Issues in social nudity
Encyclopedia
Social nudity is nudity
in both public and private
locations. It is sometimes controversial for addressing, challenging and exploring a myriad of sometimes taboo
subjects, stereotype
s and mores
relating to the nude appearance of the human body
, personal space
, human sexuality
, gymnophobia
, modesty
, physical attractiveness
, vanity
, objectification
, exploitation
and consent
.
" of full nudity at all times (with exceptions, such as cold weather, a woman experiencing menstruation
, or certain days or hours for new visitors). Most have that policy only for the swimming pool
, sauna
, Jacuzzi
, hot tub bath, etc., with clothing optional elsewhere.
It is debatable which policy is best. Those advocating full nudity maintain it provides a better sense of equality when everyone is without clothing. First-timers to the resort may be uncomfortable with other clothed people around and feel "naked." Since naturism is most emphatically not a spectator sport
, anyone not already nude would be disallowed entry (except the periphery for undressing).
Others feel it is better to welcome everyone whether dressed or nude (subject to rules and requirements). A married
couple might have one spouse who is comfortable being fully nude (usually the husband), while the other spouse is not. If a full nudity policy were in place, such a family would have to split up for the day, or find an alternative activity. A few resorts attempt a compromise by being clothing optional for females, but not males.
reasons, photographing anyone without consent is restricted at many nude venue
s by law, rule, or custom. Some resorts prohibit cameras altogether, while others require that permission be granted by anyone being photographed.
or indoor temperature
demands it. Naturists generally consider themselves to be accepting people, the general idea being simply to do things nude that one would normally do clothed. However, nudist culture has its own rules of etiquette, though they vary among the groups and sites.
Generally, nude groups accept people of all races, ages, sizes, and shapes, including those with amputations, scar
s, tattoo
s or trimmed (or absence of) hair
. Recently some "smoothie" organizations have expressed a preference for members to completely shave or remove all pubic hair, as some believe that having pubic hair does not leave that body completely nude. For "smoothies," head, and perhaps facial hair are acceptable. Official mandates are rare, however.
Yet another issue for nudists and naturists alike is genital jewellery
. Items such as rings in the penis, labia or nipples are sometimes claimed to be "calling attention to the genitals" (or erogenous zones in the case of nipples) and are therefore sometimes viewed as overtly sexual. It can also be said, though, that the central naturist belief is that there are no "bad" body parts, and if earrings innocuously call attention to ears, it would be unfair to forbid doing the same to genitals.
to sit on a towel
whenever sitting on a chair, bench, or any other place where others might sit (unless under water) and they consider it poor etiquette to do otherwise. Some clubs encourage members or guests to bring their own chairs. Likewise, sitting on someone else's towel is considered a breach of etiquette. Similar rules would also apply to clothing-optional bike rides
. Often in situations involving shared use of pools or tubs, people are asked to shower first to minimize contamination and prolong the amount of time the water can be used before further maintenance is needed. This practice is also common in non-nudist pools.
who study traditional cultures, and it is not widely known what rules of etiquette exist among peoples who have lived nude since antiquity. Therefore, with little historical or cross-cultural information available, there is a broad range of opinions on this subject. Even those who generally agree with one another, may still have some differences on the finer points.
For example, one person might argue erections are not a problem, and forcing males to cover up goes against their beliefs of the human body not being shameful. (This assumes the subject is not breaching etiquette by trying to attract attention.) However, another person may argue that erections—even if non-sexual—are impolite, and certain groups are likely to be offended (e.g. some females who have experienced past sexual abuse). Complicating the matter, many would-be adult newcomers mistakenly think that having an erection is inevitable. Resorts disallowing erections commonly suggest covering the waist with a towel, laying on one's stomach, or going into the swimming pool
(if within the pool fence
). Some latitude might be given to younger males according to their age and circumstances because:
Some feel this issue may be keeping young males away from social nudity, due to embarrassment
or overly restrictive rules, while same-aged females would be uncomfortable joining unilaterally. (See also 'Age' under the 'Diversity' section below.) Non-sexual erections tend to be more problematic with nudists and naturists in the United States
than in continental Europe
.
) in some places, adds an additional factor in discussing the appropriateness of gender restrictions in social nudity.
If someone is from an ethnicity whose recent ancestor
s had no problem with public nudity (parts of Africa
, Asia
, Oceania
, pre-European Americas
and Australia
), it might be thought of as being "primitive" by modern standards, and lacking in social status. (i.e. "Only the poorest of the poor would go about without clothing.") This contrasts with the more Western
attitude that nudity and sexuality are somehow related, but nonetheless causes them to shy away from social nudity.
offer hope that younger generations are increasingly becoming interested in at least one aspect of social nudity.
Other reasons include parent
s being concerned about false accusations or suspicion
s of child abuse
by those who are unfamiliar with non-sexual nudity. In the United States, Child Protective Services
(CPS) may investigate even if no law
s have been allegedly broken. Although rare, the American Association for Nude Recreation
(AANR) has an attorney on hand to assist when such incidents occur among members.
If they are absent, many private nudist venues require that one or both parents be consulted regarding the documentation of their minor children. This may also include situations with partial custody, stepchildren, etc.
Some naturists feel that youth are essential for the movement to continue, and it will slowly die without them. Also, the non-sexual atmosphere is threatened by their absence, as adults tend to behave better when youth are around. An "adults only" nudist venue virtually implies that it is in fact sexual, no matter what its organizers intended.
. The reasons for the emergence of gay naturism as a distinct stratum of the naturist movement may include the discriminatory policies of some landed naturist clubs (specifically, disallowing single men or male couples), fear of encountering homophobia
within the naturist realm at large, and a willingness to self-segregate in order to experience naturism more in line with the norms of gay culture (as opposed to the family friendly mode of naturism promoted by many naturist advocates). Gay naturism as a social phenomenon invariably refers to gay male naturism. Lesbian counterparts to gay male naturist clubs and organizations have never emerged. However, some rural lesbian separatist communes practiced clothing-optional living during the seventies and eighties.
, nudism and social nudity are generally defined as the practice of going nude
, especially in a mixed social setting. The terms naturism and nudism generally also mean that the activities are done in non-sex
ualized, family-friendly
contexts.
The usage and definition of these terms varies both geographically and historically.
The term nudist is more widely familiar in North America, however naturism is also widely used. A naturist is sometimes defined as an individual who prefers a more natural setting for their nude or clothing-optional activities—such as a beach, a lake, the woods, or the mountains.
Within the naturist and nudist movements, many people prefer to adopt only one label or the other. Others do not bother or like adopting labels. In the traditional view, the nudist in the U.S. is a person who seeks out organized social settings for the practice of the nudist philosophy. This often takes the form of membership in a landed or non-landed nudist club, with a well-defined system of conduct and social structure. It is believed to be a predictable environment which offers the participants the safety that comes with facilities for secluded, lawful nudity (without the threat of legal action or observation by outsiders seeking to view them for prurient purposes). However, others avoid "organized" naturism and nudism, and are content with clothing-optional public beaches, home naturism, etc.
Some political contention exists between the traditional nudist and the naturist within the national organizations that represent clothing optional recreation for lobbying purposes. Traditional nudists seek to maintain the status quo
while the naturists push for expansion of beaches and other outdoor facilities and their designation as clothing optional. It has been said that naturists tend to be more supportive of public nudity
than do nudists, who generally focus more on landed and non-landed clubs. On the one hand in America there appears to be more support for mass-nudity, as in the photography/art of Spencer Tunick
, and in Europe there are extended naked walks by individuals and small groups of like-minded people.
es and other forms of public nudity
, such as seen at cultural events like Burning Man
or clothing-optional bike rides
.
Several activists, such as Vincent Bethell, claim that associations to promote naturism or nudism are unnecessary, leading only to "nudity in tolerated ghettoes". Activist Daniel Johnson
believes that labels and affiliations overly complicate a relatively simple phenomenon, alienate others from a fear of over-commitment or undesirable stereotypes, and thus get in the way of integrating nudity into everday life. Naturists and nudists counter that associating with established terms and philosophies such as nudism and naturism makes it easier to understand a common set of principles and values.
s are no longer as common as they were in the 1950s and 1960s in mainstream naturist/nudist venues, as some claim they counter the body-acceptance message that many believe in, that says all body types should be equally accepted. Also, the idea of a beauty contest appears to endorse the idea that women are there to be looked at.
or group touch activities, even when done in non-sexualized contexts, make some feel uncomfortable because they are inherently sensual and involve physical contact that some are not accustomed to. Nevertheless, a massage Special Interest Group
has been part of The Naturist Society
since its earliest days and remains fairly popular.
Nudity
Nudity is the state of wearing no clothing. The wearing of clothing is exclusively a human characteristic. The amount of clothing worn depends on functional considerations and social considerations...
in both public and private
Private property
Private property is the right of persons and firms to obtain, own, control, employ, dispose of, and bequeath land, capital, and other forms of property. Private property is distinguishable from public property, which refers to assets owned by a state, community or government rather than by...
locations. It is sometimes controversial for addressing, challenging and exploring a myriad of sometimes taboo
Taboo
A taboo is a strong social prohibition relating to any area of human activity or social custom that is sacred and or forbidden based on moral judgment, religious beliefs and or scientific consensus. Breaking the taboo is usually considered objectionable or abhorrent by society...
subjects, stereotype
Stereotype
A stereotype is a popular belief about specific social groups or types of individuals. The concepts of "stereotype" and "prejudice" are often confused with many other different meanings...
s and mores
Mores
Mores, in sociology, are any given society's particular norms, virtues, or values. The word mores is a plurale tantum term borrowed from Latin, which has been used in the English language since the 1890s....
relating to the nude appearance of the human body
Human body
The human body is the entire structure of a human organism, and consists of a head, neck, torso, two arms and two legs.By the time the human reaches adulthood, the body consists of close to 100 trillion cells, the basic unit of life...
, personal space
Personal space
Personal space is the region surrounding a person which they regard as psychologically theirs. Most people value their personal space and feel discomfort, anger, or anxiety when their personal space is encroached. Permitting a person to enter personal space and entering somebody else's personal...
, human sexuality
Human sexuality
Human sexuality is the awareness of gender differences, and the capacity to have erotic experiences and responses. Human sexuality can also be described as the way someone is sexually attracted to another person whether it is to opposite sexes , to the same sex , to either sexes , or not being...
, gymnophobia
Gymnophobia
Gymnophobia is a fear of nudity. Gymnophobics experience anxiety from nudity, even if they realize their fear is irrational. They may worry about seeing others naked or being seen naked, or both...
, modesty
Modesty
Standards of modesty are aspects of the culture of a country or people, at a given point in time, and is a measure against which an individual in society may be judged....
, physical attractiveness
Physical attractiveness
Physical attractiveness refers to a person's physical traits which are perceived to be aesthetically pleasing or beautiful. The term often implies sexual attractiveness or desirability, but can also be distinct from the two; for example, humans may regard the young as attractive for various...
, vanity
Vanity
In conventional parlance, vanity is the excessive belief in one's own abilities or attractiveness to others. Prior to the 14th century it did not have such narcissistic undertones, and merely meant futility. The related term vainglory is now often seen as an archaic synonym for vanity, but...
, objectification
Objectification
Objectification is the process by which an abstract concept is made as objective as possible in the purest sense of the term. It is also treated as if it is a concrete thing or physical object...
, exploitation
Exploitation
This article discusses the term exploitation in the meaning of using something in an unjust or cruel manner.- As unjust benefit :In political economy, economics, and sociology, exploitation involves a persistent social relationship in which certain persons are being mistreated or unfairly used for...
and consent
Consent
Consent refers to the provision of approval or agreement, particularly and especially after thoughtful consideration.- Types of consent :*Implied consent is a controversial form of consent which is not expressly granted by a person, but rather inferred from a person's actions and the facts and...
.
Clothing optional
Some nudist resorts, clubs, or beaches have the "undress codeUndress code
An undress code is a dress code or social norm which sets an upper limit on the amount of clothing that can or should be worn. For example, some public swimming facilities set maximum clothing standards, for sanitary reasons...
" of full nudity at all times (with exceptions, such as cold weather, a woman experiencing menstruation
Menstruation
Menstruation is the shedding of the uterine lining . It occurs on a regular basis in sexually reproductive-age females of certain mammal species. This article focuses on human menstruation.-Overview:...
, or certain days or hours for new visitors). Most have that policy only for the swimming pool
Swimming pool
A swimming pool, swimming bath, wading pool, or simply a pool, is a container filled with water intended for swimming or water-based recreation. There are many standard sizes; the largest is the Olympic-size swimming pool...
, sauna
Sauna
A sauna is a small room or house designed as a place to experience dry or wet heat sessions, or an establishment with one or more of these and auxiliary facilities....
, Jacuzzi
Jacuzzi
Jacuzzi is a company that produces whirlpool bathtubs and spas. Its first product was a bath with massaging jets. The term "jacuzzi" is now often used generically to refer to any bathtub with massaging jets.-History:...
, hot tub bath, etc., with clothing optional elsewhere.
It is debatable which policy is best. Those advocating full nudity maintain it provides a better sense of equality when everyone is without clothing. First-timers to the resort may be uncomfortable with other clothed people around and feel "naked." Since naturism is most emphatically not a spectator sport
Spectator sport
A spectator sport is a sport that is characterized by the presence of spectators, or watchers, at its matches. For instance, Tennis, Rugby, F-1, baseball, basketball, cricket, football , and ice hockey are spectator sports, while hunting or underwater hockey typically are not...
, anyone not already nude would be disallowed entry (except the periphery for undressing).
Others feel it is better to welcome everyone whether dressed or nude (subject to rules and requirements). A married
Marriage
Marriage is a social union or legal contract between people that creates kinship. It is an institution in which interpersonal relationships, usually intimate and sexual, are acknowledged in a variety of ways, depending on the culture or subculture in which it is found...
couple might have one spouse who is comfortable being fully nude (usually the husband), while the other spouse is not. If a full nudity policy were in place, such a family would have to split up for the day, or find an alternative activity. A few resorts attempt a compromise by being clothing optional for females, but not males.
Etiquette
Participants in social nudity say that the attendees are generally very well-behaved, as well or better than in non-nudist or non-naturist settings. Even though problems are sometimes discussed among naturists, it does not mean they occur frequently.Photography
For privacyPrivacy
Privacy is the ability of an individual or group to seclude themselves or information about themselves and thereby reveal themselves selectively...
reasons, photographing anyone without consent is restricted at many nude venue
Location (geography)
The terms location and place in geography are used to identify a point or an area on the Earth's surface or elsewhere. The term 'location' generally implies a higher degree of can certainty than "place" which often has an ambiguous boundary relying more on human/social attributes of place identity...
s by law, rule, or custom. Some resorts prohibit cameras altogether, while others require that permission be granted by anyone being photographed.
Appropriate dress
Nudists will wear clothes if the weatherWeather
Weather is the state of the atmosphere, to the degree that it is hot or cold, wet or dry, calm or stormy, clear or cloudy. Most weather phenomena occur in the troposphere, just below the stratosphere. Weather refers, generally, to day-to-day temperature and precipitation activity, whereas climate...
or indoor temperature
Temperature
Temperature is a physical property of matter that quantitatively expresses the common notions of hot and cold. Objects of low temperature are cold, while various degrees of higher temperatures are referred to as warm or hot...
demands it. Naturists generally consider themselves to be accepting people, the general idea being simply to do things nude that one would normally do clothed. However, nudist culture has its own rules of etiquette, though they vary among the groups and sites.
Generally, nude groups accept people of all races, ages, sizes, and shapes, including those with amputations, scar
Scar
Scars are areas of fibrous tissue that replace normal skin after injury. A scar results from the biological process of wound repair in the skin and other tissues of the body. Thus, scarring is a natural part of the healing process. With the exception of very minor lesions, every wound results in...
s, tattoo
Tattoo
A tattoo is made by inserting indelible ink into the dermis layer of the skin to change the pigment. Tattoos on humans are a type of body modification, and tattoos on other animals are most commonly used for identification purposes...
s or trimmed (or absence of) hair
Pubic hair
Pubic hair is hair in the frontal genital area, the crotch, and sometimes at the top of the inside of the legs; these areas form the pubic region....
. Recently some "smoothie" organizations have expressed a preference for members to completely shave or remove all pubic hair, as some believe that having pubic hair does not leave that body completely nude. For "smoothies," head, and perhaps facial hair are acceptable. Official mandates are rare, however.
Yet another issue for nudists and naturists alike is genital jewellery
Genital jewellery
Genital jewellery, also known as sex jewellery and adult jewellery, is jewellery which is designed specifically for wear on or to accentuate the genitals. In a wider sense also nipple rings and some butt-plugs may be called genital jewellery....
. Items such as rings in the penis, labia or nipples are sometimes claimed to be "calling attention to the genitals" (or erogenous zones in the case of nipples) and are therefore sometimes viewed as overtly sexual. It can also be said, though, that the central naturist belief is that there are no "bad" body parts, and if earrings innocuously call attention to ears, it would be unfair to forbid doing the same to genitals.
Hygiene
Many nudists and Naturist clubs consider it essential for reasons of hygieneHygiene
Hygiene refers to the set of practices perceived by a community to be associated with the preservation of health and healthy living. While in modern medical sciences there is a set of standards of hygiene recommended for different situations, what is considered hygienic or not can vary between...
to sit on a towel
Towel
A towel is a piece of absorbent fabric or paper used for drying or wiping. It draws moisture through direct contact, often using a blotting or a rubbing motion. Common household textile towels are made from cotton, rayon, bamboo, nonwoven fibers or a few other materials.-Types of towels:* A bath...
whenever sitting on a chair, bench, or any other place where others might sit (unless under water) and they consider it poor etiquette to do otherwise. Some clubs encourage members or guests to bring their own chairs. Likewise, sitting on someone else's towel is considered a breach of etiquette. Similar rules would also apply to clothing-optional bike rides
Clothing-optional bike rides
A clothing-optional bike ride is a cycling event in which nudity is permitted or expected. There are many clothing-optional cycling events around the world. Some rides are political, recreational, artistic or a unique combination...
. Often in situations involving shared use of pools or tubs, people are asked to shower first to minimize contamination and prolong the amount of time the water can be used before further maintenance is needed. This practice is also common in non-nudist pools.
Spontaneous erections
While most nudists and naturists condemn any sort of overt sexual activity, the issue of non-sexual spontaneous erections is highly debatable. Unfortunately, this topic is routinely ignored by anthropologistsAnthropology
Anthropology is the study of humanity. It has origins in the humanities, the natural sciences, and the social sciences. The term "anthropology" is from the Greek anthrōpos , "man", understood to mean mankind or humanity, and -logia , "discourse" or "study", and was first used in 1501 by German...
who study traditional cultures, and it is not widely known what rules of etiquette exist among peoples who have lived nude since antiquity. Therefore, with little historical or cross-cultural information available, there is a broad range of opinions on this subject. Even those who generally agree with one another, may still have some differences on the finer points.
For example, one person might argue erections are not a problem, and forcing males to cover up goes against their beliefs of the human body not being shameful. (This assumes the subject is not breaching etiquette by trying to attract attention.) However, another person may argue that erections—even if non-sexual—are impolite, and certain groups are likely to be offended (e.g. some females who have experienced past sexual abuse). Complicating the matter, many would-be adult newcomers mistakenly think that having an erection is inevitable. Resorts disallowing erections commonly suggest covering the waist with a towel, laying on one's stomach, or going into the swimming pool
Swimming pool
A swimming pool, swimming bath, wading pool, or simply a pool, is a container filled with water intended for swimming or water-based recreation. There are many standard sizes; the largest is the Olympic-size swimming pool...
(if within the pool fence
Pool fence
A pool fence is a type of fence placed around backyard swimming pools, commonly to improve pool safety and to help prevent small children from accidentally falling into the pool and drowning.-Various materials:...
). Some latitude might be given to younger males according to their age and circumstances because:
- it occurs the most frequently among this age group
- others are less likely to take offense or feel threatened
- forgetfulness due to a lack of maturityMaturityMaturity may refer to:*Sexual maturity, the stage when an organism can reproduce, though it is distinct from adulthood*Mature technology, a term indicating that a technology has been in use and development for long enough that most of its initial problems have been overcome*Maturity , a geological...
—especially in a recreational setting - more likely to be engaged in activities where it would be awkward to carry a towel around
Some feel this issue may be keeping young males away from social nudity, due to embarrassment
Embarrassment
Embarrassment is an emotional state of intense discomfort with oneself, experienced upon having a socially unacceptable act or condition witnessed by or revealed to others. Usually some amount of loss of honour or dignity is involved, but how much and the type depends on the embarrassing situation...
or overly restrictive rules, while same-aged females would be uncomfortable joining unilaterally. (See also 'Age' under the 'Diversity' section below.) Non-sexual erections tend to be more problematic with nudists and naturists in the United States
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
than in continental Europe
Continental Europe
Continental Europe, also referred to as mainland Europe or simply the Continent, is the continent of Europe, explicitly excluding European islands....
.
Gender
Statistics show that more men than women participate in social nudity activities. In order to approach to a balanced situation, many of the involved organizations in these activities do not allow unaccompanied men, and might even encourage unaccompanied women. Some venues avoid the accusation of discrimination by banning all single people and accepting only families and male/female couples. Other groups have quotas. Whether that is hypocritical of a subculture which promotes acceptance is a topic often debated. Some organizations argue that they do not discriminate based on gender, but merely require a balance in the numbers of men and women; notwithstanding many of them would consider discriminatory such requirements based on race, origin or any other personal characteristic. The increasing acceptance of homosexuality in western society, up to and including recognition as marriage of a union of two people with the same sex (same-sex marriageSame-sex marriage
Same-sex marriage is marriage between two persons of the same biological sex or social gender. Supporters of legal recognition for same-sex marriage typically refer to such recognition as marriage equality....
) in some places, adds an additional factor in discussing the appropriateness of gender restrictions in social nudity.
Ethnicity
Organized social nudity usually attracts more people of European ethnic backgrounds. This may be due to social nudity becoming a social movement in Europe, before spreading to other parts of the world. Other reasons include the fact that most resorts are located far from the cities, and they have done little to promote themselves to those of non-European ethnic backgrounds.If someone is from an ethnicity whose recent ancestor
Ancestor
An ancestor is a parent or the parent of an ancestor ....
s had no problem with public nudity (parts of Africa
Africa
Africa is the world's second largest and second most populous continent, after Asia. At about 30.2 million km² including adjacent islands, it covers 6% of the Earth's total surface area and 20.4% of the total land area...
, Asia
Asia
Asia is the world's largest and most populous continent, located primarily in the eastern and northern hemispheres. It covers 8.7% of the Earth's total surface area and with approximately 3.879 billion people, it hosts 60% of the world's current human population...
, Oceania
Oceania
Oceania is a region centered on the islands of the tropical Pacific Ocean. Conceptions of what constitutes Oceania range from the coral atolls and volcanic islands of the South Pacific to the entire insular region between Asia and the Americas, including Australasia and the Malay Archipelago...
, pre-European Americas
Americas
The Americas, or America , are lands in the Western hemisphere, also known as the New World. In English, the plural form the Americas is often used to refer to the landmasses of North America and South America with their associated islands and regions, while the singular form America is primarily...
and Australia
Australia
Australia , officially the Commonwealth of Australia, is a country in the Southern Hemisphere comprising the mainland of the Australian continent, the island of Tasmania, and numerous smaller islands in the Indian and Pacific Oceans. It is the world's sixth-largest country by total area...
), it might be thought of as being "primitive" by modern standards, and lacking in social status. (i.e. "Only the poorest of the poor would go about without clothing.") This contrasts with the more Western
Western culture
Western culture, sometimes equated with Western civilization or European civilization, refers to cultures of European origin and is used very broadly to refer to a heritage of social norms, ethical values, traditional customs, religious beliefs, political systems, and specific artifacts and...
attitude that nudity and sexuality are somehow related, but nonetheless causes them to shy away from social nudity.
Age
It has been noted that in the past few decades many naturist and nudist clubs have a noticeable lack of young members in their ranks. Since young people have often been crucial for social movements (as they have more spare time and fewer commitments), this may be hindering naturism a great deal. However, growing participation in public nudity activities such as clothing-optional bike ridesClothing-optional bike rides
A clothing-optional bike ride is a cycling event in which nudity is permitted or expected. There are many clothing-optional cycling events around the world. Some rides are political, recreational, artistic or a unique combination...
offer hope that younger generations are increasingly becoming interested in at least one aspect of social nudity.
Other reasons include parent
Parent
A parent is a caretaker of the offspring in their own species. In humans, a parent is of a child . Children can have one or more parents, but they must have two biological parents. Biological parents consist of the male who sired the child and the female who gave birth to the child...
s being concerned about false accusations or suspicion
Suspicion (emotion)
Suspicion is a cognition of mistrust in which a person doubts the honesty of another person or believes another person to be guilty of some type of wrongdoing or crime, but without sure proof. Suspicion can also be aroused in response to objects that negatively differ from an expected idea...
s of child abuse
Child abuse
Child abuse is the physical, sexual, emotional mistreatment, or neglect of a child. In the United States, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Department of Children And Families define child maltreatment as any act or series of acts of commission or omission by a parent or...
by those who are unfamiliar with non-sexual nudity. In the United States, Child Protective Services
Child Protective Services
Child Protective Services is the name of a governmental agency in many states of the United States that responds to reports of child abuse or neglect. Some states use other names, often attempting to reflect more family-centered practices, such as "Department of Children & Family Services"...
(CPS) may investigate even if no law
Law
Law is a system of rules and guidelines which are enforced through social institutions to govern behavior, wherever possible. It shapes politics, economics and society in numerous ways and serves as a social mediator of relations between people. Contract law regulates everything from buying a bus...
s have been allegedly broken. Although rare, the American Association for Nude Recreation
American Association for Nude Recreation
The American Association for Nude Recreation is a nudist organization in the United States. Founded in 1931, the organization advocates nudity and nude recreation in appropriate settings. The AANR charters approximately 259 independent U.S. nudist resorts and parks...
(AANR) has an attorney on hand to assist when such incidents occur among members.
If they are absent, many private nudist venues require that one or both parents be consulted regarding the documentation of their minor children. This may also include situations with partial custody, stepchildren, etc.
Some naturists feel that youth are essential for the movement to continue, and it will slowly die without them. Also, the non-sexual atmosphere is threatened by their absence, as adults tend to behave better when youth are around. An "adults only" nudist venue virtually implies that it is in fact sexual, no matter what its organizers intended.
Sexual orientation
In the early 1980s, gay men began to carve their own niche within the realm of organized naturism. By the mid-80s, local naturist clubs for gay men had been established in major cities across the United States and Canada, and today over 100 such clubs exist, along with two international organizations that promote gay naturismGay naturism
Gay naturism or LGBT naturism concerns a lifestyle of gay people in which nudity, especially in a communal context, is viewed as natural, positive and healthy...
. The reasons for the emergence of gay naturism as a distinct stratum of the naturist movement may include the discriminatory policies of some landed naturist clubs (specifically, disallowing single men or male couples), fear of encountering homophobia
Homophobia
Homophobia is a term used to refer to a range of negative attitudes and feelings towards lesbian, gay and in some cases bisexual, transgender people and behavior, although these are usually covered under other terms such as biphobia and transphobia. Definitions refer to irrational fear, with the...
within the naturist realm at large, and a willingness to self-segregate in order to experience naturism more in line with the norms of gay culture (as opposed to the family friendly mode of naturism promoted by many naturist advocates). Gay naturism as a social phenomenon invariably refers to gay male naturism. Lesbian counterparts to gay male naturist clubs and organizations have never emerged. However, some rural lesbian separatist communes practiced clothing-optional living during the seventies and eighties.
Labels, associations and terminology
The terms naturismNaturism
Naturism or nudism is a cultural and political movement practising, advocating and defending social nudity in private and in public. It may also refer to a lifestyle based on personal, family and/or social nudism....
, nudism and social nudity are generally defined as the practice of going nude
Nudity
Nudity is the state of wearing no clothing. The wearing of clothing is exclusively a human characteristic. The amount of clothing worn depends on functional considerations and social considerations...
, especially in a mixed social setting. The terms naturism and nudism generally also mean that the activities are done in non-sex
Human sexuality
Human sexuality is the awareness of gender differences, and the capacity to have erotic experiences and responses. Human sexuality can also be described as the way someone is sexually attracted to another person whether it is to opposite sexes , to the same sex , to either sexes , or not being...
ualized, family-friendly
Family-friendliness
Entertainment or information is called "family friendly" if it is considered suitable for all members of the average family. In particular it means that it is not considered inappropriate for children, which may imply restrictions on engagement in, or depiction of, nudity, sex, violence, horror,...
contexts.
The usage and definition of these terms varies both geographically and historically.
The term nudist is more widely familiar in North America, however naturism is also widely used. A naturist is sometimes defined as an individual who prefers a more natural setting for their nude or clothing-optional activities—such as a beach, a lake, the woods, or the mountains.
Within the naturist and nudist movements, many people prefer to adopt only one label or the other. Others do not bother or like adopting labels. In the traditional view, the nudist in the U.S. is a person who seeks out organized social settings for the practice of the nudist philosophy. This often takes the form of membership in a landed or non-landed nudist club, with a well-defined system of conduct and social structure. It is believed to be a predictable environment which offers the participants the safety that comes with facilities for secluded, lawful nudity (without the threat of legal action or observation by outsiders seeking to view them for prurient purposes). However, others avoid "organized" naturism and nudism, and are content with clothing-optional public beaches, home naturism, etc.
Some political contention exists between the traditional nudist and the naturist within the national organizations that represent clothing optional recreation for lobbying purposes. Traditional nudists seek to maintain the status quo
Status quo
Statu quo, a commonly used form of the original Latin "statu quo" – literally "the state in which" – is a Latin term meaning the current or existing state of affairs. To maintain the status quo is to keep the things the way they presently are...
while the naturists push for expansion of beaches and other outdoor facilities and their designation as clothing optional. It has been said that naturists tend to be more supportive of public nudity
Public nudity
Public nudity or nude in public refers to nudity not in an entirely private context. It refers to a person appearing nude in a public place or to be seen from a public place. It also includes nudity in a semi-public place, where the general public is free to enter, such as a shopping mall...
than do nudists, who generally focus more on landed and non-landed clubs. On the one hand in America there appears to be more support for mass-nudity, as in the photography/art of Spencer Tunick
Spencer Tunick
Spencer Tunick is an American photographer. Tunick is best known for organizing large-scale nude shoots. Since 1994 he has photographed over 75 human installations around the world.-Biography:...
, and in Europe there are extended naked walks by individuals and small groups of like-minded people.
Social nudity without labels or with alternative terminology
Many people casually enjoy social nudity without adhering to any term and without associating with any traditional naturist, nudist or FKK organization or any other groups or movements. That is common, for example on nude beachNude beach
A nude beach is a beach where users are legally at liberty to be nude. Sometimes the terms clothing-optional beach or free beach are used. Nude bathing is one of the most common forms of nudity in public. As beaches are usually on public lands, any member of the public is entitled to use the...
es and other forms of public nudity
Public nudity
Public nudity or nude in public refers to nudity not in an entirely private context. It refers to a person appearing nude in a public place or to be seen from a public place. It also includes nudity in a semi-public place, where the general public is free to enter, such as a shopping mall...
, such as seen at cultural events like Burning Man
Burning Man
Burning Man is a week-long annual event held in the Black Rock Desert in northern Nevada, in the United States. The event starts on the Monday before the American Labor Day holiday, and ends on the holiday itself. It takes its name from the ritual burning of a large wooden effigy on Saturday evening...
or clothing-optional bike rides
Clothing-optional bike rides
A clothing-optional bike ride is a cycling event in which nudity is permitted or expected. There are many clothing-optional cycling events around the world. Some rides are political, recreational, artistic or a unique combination...
.
Several activists, such as Vincent Bethell, claim that associations to promote naturism or nudism are unnecessary, leading only to "nudity in tolerated ghettoes". Activist Daniel Johnson
Daniel Lorenz Johnson
Daniel Lorenz Johnson is an American permaculturist, artist, activist, community organizer and writer who has worked for the advancement of various progressive/social liberalist causes through interdisciplinary, collaborative projects involving grassroots politics, media art and popular culture...
believes that labels and affiliations overly complicate a relatively simple phenomenon, alienate others from a fear of over-commitment or undesirable stereotypes, and thus get in the way of integrating nudity into everday life. Naturists and nudists counter that associating with established terms and philosophies such as nudism and naturism makes it easier to understand a common set of principles and values.
Beauty pageants
Naturist/nudist beauty pageantBeauty contest
A beauty pageant or beauty contest, is a competition that mainly focuses on the physical beauty of its contestants, although such contests often incorporate personality, talent, and answers to judges' questions as judged criteria...
s are no longer as common as they were in the 1950s and 1960s in mainstream naturist/nudist venues, as some claim they counter the body-acceptance message that many believe in, that says all body types should be equally accepted. Also, the idea of a beauty contest appears to endorse the idea that women are there to be looked at.
Lingerie parties
Some naturist/nudist venues sponsor "lingerie parties", which many in the movement frown upon. They feel that this kind of activity strays outside of the non-sexualized, family friendly environments/contexts they wish to maintain. It is noteworthy here that although nudity is regarded as non-sexual, certain forms of clothing are seen as sexualized, and wearing this clothing in public is thought to make the occasion a sexual one.Massage
MassageMassage
Massage is the manipulation of superficial and deeper layers of muscle and connective tissue to enhance function, aid in the healing process, and promote relaxation and well-being. The word comes from the French massage "friction of kneading", or from Arabic massa meaning "to touch, feel or handle"...
or group touch activities, even when done in non-sexualized contexts, make some feel uncomfortable because they are inherently sensual and involve physical contact that some are not accustomed to. Nevertheless, a massage Special Interest Group
Special Interest Group
A Special Interest Group is a community with an interest in advancing a specific area of knowledge, learning or technology where members cooperate to effect or to produce solutions within their particular field, and may communicate, meet, and organize conferences...
has been part of The Naturist Society
The Naturist Society
The Naturist Society is a national naturist organization based in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, USA. It publishes a quarterly periodical called Nude & Natural which documents and coordinates naturist activities and provides information about issues related to naturism. The Naturist Society was established...
since its earliest days and remains fairly popular.
Further reading
- Storey, MarkMark StoreyMark Storey is a board member of the Naturist Action Committee and has testified at anti-nudity legislation hearings all over the United States....
Social Nudity, Sexual Attraction, and Respect Nude & NaturalNude & NaturalNude & Natural: The Magazine Of Naturist Living or simply Magazine is a quarterly 100+ page naturist magazine published by The Naturist Society in Oshkosh, Wisconsin and distributed throughout the United States and internationally...
magazine, 24.3 Spring 2005. - Storey, MarkMark StoreyMark Storey is a board member of the Naturist Action Committee and has testified at anti-nudity legislation hearings all over the United States....
Children, Social Nudity and Academic Research Nude & NaturalNude & NaturalNude & Natural: The Magazine Of Naturist Living or simply Magazine is a quarterly 100+ page naturist magazine published by The Naturist Society in Oshkosh, Wisconsin and distributed throughout the United States and internationally...
magazine, 23.4 Summer 2004. - Storey, MarkMark StoreyMark Storey is a board member of the Naturist Action Committee and has testified at anti-nudity legislation hearings all over the United States....
Children, Social Nudity and Scholarly Study - The Complete Guide To Nudism And Naturism (2006) http://www.nudistguide.net ISBN 1846852587 ISBN 978-1846852589