Clothing is used to denote social, economic, political, or professional status. We use clothing not only to shield our bodies when we are ashamed, but to elevate ourselves socially. That leads to an endless cycle where people seek to outdo others, or at least match them. By removing our clothes, we are showing respect for others through real modesty.
As stated by Marc-Alain Descamps, the brilliant French social psychologist whose treatises on naturism are some of the best, “the reciprocal visual bestowal of complete nudity defuses the exhibitionist/voyeur relationship.” If one person is dressed while others are nude, it is difficult, even for a naturist, to get away completely from voyeurism. Conversely, a nude person in front of dressed people, such as a nude model posing for photographers, comprises some elements of exhibitionism.
Thursday, January 07, 2010
Why Clothing-Optional Does Not Work
Must reading article by Stéphane Deschênes of Bare Oaks Family Naturist Park on why clothing-optional does not work can be found in British Naturism, and is online here. A snippet:
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5 comments:
Although by necessity, certain places will have to be clothing optional. Not everyone will accept nudism in our lifetime, or in the next life time, or in the next.
I dont know why naturists constantly seek to divorce their nudity from natural instincts - I go to a clothed beach and admire pretty girls and guys in swimwear - I go to a naturist beach should I stop noticing the beauty around me?
Terms like voyerism are used as if they are unnatural wheras in reality I think we are all interested in everything we see
I think that you are taking "voyeurism" much further than I do. There's nothing wrong with noticing that people are attractive. It's natural and normal. Sex is an integral part of being human. The key is that naturists don't objectify people. We find the body attractive but see it as part of the whole person.
I agree with Bare Oaks. Admiration for the human body and physical attractiveness is not voyeurism, which is defined as spying on people engaged in intimate behaviors. There's absolutely nothing wrong with looking at other nudists, and being seen at the same time. This happens every day at the office, too. And just try walking down 5th Ave in NYC and NOT look at all the interesting people.
I remember being on the Wisconsin river with a beachfull of naked people. Spme pretty girl got up and had to go toe the car so she put on her whit bikini. It was amazing to see all the guys heads turn to follow her as she went off the beach. It's the clothes around the flesh that show it off.
P
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