation asks. It should be as bright as sun light. It should take place in a very easy natural way.
However the declaration about one's naturism passion should not be in vociferous way.
"... how many people treat the idea of simple nudity with vitriol and loathing."
I wonder how often it's about the nudity itself. A LOT of people strike me as going about their daily lives full of vitriol & loathing and always have half an eye out for any excuse to spew it. I've lost count of the number of rants about 'X' I've heard that've made me think, "How much 'X' is actually involved?"
All naturists eventually work through, or struggle, with who to tell, how open to be, when to speak up, etc…. It can be a conundrum. But while it sounds like a common issue, I tend to view each situation as unique. No one has the exact same values, exact same history, concerns, situation, etc. There a dozens of variables. So, to me, a naturist choosing to stay in the closet is totally fine. One choosing to be out and loud about it — also fine. Each is doing what is right for them.
Years ago I started a blog, much like this, just as an outlet for my thoughts on naturism. I didn’t really care how many people read it. But sure, I wanted it to be well received. While I did get some good comments, had some meaningful discussions, two groups drove me away.
First, the porn trolls. You know the type. Enough said on that one.
Second, perhaps surprisingly, were the self-appointed naturist police. Naturist Karen’s now? (Apologies to anyone actually named Karen. Sad to see their name get hijacked). But these types would come along to argue, parse words, aggressively advocate, etc…. They were generally angry, and all too willing to tell me where I wasn’t “doing it right”. Apparently, I wasn’t a “real naturist”, for one reason or another. Out of frustration, one day I shut down the blog and lost all I had written.
So now, yes, I too talk a lot in the Naturist Echo chamber, but outside of it too. You never know where you may find good ears and voices. But given the baggage and scars, I’m cautious. The haters who just want to hate — I leave the bait untouched. Not going down that road again. Fortunately, there is good out there too…even if they are already naturistly inclined.
I think the reality is, nobody, nudists/naturists included, want to make a spectacle of themselves.
This is the real irony and hypocrisy that naturism faces. How do you convince people to participate in an activity that even the advocates are ashamed to openly put their name to?
There’s a blog post that I’ve been slowly drafting over the last few weeks. It’s been going slowly because I’m trying to condense down many years of trying to pinpoint just what it is that has never quite sat right with me about naturism.
Among the themes I’m trying to explore is why does nudity even need justification?
In my mind, I doubt there’s too many people that don’t understand the appeal of being naked.
What they probably can’t understand is the appeal of being a spectacle. Naturists themselves need to get over that hurdle. Even they’re hesitant to be seen naked in public by people who aren’t naked.
The irony is. If one can see themselves past this obstacle. Get past the ingrained embarrassment of being seen naked in public. All of a sudden, being naked in public doesn’t matter. So much so, it’s possible to reach a point where you don’t care who else is around. It genuinely feels okay and “normal”.
My blog post then is trying to say, “let’s stop making such a big deal out of nudity, because actually, nudists/naturists are making just a big a deal out it as everyone else.”
So long as it remains such a big deal, nobody is going to simply let it pass up.
In my mind, this is the real change that needs to take place.
I make no sectet of my support and participation in naturism. I will often raise the fact if the situation arises. Usually after a few nervous laughs and the belief i'm joking, they realise I'm serious. The mood then often switches to either curiosity or indifference. These days i work because I want to not because I need to so having people around me know has way fewer ramifications should they object.
I tell people as the conversation directs to what I enjoy or am going to do soon. Most is in a textile environment. This has included work, social media (not hesitant in quora), and gym among other places. In the gym they are very receptive in the wet areas with no judgement shown. I will offer to have them join me if it seems to be an interest. Many have an interest, others say they can not envision themselves nude outside a personal companion or activity that is private. I still offer an experience if they may decide later.
Some good comments there, Steve. Yes, for many naturists it still is a part of their lives that they feel embarrassed to talk to others about. Almost like Christian people who feel embarrassed to admit that they believe in God. Obviously the embarrassment is experienced through actual or imaginary criticism or scorn towards their chosen interest and perhaps they lack the skills to defend their beliefs.
The fear and embarrassment is very real to some naturists, particularly those who feel concern over how in would impact on their careers, were it to become known. The new president of the NZNF, David Saunders, a retired judge, is a case in point. There was a public outcry some time ago when it became known he was a naturist.
But for those of us who have been fortunate enough to have been brought up through childhood to see nakedness as totally normal and natural, it's a non-issue. And it's such people who have the distinct advantage when it comes to "spreading the word" about a clothing-optional lifestyle.
Very good post and a point that is worth exploring. They way we engage others who are not naturists is very important find that many of the people promoting naturism do so in a way that is often inaccessible to non naturists. They focus on the extraordinary a cruise that costs $5000 or travel that tarts at $3000 for a trip. That usually means ordinary have to live experience naturism vicariously if the cannot afford the natourist experience. We try to highlight the ordinary aspects of naturism. Simple social nudity in everyday life clothes free living if you will, life in harmony with nature (escaping to the woods or sure without too much additional accessories, respect for others regardless of their difference and respect for the environment. That is something almost anyone can find a way to plug-in.
very well written & very thoughtful article. as said rightly, it's very difficult to inform non naturists that I am a naturist, especially where social nudism is illegal, the majority of the society has got rigid views about naturism. What I feel is that the naturist should declare without a slightest of hesitation & without any intention, about his/her naturism passion whenever the situation asks. It should be as bright as sun light. It should take place in a very easy natural way.
However the declaration about one's naturism passion should not be in vociferous way.
"... how many people treat the idea of simple nudity with vitriol and loathing."
I wonder how often it's about the nudity itself. A LOT of people strike me as going about their daily lives full of vitriol & loathing and always have half an eye out for any excuse to spew it. I've lost count of the number of rants about 'X' I've heard that've made me think, "How much 'X' is actually involved?"
All naturists eventually work through, or struggle, with who to tell, how open to be, when to speak up, etc…. It can be a conundrum. But while it sounds like a common issue, I tend to view each situation as unique. No one has the exact same values, exact same history, concerns, situation, etc. There a dozens of variables. So, to me, a naturist choosing to stay in the closet is totally fine. One choosing to be out and loud about it — also fine. Each is doing what is right for them.
Years ago I started a blog, much like this, just as an outlet for my thoughts on naturism. I didn’t really care how many people read it. But sure, I wanted it to be well received. While I did get some good comments, had some meaningful discussions, two groups drove me away.
First, the porn trolls. You know the type. Enough said on that one.
Second, perhaps surprisingly, were the self-appointed naturist police. Naturist Karen’s now? (Apologies to anyone actually named Karen. Sad to see their name get hijacked). But these types would come along to argue, parse words, aggressively advocate, etc…. They were generally angry, and all too willing to tell me where I wasn’t “doing it right”. Apparently, I wasn’t a “real naturist”, for one reason or another. Out of frustration, one day I shut down the blog and lost all I had written.
So now, yes, I too talk a lot in the Naturist Echo chamber, but outside of it too. You never know where you may find good ears and voices. But given the baggage and scars, I’m cautious. The haters who just want to hate — I leave the bait untouched. Not going down that road again. Fortunately, there is good out there too…even if they are already naturistly inclined.
I think the reality is, nobody, nudists/naturists included, want to make a spectacle of themselves.
This is the real irony and hypocrisy that naturism faces. How do you convince people to participate in an activity that even the advocates are ashamed to openly put their name to?
There’s a blog post that I’ve been slowly drafting over the last few weeks. It’s been going slowly because I’m trying to condense down many years of trying to pinpoint just what it is that has never quite sat right with me about naturism.
Among the themes I’m trying to explore is why does nudity even need justification?
In my mind, I doubt there’s too many people that don’t understand the appeal of being naked.
What they probably can’t understand is the appeal of being a spectacle. Naturists themselves need to get over that hurdle. Even they’re hesitant to be seen naked in public by people who aren’t naked.
The irony is. If one can see themselves past this obstacle. Get past the ingrained embarrassment of being seen naked in public. All of a sudden, being naked in public doesn’t matter. So much so, it’s possible to reach a point where you don’t care who else is around. It genuinely feels okay and “normal”.
My blog post then is trying to say, “let’s stop making such a big deal out of nudity, because actually, nudists/naturists are making just a big a deal out it as everyone else.”
So long as it remains such a big deal, nobody is going to simply let it pass up.
In my mind, this is the real change that needs to take place.
I make no sectet of my support and participation in naturism. I will often raise the fact if the situation arises. Usually after a few nervous laughs and the belief i'm joking, they realise I'm serious. The mood then often switches to either curiosity or indifference. These days i work because I want to not because I need to so having people around me know has way fewer ramifications should they object.
I tell people as the conversation directs to what I enjoy or am going to do soon. Most is in a textile environment. This has included work, social media (not hesitant in quora), and gym among other places. In the gym they are very receptive in the wet areas with no judgement shown. I will offer to have them join me if it seems to be an interest. Many have an interest, others say they can not envision themselves nude outside a personal companion or activity that is private. I still offer an experience if they may decide later.
Some good comments there, Steve. Yes, for many naturists it still is a part of their lives that they feel embarrassed to talk to others about. Almost like Christian people who feel embarrassed to admit that they believe in God. Obviously the embarrassment is experienced through actual or imaginary criticism or scorn towards their chosen interest and perhaps they lack the skills to defend their beliefs.
The fear and embarrassment is very real to some naturists, particularly those who feel concern over how in would impact on their careers, were it to become known. The new president of the NZNF, David Saunders, a retired judge, is a case in point. There was a public outcry some time ago when it became known he was a naturist.
But for those of us who have been fortunate enough to have been brought up through childhood to see nakedness as totally normal and natural, it's a non-issue. And it's such people who have the distinct advantage when it comes to "spreading the word" about a clothing-optional lifestyle.
Very good post and a point that is worth exploring. They way we engage others who are not naturists is very important find that many of the people promoting naturism do so in a way that is often inaccessible to non naturists. They focus on the extraordinary a cruise that costs $5000 or travel that tarts at $3000 for a trip. That usually means ordinary have to live experience naturism vicariously if the cannot afford the natourist experience. We try to highlight the ordinary aspects of naturism. Simple social nudity in everyday life clothes free living if you will, life in harmony with nature (escaping to the woods or sure without too much additional accessories, respect for others regardless of their difference and respect for the environment. That is something almost anyone can find a way to plug-in.