In 1974 the fourteenth congress of the INF (International Naturist Federation) defined naturism as: A way of life in harmony with nature characterised by the practice of communal nudity with the intention of encouraging self-respect, respect for others and for the environment.
Nov 25, 2023·edited Nov 25, 2023Liked by BOPBadger
Even if you tell someone all about your typical naturist resort, they will often still be surprised (if by some miracle they visit) and it turns out to be just as you said. That's because what you told them conflicted with what they've been told and read and maybe even their private nudist fantasy. They assume you were just covering up an embarrassing truth.
If they happen to visit a swinger club, or even read an article about one, their belief will be confirmed and they will think that you've been caught in a lie.
While many textiles are open minded there are others for whom getting through to them is close to impossible.
For myself there is no nudist/naturist philosophy. It is a product of an overarching philosophy of freedom and self-actualization and not a root philosophy itself.
misconceptions or misunderstandings will remain as far as naturism is concerned. it's because of few people who may misbehave under the name of naturism is itself the first reason & the second one is overall gross impact of the theme which relates nudity as obscene derived by religion, society & the corresponding laws.
I have been a Naturist rather than a Nudist for most of my life. Naturism means being part of nature, not something apart from nature. Naturism means recognizing that naked is our default, natural, human condition, and all the body covers are completely contrived and artificial affectations. .Naturism differs from Nudism because Nudism is often an occasional dalliance, recreation, or vacation from real life, something set apart from our normal lives. Naturism is a fundamental understanding of who we are and our place in the world, an important part of the natural ecology, among all the other species of animals.
That means respecting who we are and our whole bodies, or animal bodies. Our natural animal bodies walk, run, scratch, eat, pee, poo, fart, masturbate, fuck, breath, and enjoy being alive. Naturism means respecting all our natural bodily functions. Do bears shit in the woods? Our natural bodies are a very social species, we all enjoy being with others of our kind, seeing, being seen, and socially interacting with others of our species. Hiding ourselves from each other with artificial covering deliberately deprives us of seeing and being seen, and is as rude as it is ugly. We are nature, we are not a species apart from nature.
I think the whole nudity=sex thing is one that can be culturally laid at religion’s door, specifically monotheistic religions. A monotheistic god (or its priesthood) demands total devotion from its followers, but the human race, like most creatures, has an innate primary concern - procreation, continuation of the species (ie sex).
Look through any newspaper/news website or news programme and it is quickly obvious how large a role sex plays in society.
To stop the people thinking about sex instead of the god, we had to cover up; the more extreme monotheistic religions still demand high levels of body covering to this day. It is inevitable that over centuries of conditioning society equates uncovered flesh with sex.
Of course a corollary to that is that clothing makers and “fashion” hold a whip hand in modern society, the number of clothes shops and websites, the influence of fashion in every strand of society simply dominates modern life. We, the unclothed, are their worst nightmare.
Another good one you hit on the most important points in this discussion. Equating all social nudity to naturism. Which has created the notion of normalizing nudity. You also highlight what is problematic with that. The broader society associates nudity with sexual activity and immediately jumps to the conclusion that social nudity equals sexual nudity. When naturism is something as more than nudity and nakedness it provides many more entry points for the non naturist. Many more opportunity to invite others to explore naturism beyond nakedness. Normalizing naturism is when I choose to pursue and consider myself a naturist. Thanks for another bold thought provoking piece.
Some interesting thoughts, Steve, and some worth commenting on.
I've often wondered about the INF's intended meaning of the words "communal nudity" in their definition. Do they mean "social nudity", as in naked people gathering together in person in a social setting, or do they mean "communal nudity" in the literal and correct sense of the word - a state of nakedness shared by others throughout the world? "Communal" and "social" are not synonyms. They have different meanings.
Yes, it's true that naturists have their own opinions as to what the practice should be like, and it is indeed unfortunate that some people are very anal-retentive in their opinions. But when it comes down to it, the only real difference between us and the rest of society is that we choose to be naked at certain times. As Bill Bowser said, the rest is irrelevant. Showing respect for self, others, and the environment should be the goal of everyone - not just naturists. And for those reasons I tend to wear neither label these days. I am simply a proponent of clothes-optional acceptance in society.
Respect. Yes, that is a word charged with meaning, and I wonder how many ardent naturists really understand what they are committing to by placing themselves under the naturist umbrella. I am in the process of producing a series of information brochures on clothes-optional living as a resource for those wishing to speak with friends and family about their lifestyle choice, as well as for those interested in adopting the practice for themselves. One of the brochures looks at whether or not pornography sits comfortably with the naturist ethos, given that porn generally sexually objectifies and demeans women's bodies (and men's too, for that matter), tends to increase sexual violence and violent attitudes (according to clinical studies), and, perhaps worst of all, creates a market for human trafficking and exploitation, including children, for its production. The porn industry makes an annual net profit of around 97 billion dollars globally - all fuelled by the demand of its consumers. Should naturists, who like to wave the banner of respect for self and others, be numbered among them?
Since becoming involved in social nudity I have given considerable thought to exactly what it is that makes me a nudist or a naturist. (For me the terms are interchangeable.) I believe that nudism is not something you do, like a hobby. It is something you are, like an introvert, which influences your behavior. In addition to being a nudist I can also have numerous other interests and pursuits, but my wardrobe preference is the primary trait that distinguishes me from textiles.
Of course it’s nice to want to live in harmony with nature and respect for yourself and others, but that’s really irrelevant. As a relatively small minority with a serious image problem we shouldn’t be spending our time debating the meaning of naturist and nudist; no one outside our group cares about what difference there may be. We should be educating the outsiders, so they don’t think we’re a bunch of perverts who get together to engage in promiscuous sexual activities.
I consider myself a naturist, not a nudist, but if someone calls me a nudist -have no issue at all Naturist defines more about the way I live- trying to be in harmony with nature to the extant possible . And I prefer to use the word naked rather than nude- naked connotes being more open and bare - which is how I live my life without the sexual undertone nude/nudist somehow has to me.
Even if you tell someone all about your typical naturist resort, they will often still be surprised (if by some miracle they visit) and it turns out to be just as you said. That's because what you told them conflicted with what they've been told and read and maybe even their private nudist fantasy. They assume you were just covering up an embarrassing truth.
If they happen to visit a swinger club, or even read an article about one, their belief will be confirmed and they will think that you've been caught in a lie.
While many textiles are open minded there are others for whom getting through to them is close to impossible.
For myself there is no nudist/naturist philosophy. It is a product of an overarching philosophy of freedom and self-actualization and not a root philosophy itself.
misconceptions or misunderstandings will remain as far as naturism is concerned. it's because of few people who may misbehave under the name of naturism is itself the first reason & the second one is overall gross impact of the theme which relates nudity as obscene derived by religion, society & the corresponding laws.
Well said, Badger.
I have been a Naturist rather than a Nudist for most of my life. Naturism means being part of nature, not something apart from nature. Naturism means recognizing that naked is our default, natural, human condition, and all the body covers are completely contrived and artificial affectations. .Naturism differs from Nudism because Nudism is often an occasional dalliance, recreation, or vacation from real life, something set apart from our normal lives. Naturism is a fundamental understanding of who we are and our place in the world, an important part of the natural ecology, among all the other species of animals.
That means respecting who we are and our whole bodies, or animal bodies. Our natural animal bodies walk, run, scratch, eat, pee, poo, fart, masturbate, fuck, breath, and enjoy being alive. Naturism means respecting all our natural bodily functions. Do bears shit in the woods? Our natural bodies are a very social species, we all enjoy being with others of our kind, seeing, being seen, and socially interacting with others of our species. Hiding ourselves from each other with artificial covering deliberately deprives us of seeing and being seen, and is as rude as it is ugly. We are nature, we are not a species apart from nature.
I think the whole nudity=sex thing is one that can be culturally laid at religion’s door, specifically monotheistic religions. A monotheistic god (or its priesthood) demands total devotion from its followers, but the human race, like most creatures, has an innate primary concern - procreation, continuation of the species (ie sex).
Look through any newspaper/news website or news programme and it is quickly obvious how large a role sex plays in society.
To stop the people thinking about sex instead of the god, we had to cover up; the more extreme monotheistic religions still demand high levels of body covering to this day. It is inevitable that over centuries of conditioning society equates uncovered flesh with sex.
Of course a corollary to that is that clothing makers and “fashion” hold a whip hand in modern society, the number of clothes shops and websites, the influence of fashion in every strand of society simply dominates modern life. We, the unclothed, are their worst nightmare.
Another good one you hit on the most important points in this discussion. Equating all social nudity to naturism. Which has created the notion of normalizing nudity. You also highlight what is problematic with that. The broader society associates nudity with sexual activity and immediately jumps to the conclusion that social nudity equals sexual nudity. When naturism is something as more than nudity and nakedness it provides many more entry points for the non naturist. Many more opportunity to invite others to explore naturism beyond nakedness. Normalizing naturism is when I choose to pursue and consider myself a naturist. Thanks for another bold thought provoking piece.
Some interesting thoughts, Steve, and some worth commenting on.
I've often wondered about the INF's intended meaning of the words "communal nudity" in their definition. Do they mean "social nudity", as in naked people gathering together in person in a social setting, or do they mean "communal nudity" in the literal and correct sense of the word - a state of nakedness shared by others throughout the world? "Communal" and "social" are not synonyms. They have different meanings.
Yes, it's true that naturists have their own opinions as to what the practice should be like, and it is indeed unfortunate that some people are very anal-retentive in their opinions. But when it comes down to it, the only real difference between us and the rest of society is that we choose to be naked at certain times. As Bill Bowser said, the rest is irrelevant. Showing respect for self, others, and the environment should be the goal of everyone - not just naturists. And for those reasons I tend to wear neither label these days. I am simply a proponent of clothes-optional acceptance in society.
Respect. Yes, that is a word charged with meaning, and I wonder how many ardent naturists really understand what they are committing to by placing themselves under the naturist umbrella. I am in the process of producing a series of information brochures on clothes-optional living as a resource for those wishing to speak with friends and family about their lifestyle choice, as well as for those interested in adopting the practice for themselves. One of the brochures looks at whether or not pornography sits comfortably with the naturist ethos, given that porn generally sexually objectifies and demeans women's bodies (and men's too, for that matter), tends to increase sexual violence and violent attitudes (according to clinical studies), and, perhaps worst of all, creates a market for human trafficking and exploitation, including children, for its production. The porn industry makes an annual net profit of around 97 billion dollars globally - all fuelled by the demand of its consumers. Should naturists, who like to wave the banner of respect for self and others, be numbered among them?
Since becoming involved in social nudity I have given considerable thought to exactly what it is that makes me a nudist or a naturist. (For me the terms are interchangeable.) I believe that nudism is not something you do, like a hobby. It is something you are, like an introvert, which influences your behavior. In addition to being a nudist I can also have numerous other interests and pursuits, but my wardrobe preference is the primary trait that distinguishes me from textiles.
Of course it’s nice to want to live in harmony with nature and respect for yourself and others, but that’s really irrelevant. As a relatively small minority with a serious image problem we shouldn’t be spending our time debating the meaning of naturist and nudist; no one outside our group cares about what difference there may be. We should be educating the outsiders, so they don’t think we’re a bunch of perverts who get together to engage in promiscuous sexual activities.
I consider myself a naturist, not a nudist, but if someone calls me a nudist -have no issue at all Naturist defines more about the way I live- trying to be in harmony with nature to the extant possible . And I prefer to use the word naked rather than nude- naked connotes being more open and bare - which is how I live my life without the sexual undertone nude/nudist somehow has to me.