Not pointless when it makes a point. Perhaps those who agree, sit on their hands and do nothing while complaining about the bad press against naturism.
How would ET be different if The Extra Terrestrial had crashed into a Naturist or Nudist Club or a GBLTTIQA Club or a Same Sex Parental Unit or a Naturist or Nudist Familys backyard?
Technically ET was an intellectually advanced species who did not seem to need clothes but the family whose house he crashed into the back yard of were not. Similarly the elderly couple who would raise the alian baby they would name Clark Kent were not Naturist or a Same Sex couple.
Why Can't Anyone seem to have ever Produced a West End or Broadway Nomination Worthy Naturist or Nudist Play or a Naturist or Nudist Grammy Nomination Worthy Televisual Movie or Series or an Oscar Nomination Worthy Naturist or Nudist Movie? It is not for lack of books to base idea's on.
The educational and cultural climate here in Florida has been poisoned by the Governor and his ultra-conservative attack upon the schools anything that offends his base. It only takes one complaining parent to have a book banned, a teacher or even a superintendent fired. The message that kids take away from this is that genitals are vulgar and to be feared.
From news4jax.com: Analyzing the data: DeSantis wins by largest margin of any Fla. governor in 40 years.
Keep in mind that’s re-elected. The people of the state clearly knew his point of view and elected him in a landslide. Maybe it’s the ultra-progressives that are out of touch.
Why would you continue to misrepresent the facts when it’s clear the David issue is based on failure to make parents aware - as was done in all prior years. David was and will be shown to students at that school. Now what’s the issue?
Regarding the books, parents attempted to read them at school board meetings and were not allowed because the language was inappropriate for a public forum.
Does anyone think a book unsuitable for a school board meeting would be considered appropriate for 3rd graders?
There seems to be this "let's vilify the US" for everything that is wrong in the world. I hope in turn you will be just and write about the fallout from the Channel 4 series "Naked Education." Not all is well across the pond despite the steadfast claim that naturism is well-accepted there.
Comparing a British tv series "Naked Education" to a piece of 16th century Italian art is a little pointless, don't you think?
To be fair, all the fallout over "Naked Education" in the UK seems to be mostly confined to stories and public comments as reported in conservative tabloids, such as the Sun and Daily Mail.
Another factor to add to the mix is that it's generally only those who object that make their voices heard. Those who don't have a problem don't bother writing it to the media. That alone causes a bias that needs to be appreciated!
If I can posit one difference. In the U.K. There may vocal opposition to things like the Naked Education program but the context and nature of the opposition is different. In the used the opposition as moved towards creating legal governmental controls that favor those who are opposed. So far I am not seeing the same in the U.K. doesn’t mean it may not happen but I have not heard of U.K. Politicians bringing laws to Parliament to get the Naked Education program off of television. IMO the comparison doesn’t quite work.
You are right, it is not just the U.S. There are repeated examples in the U.K. and even Australia. I have written before about the U.K. press and have an article in the pipeline with further examples outside the U.S.
Bill Bowser is correct. In addition to MSM being propagandists for the left, they now rely on click bait. A simple google search brings up multiple links. Here are quotes from NPR.
Very first sentence:
Every year, sixth-grade students at Tallahassee Classical School have been taught and shown a picture of Michelangelo's "David" statue, but this month, things went awry — sparking an apology letter to parents, an emergency school board meeting and a principal's resignation.
This has been taught annually. How many people are aware of that? The issue was lack of parental notification.
Another NPR Quote, Fifth paragraph:
At the heart of the anger was that, unlike in years past, parents were not informed of the artwork ahead of time. Hope Carrasquilla, who had been principal at Tallahassee Classical for about nine months, said an email notifying parents had been written, but the administration accidently forgot to send it.
Same NPR story further down:
Carrasquilla said she was not given a specific reason for the ultimatum, adding that while she suspects the art history lesson played a role, she also felt Bishop had been "unhappy" with her for months.
Bishop (added for clarity, Bishop is chair of the school board) similarly said there were multiple concerns that led to Carrasquilla's departure. He said that he could not explain further for legal reasons, but that he didn't believe the principal was aligned with the school's values and mission.
The Principal was already aware of conflict with the school board. How many people knew that?
Last quote:
To Bishop, a major misconception is that valuing parental rights will decide what is taught. He noted that despite a few parents' complaints about the "David," the artwork will remain in the curriculum.
"We're going to teach it regardless of whether parents are in favor of it or not," he said. "But if they're not in favor of it, we're going to give them alternative curriculum."
A final note of advice for readers around the world, 2024 is an election year in the US, so everything the MSM prints or airs will be Pro Democrat, Anti Republican. Do your own in-depth research and make your own decisions, but DO NOT believe any headline without reading the complete story because the inconvenient facts will not be the focus of the headline or story.
If you don't believe me, try to figure out how the New York Times and Washington Post "won" Pulitzer Prizes for stories that were subsequently proven false. They have not returned the prizes, nor has the Pulitzer Board withdrawn them.
One final quote from a more esteemed writer than anyone at NYT or WP: Thank you for reading, have a comfortable day.
Carrasquilla may well have deserved to be fired. However I must point out one thing. That her supervisor was 'unhappy' with her may well be all she actually knows. I've spent 20+ years in various schools in various capacities and people being fired or involuntarily transferred without ever having found out exactly what they were doing wrong is more the rule than the exception.
As a resident of Florida, be asssured my newsfeeds have been clogged for weeks with the entire political spectrum of pearl-clutching diatribes. Thus, I’ve taken the time to inform myself. I hope the linked article will answer some of your questions and provide a more complete picture of the situation.
By digging even deeper into Florida’s other cultural dynamics in the months preceding the incident at the school, you may gain some insight into the parent’s knee-jerk reactions.
Don’t get me wrong. As a naturist, I agree with the premise of your essay. But as someone with a front row seat, I may have an advantage with regard to teasing facts from press bias, not to mention social media hysterics.
The Slate interview is excellent and highlights the two (in my mind) issues. Firstly, the attempted cover-up by the teacher ("Don't tell your parents!"). And secondly, the school's inability to decide what is and isn't controversial ("We’re not going to show the full statue of David to kindergartners. We’re not going to show him to second graders. Showing the entire statue of David is appropriate at some age. We’re going to figure out when that is.")
My view of this is very simplistic probably because I'm a simple person. The single most important thing is tolerance and acceptance. In fact the only thing I am intolerant of is intollerance. I will continue to immerse myself in my natural state in nature along with others in their natural state. For that allows me to see the variation of mankind. Now for those who have seen the statue of David you will note his hands are out of proportion. Is that not a message to accept the world
Whenever you see an article like this in the American main stream media (MSM) you can be absolutely certain that the story will be virtually fact-free. The primary agenda of the MSM is to portray anyone who does not support the radical leftist agenda in the worst possible light. I suggest you withhold judgement until some actual facts emerge.
Part of the social landscape in contemporary America is the point of view of a minority of people who believe they are right and everyone else is wrong. Now everyone is entitled to their own opinion so don’t really have a problem with that. The more significant issue is that these same people want to silence any opposing view point. So it’s not enough for them to state and believe they are right, they actively work to subjugate the opinions of others to their own. This is why people of color and those in the LGBTQIA community are also targeted.
If we are being honest this attitude exists among a segment of US nudists as well. IMHO to the detriment of the future of the way of life.
I think you have it backwards. People of Color and LGBTQIA are two of the most prevalent groups forcing other to bend to their will.
How are people of color and LGBTQIA being targeted? BLM burns down buildings, shoot cops and do seeming whatever they want without apparent consequence. LGBTQIA is violent against anyone who dares to publicly counter their narrative. The Tennessee shooting by a Trans person is a recent example.
The whole "drag queen" saga is not about adult men putting on the female equivalent of Blackface. It's about sexualizing young children. Somehow that part get s skipped. Why does a third grader, approximately 8 years old, need to interact with a drag queen?
The "don't say gay" narrative is a bold face lie. The law prohibits sexual instruction of any kind to young children. They word gay is not in the law.
Again, what is a good reason to sexualize a child?
One thing I've noticed since HS and for which I've had a train wreck fascination since...
The fastest way to be accused of foisting is to decline to accept other people's foisting onto you. The fastest way to be labelled 'aggressive' is to decline to tolerate other people's aggression. Standing up to a bully is pretty much the fastest way to be accused of bullying.
I'm not talking about kids on a playground. I'm talking about adults interacting with other adults so the behavior often has a veneer of civility.
Whether it's naturism or any other civic issue, there's now the added difficulty of dealing with people who pretend to engage and listen, but do not actually do so.
Some will disagree, but we should do what naturism (as understood by the first naturists) was designed to do. Break down barriers that separate us get away from individual silos and embrace intersectional way of life. As Lee Baxandall said
“A naturism which separates from other vital liberation movements in society, and fixes only upon the external forms of its differentness from majoritarian values, is already a sect, a curiosity, and on its way to extinction.”
Kids that age barely register the differences between naked boys or girls, let alone have any concept of sex. Unlike that idiot parent who sees a penis and immediately thinks of sex. That is one sick mind.
Imagine the Republican freak-out if their holy book were illustrated.
You're right that it's a good thing there're no illustrations. I came across an article written by a 'conservative christian naturist' who went through the holy book and found more than a few scenes in which it was a pretty safe bet that (for one reason or another) at least some of the people weren't wearing any clothing. Usually it was because the person(s) were engaged in an activity that would get their clothing filthy. Quality clothing was expensive back then and cleaning them was labor intensive.
Again it's about ethical & not one. As is the case for every aspect, there will be people supporting principal, opposing her & the neutral ones.
One day, I fear, someone may find lewd in Monalisa smile. So it will continue to happen, as it has happened from centuries.
Nicely put.
If you are wrong, then I am happily another member of your "Wrong" club!
Not pointless when it makes a point. Perhaps those who agree, sit on their hands and do nothing while complaining about the bad press against naturism.
How would ET be different if The Extra Terrestrial had crashed into a Naturist or Nudist Club or a GBLTTIQA Club or a Same Sex Parental Unit or a Naturist or Nudist Familys backyard?
I thought ET was a nudist.
Technically ET was an intellectually advanced species who did not seem to need clothes but the family whose house he crashed into the back yard of were not. Similarly the elderly couple who would raise the alian baby they would name Clark Kent were not Naturist or a Same Sex couple.
Why Can't Anyone seem to have ever Produced a West End or Broadway Nomination Worthy Naturist or Nudist Play or a Naturist or Nudist Grammy Nomination Worthy Televisual Movie or Series or an Oscar Nomination Worthy Naturist or Nudist Movie? It is not for lack of books to base idea's on.
The educational and cultural climate here in Florida has been poisoned by the Governor and his ultra-conservative attack upon the schools anything that offends his base. It only takes one complaining parent to have a book banned, a teacher or even a superintendent fired. The message that kids take away from this is that genitals are vulgar and to be feared.
From news4jax.com: Analyzing the data: DeSantis wins by largest margin of any Fla. governor in 40 years.
Keep in mind that’s re-elected. The people of the state clearly knew his point of view and elected him in a landslide. Maybe it’s the ultra-progressives that are out of touch.
Why would you continue to misrepresent the facts when it’s clear the David issue is based on failure to make parents aware - as was done in all prior years. David was and will be shown to students at that school. Now what’s the issue?
Regarding the books, parents attempted to read them at school board meetings and were not allowed because the language was inappropriate for a public forum.
Does anyone think a book unsuitable for a school board meeting would be considered appropriate for 3rd graders?
Which is why the Christian Bible has been yanked from many library shelves
Michelangelo did not do pornography but he has had people complaining to the contrary sincerity David was unveiled.
There seems to be this "let's vilify the US" for everything that is wrong in the world. I hope in turn you will be just and write about the fallout from the Channel 4 series "Naked Education." Not all is well across the pond despite the steadfast claim that naturism is well-accepted there.
Yes, Naked Education does feature in an article that I am currently compiling.
Thank you.
Comparing a British tv series "Naked Education" to a piece of 16th century Italian art is a little pointless, don't you think?
To be fair, all the fallout over "Naked Education" in the UK seems to be mostly confined to stories and public comments as reported in conservative tabloids, such as the Sun and Daily Mail.
Another factor to add to the mix is that it's generally only those who object that make their voices heard. Those who don't have a problem don't bother writing it to the media. That alone causes a bias that needs to be appreciated!
If I can posit one difference. In the U.K. There may vocal opposition to things like the Naked Education program but the context and nature of the opposition is different. In the used the opposition as moved towards creating legal governmental controls that favor those who are opposed. So far I am not seeing the same in the U.K. doesn’t mean it may not happen but I have not heard of U.K. Politicians bringing laws to Parliament to get the Naked Education program off of television. IMO the comparison doesn’t quite work.
You are right, it is not just the U.S. There are repeated examples in the U.K. and even Australia. I have written before about the U.K. press and have an article in the pipeline with further examples outside the U.S.
Bill Bowser is correct. In addition to MSM being propagandists for the left, they now rely on click bait. A simple google search brings up multiple links. Here are quotes from NPR.
Very first sentence:
Every year, sixth-grade students at Tallahassee Classical School have been taught and shown a picture of Michelangelo's "David" statue, but this month, things went awry — sparking an apology letter to parents, an emergency school board meeting and a principal's resignation.
This has been taught annually. How many people are aware of that? The issue was lack of parental notification.
Another NPR Quote, Fifth paragraph:
At the heart of the anger was that, unlike in years past, parents were not informed of the artwork ahead of time. Hope Carrasquilla, who had been principal at Tallahassee Classical for about nine months, said an email notifying parents had been written, but the administration accidently forgot to send it.
Same NPR story further down:
Carrasquilla said she was not given a specific reason for the ultimatum, adding that while she suspects the art history lesson played a role, she also felt Bishop had been "unhappy" with her for months.
Bishop (added for clarity, Bishop is chair of the school board) similarly said there were multiple concerns that led to Carrasquilla's departure. He said that he could not explain further for legal reasons, but that he didn't believe the principal was aligned with the school's values and mission.
The Principal was already aware of conflict with the school board. How many people knew that?
Last quote:
To Bishop, a major misconception is that valuing parental rights will decide what is taught. He noted that despite a few parents' complaints about the "David," the artwork will remain in the curriculum.
"We're going to teach it regardless of whether parents are in favor of it or not," he said. "But if they're not in favor of it, we're going to give them alternative curriculum."
A final note of advice for readers around the world, 2024 is an election year in the US, so everything the MSM prints or airs will be Pro Democrat, Anti Republican. Do your own in-depth research and make your own decisions, but DO NOT believe any headline without reading the complete story because the inconvenient facts will not be the focus of the headline or story.
If you don't believe me, try to figure out how the New York Times and Washington Post "won" Pulitzer Prizes for stories that were subsequently proven false. They have not returned the prizes, nor has the Pulitzer Board withdrawn them.
One final quote from a more esteemed writer than anyone at NYT or WP: Thank you for reading, have a comfortable day.
Carrasquilla may well have deserved to be fired. However I must point out one thing. That her supervisor was 'unhappy' with her may well be all she actually knows. I've spent 20+ years in various schools in various capacities and people being fired or involuntarily transferred without ever having found out exactly what they were doing wrong is more the rule than the exception.
You are correct in your assumption that the case of the sacked school principal is more complex than the complaint of one parent. Slate.com has provided the most even-handed report on the matter I’ve seen. (https://slate.com/human-interest/2023/03/florida-principal-fired-michelangelo-david-statue.html)
As a resident of Florida, be asssured my newsfeeds have been clogged for weeks with the entire political spectrum of pearl-clutching diatribes. Thus, I’ve taken the time to inform myself. I hope the linked article will answer some of your questions and provide a more complete picture of the situation.
By digging even deeper into Florida’s other cultural dynamics in the months preceding the incident at the school, you may gain some insight into the parent’s knee-jerk reactions.
Don’t get me wrong. As a naturist, I agree with the premise of your essay. But as someone with a front row seat, I may have an advantage with regard to teasing facts from press bias, not to mention social media hysterics.
The Slate interview is excellent and highlights the two (in my mind) issues. Firstly, the attempted cover-up by the teacher ("Don't tell your parents!"). And secondly, the school's inability to decide what is and isn't controversial ("We’re not going to show the full statue of David to kindergartners. We’re not going to show him to second graders. Showing the entire statue of David is appropriate at some age. We’re going to figure out when that is.")
My view of this is very simplistic probably because I'm a simple person. The single most important thing is tolerance and acceptance. In fact the only thing I am intolerant of is intollerance. I will continue to immerse myself in my natural state in nature along with others in their natural state. For that allows me to see the variation of mankind. Now for those who have seen the statue of David you will note his hands are out of proportion. Is that not a message to accept the world
Whenever you see an article like this in the American main stream media (MSM) you can be absolutely certain that the story will be virtually fact-free. The primary agenda of the MSM is to portray anyone who does not support the radical leftist agenda in the worst possible light. I suggest you withhold judgement until some actual facts emerge.
Part of the social landscape in contemporary America is the point of view of a minority of people who believe they are right and everyone else is wrong. Now everyone is entitled to their own opinion so don’t really have a problem with that. The more significant issue is that these same people want to silence any opposing view point. So it’s not enough for them to state and believe they are right, they actively work to subjugate the opinions of others to their own. This is why people of color and those in the LGBTQIA community are also targeted.
If we are being honest this attitude exists among a segment of US nudists as well. IMHO to the detriment of the future of the way of life.
I think you have it backwards. People of Color and LGBTQIA are two of the most prevalent groups forcing other to bend to their will.
How are people of color and LGBTQIA being targeted? BLM burns down buildings, shoot cops and do seeming whatever they want without apparent consequence. LGBTQIA is violent against anyone who dares to publicly counter their narrative. The Tennessee shooting by a Trans person is a recent example.
The whole "drag queen" saga is not about adult men putting on the female equivalent of Blackface. It's about sexualizing young children. Somehow that part get s skipped. Why does a third grader, approximately 8 years old, need to interact with a drag queen?
The "don't say gay" narrative is a bold face lie. The law prohibits sexual instruction of any kind to young children. They word gay is not in the law.
Again, what is a good reason to sexualize a child?
It is a frightening thought, but you may well be right. How do we, as a society, respond to these threats?
One thing I've noticed since HS and for which I've had a train wreck fascination since...
The fastest way to be accused of foisting is to decline to accept other people's foisting onto you. The fastest way to be labelled 'aggressive' is to decline to tolerate other people's aggression. Standing up to a bully is pretty much the fastest way to be accused of bullying.
I'm not talking about kids on a playground. I'm talking about adults interacting with other adults so the behavior often has a veneer of civility.
Whether it's naturism or any other civic issue, there's now the added difficulty of dealing with people who pretend to engage and listen, but do not actually do so.
Some will disagree, but we should do what naturism (as understood by the first naturists) was designed to do. Break down barriers that separate us get away from individual silos and embrace intersectional way of life. As Lee Baxandall said
“A naturism which separates from other vital liberation movements in society, and fixes only upon the external forms of its differentness from majoritarian values, is already a sect, a curiosity, and on its way to extinction.”
—Lee Baxandall, 1981
The Florida parent is an idiot.
Kids that age barely register the differences between naked boys or girls, let alone have any concept of sex. Unlike that idiot parent who sees a penis and immediately thinks of sex. That is one sick mind.
Imagine the Republican freak-out if their holy book were illustrated.
Re: holy book
You're right that it's a good thing there're no illustrations. I came across an article written by a 'conservative christian naturist' who went through the holy book and found more than a few scenes in which it was a pretty safe bet that (for one reason or another) at least some of the people weren't wearing any clothing. Usually it was because the person(s) were engaged in an activity that would get their clothing filthy. Quality clothing was expensive back then and cleaning them was labor intensive.
While I am reluctant to call anyone an idiot, the reaction does seem to defy common sense.