Thursday, March 31, 2011
Rancid Meat
In 1987, Lee Baxandall penned a letter to Ed Lange, taking him to task for continuing to distribute a magazine entitled "Young and Naked", a "nudist" magazine featuring photos of pre-pubescent children, calling it "rancid meat" and asserting that the appeal of such material could only be to pedophiles.
And in late 2009, I called out the Federation of Canadian Naturists for accepting advertising from enature.net in their "Going Natural" publication. I'm pleased to say that finally, with the Winter 2010-11 issue, the "rancid meat" is gone.The FCN board of directors voted to remove the adverting for enature.net and related businesses.
The question is: what took them so long?
It's an example of naturists simply thinking things through a bit too much. All the usual arguments surely were debated, such as pointing out that there is no real pornography in the children videos, no proof that the materials are being purchased by actual pedophiles (or actual naturists, for that matter), that banning such videos is an admission that there is something wrong with children in nudism, selling such materials is perfectly legal, and finally wondering where and when one can draw the line on this issue.
It's simply not that complicated. There is no redeeming value in peddling videos and photographs of nude pre-pubescent children. These images are not the fine art of Jock Sturges, Bill Henson, or Nan Goldin. These enature.net videos have no artistic merit, no interest to true naturists, and serve no practical purpose in furthering the cause of nude recreation to non-naturists.
These videos exist for the sole purpose of appealing to pedophiles.
Which brings us to the case of convicted Canadian sex offender Eric Wanamaker, who is currently awaiting the judge's decision on his latest case, where he is accused of accessing and possessing child pornography. And just what is the nature of the materials authorities found in his possession?
In this particular case, both the prosecution and the defense are correct. The materials are not child pornography, and Wanamaker is not a naturist. But to Wanamaker, who has a 30 year history of sexual offenses, these images of nude children are pornography in his eyes.
In case you were wondering, here is the U.S. code on child pornography. Here is the Canadian definition.
The mere fact that Wanamaker apparently feels sexually aroused by the photos does not make them pornographic. Human beings are complex sexually, with people being turned-on by bare feet, by fur, by wearing diapers, and so on. We cannot as a society begin to see everything through the eyes of someone who might be sexually aroused by what is ordinary to most people. As Lee Baxandall pointed out, pedophiles can find sexual pleasure by looking through the Sears catalog.
We cannot continue to see children through the eyes of a pedophile. To do so is to deny youngsters the innocence of childhood. On the other hand, we cannot view such obviously exploitative materials such as those sold at enature.net through the eyes of a naturist. We cannot let our respect for the human body cloud our vision for what is absolutely disrespectful.
A decision in the Wanamaker case is scheduled for April 20.
FCN did the reasonable thing in discontinuing the ads for enature and russianbare. In the case of Erik Wanamaker, it's far more difficult to remain reasonable in light of his very troubled past. Whatever the decision of Justice Hunt McDonald, the fact that naturism is a part of this case is disturbing, and graphic evidence as to why organizations like FCN, AANR and TNS must completely disassociate themselves from the exploitation of images of nude children for profit.
I don't want to belong to a movement that sells its product chiefly to non-nudists who will never participate because they really want crude lewdness or child pornography, and who will make do with "nudist" literature rather than settle for the Sears catalog.Such child exploitation has not been eradicated from the naturist world. Back in 2009 I wrote about russianbare.com/enature.net, saying that children in those photos and videos are being "used as props and products to appeal to the lowest common denominator", and such material only "encourages pedophiles to feel welcome in the naturist world."
And in late 2009, I called out the Federation of Canadian Naturists for accepting advertising from enature.net in their "Going Natural" publication. I'm pleased to say that finally, with the Winter 2010-11 issue, the "rancid meat" is gone.The FCN board of directors voted to remove the adverting for enature.net and related businesses.
The question is: what took them so long?
It's an example of naturists simply thinking things through a bit too much. All the usual arguments surely were debated, such as pointing out that there is no real pornography in the children videos, no proof that the materials are being purchased by actual pedophiles (or actual naturists, for that matter), that banning such videos is an admission that there is something wrong with children in nudism, selling such materials is perfectly legal, and finally wondering where and when one can draw the line on this issue.
It's simply not that complicated. There is no redeeming value in peddling videos and photographs of nude pre-pubescent children. These images are not the fine art of Jock Sturges, Bill Henson, or Nan Goldin. These enature.net videos have no artistic merit, no interest to true naturists, and serve no practical purpose in furthering the cause of nude recreation to non-naturists.
These videos exist for the sole purpose of appealing to pedophiles.
Which brings us to the case of convicted Canadian sex offender Eric Wanamaker, who is currently awaiting the judge's decision on his latest case, where he is accused of accessing and possessing child pornography. And just what is the nature of the materials authorities found in his possession?
More than 30,000 photos and 72 movies of children in various states of dress were found on the convicted pedophile's computer and on burned CDs, which Crown prosecutor Judy Rees argued were for a sexual purpose and therefore constituted child pornography.
Defence lawyer Patrick Flynn argued that Wanamaker is a naturist and the images and videos were simply a reflection of his interest in nudism and art.
While none of the material presented showed children in explicit sexual acts, the images depict preteen children in poses similar to those seen in adult magazines while wearing revealing clothing, including panties and bikinis.Exactly the same types of materials which used to be advertised in the FCN magazine.
In this particular case, both the prosecution and the defense are correct. The materials are not child pornography, and Wanamaker is not a naturist. But to Wanamaker, who has a 30 year history of sexual offenses, these images of nude children are pornography in his eyes.
In case you were wondering, here is the U.S. code on child pornography. Here is the Canadian definition.
The mere fact that Wanamaker apparently feels sexually aroused by the photos does not make them pornographic. Human beings are complex sexually, with people being turned-on by bare feet, by fur, by wearing diapers, and so on. We cannot as a society begin to see everything through the eyes of someone who might be sexually aroused by what is ordinary to most people. As Lee Baxandall pointed out, pedophiles can find sexual pleasure by looking through the Sears catalog.
We cannot continue to see children through the eyes of a pedophile. To do so is to deny youngsters the innocence of childhood. On the other hand, we cannot view such obviously exploitative materials such as those sold at enature.net through the eyes of a naturist. We cannot let our respect for the human body cloud our vision for what is absolutely disrespectful.
A decision in the Wanamaker case is scheduled for April 20.
Defence lawyer Patrick Flynn argued the issue of whether material can be labelled child pornography, or not, depends largely on community standards.
“We live in a modern world, your honour,” he said.
“That needs to be considered when we consider the reasonable person test,” he said, of the standard Hunt McDonald must look at.
“What’s a reasonable person in today’s society viewing those photos (going to think).”I think a reasonable person would not consider the images to be child pornography, but a reasonable person is also going to feel uncomfortable looking at nude children frolicking about for the camera so that some company can sell their photos over the Internet.
FCN did the reasonable thing in discontinuing the ads for enature and russianbare. In the case of Erik Wanamaker, it's far more difficult to remain reasonable in light of his very troubled past. Whatever the decision of Justice Hunt McDonald, the fact that naturism is a part of this case is disturbing, and graphic evidence as to why organizations like FCN, AANR and TNS must completely disassociate themselves from the exploitation of images of nude children for profit.
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
UPDATE: Erotic Fetish Event Still Scheduled at AANR Resort
Despite a declaration that erotic fetish groups would "never be welcome" at Lupin Lodge, the "Northern California Human Fox Hunt" is scheduled to take place on the grounds of the Los Gatos nudist resort May 6-8, 2011.
Not only is Lupin Lodge allowing BDSM groups onto the grounds to practice their sexual fetishes out in the open, they are offering special rates for admission, lodging, camping and food.
Susan Weaver, President of the American Association for Nude Recreation (AANR), is well aware of the openly sexual activities taking place at Lupin Lodge, and AANR-West was designated to investigate. Weaver responded by stating that their are procedures in place for dealing with such issues, and that no "recommendation has yet been received from the region".
The self-styled "credible" voice for nude recreation was informed of the fetish groups at Lupin in May of 2010, and such a slow response begs the question as to whether of not the national organization has the backbone to actually stand up to one of nudism's most storied resorts.
Nicky Hoffman-Lee, co-owner of The Naturist Society, has declined to comment on this situation at Lupin Lodge, which is the announced site of the 2011 TNS Western Gathering on August 11-14. The venue was also featured as the cover story in the Winter 2010 issue of the TNS publication "Nude and Natural" commemorating the venue's 75th anniversary, so any public acknowledgement of the sexual events taking place at Lupin Lodge would be a huge embarrassment to the organization.
The people at AANR and TNS are not stupid. They know full well that Lupin Lodge is marketing to BDSM groups, but they are hoping that members either don't know about these fetish events, or that they simply don't care.
Both AANR and TNS advertise their affiliated resorts as being true to the definitions of nudism and naturism, free from having sexually-charged atmospheres. No doubt that Lee Baxandall is rolling over in his grave when one of the premier naturist resorts in the United States is hosting "puppies, ponies, foxes, furries, and mythical beasts", with people getting their sexual kinks on by wearing leather and pulling carts around the grounds, where "hunters" can enjoy "tea service on the veranda, with their pups at their feet and their ponies on their leads", and a "Fur Ball" is taking place in the main restaurant where "local furries and kinksters are welcome to mix and kick it up".
AANR and TNS have to speak the truth on this issue which is central to the state of nudism today, and has a direct affect on the future. Either this sort of fetish marketing needs to stop, or the organizations need to re-define what is acceptable at their affiliated clubs and breathe a little honesty into the discussion. Merely trying to keep a lid on this, or pretend it is not actually happening, is unacceptable.
I strongly urge nudists and naturist everywhere to let their voices be heard. Either you support the presence of BDSM, swinger and other erotic lifestyle groups at traditional nudist venues, or you don't. Either nudism and naturism must be defended for what it has been over the past century, or it must evolve and merge with a rapidly growing adult erotic segment of society which represents open sexuality and a kink lifestyle.
It's time for nudist and naturist organizations to stop the deception and speak the truth. Oscar Wilde once said that truth is "rarely pure and never simple". Certainly AANR and TNS are struggling internally with the Lupin situation, and understandably so. But enough is enough. Time to stand up for the truth and let the chips fall where they may.
Screenshots of the Human Fox Hunt, as well as AANR and TNS contact information appear below.
AANR
Tel: 800-TRY-NUDE
407-933-2064
Fax: 407-933-7577
Email: try-nude@aanr.com
Email: susanweaver@aanr.com
THE NATURIST SOCIETY
Tel: 800-886-7230
Fax: 920-426-5184
Email: nickyh@naturistsociety.com
All animal role players will be welcome to explore their inner animal in a beautiful, outdoor natural setting. Our clothing optional venue provides a safe, sane, and consensual environment for you to romp about as you please. ALL ANIMAL role players are welcomed: puppies, ponies, foxes, furries, and mythical beasts! And, of course, their human trainers and friends.
There will be outdoor space for lunge, cart pulling, an indoor BDSM play space, and a large forested area for the hunt. This year, all hunters are encouraged to participate in the Hunt Tea following the rigors of the hunt. Hunters can enjoy tea service on the veranda, with their pups at their feet and their ponies on their leads. Commemorative awards will be provided.This is how a "Human Fox Hunt" is described:
The Human Fox Hunt is a live-action role playing game of whit and prowess where a human fox attempts to outwhit teams of human hunting dogs, ponies, hunters, handlers, and trainers in an outdoor setting. The hunt takes on a kinky bent where the team that captures the fox gets to negotiate a BDSM scene to simulate the ritualized dismemberment of the fox in the spirit of the bloodsport of fox hunting.Lupin Lodge professes on its web site that "nudity and sex are different human experiences", and parents "can relax knowing that the others in our family environment share their concern for the inviolability of all children".
Not only is Lupin Lodge allowing BDSM groups onto the grounds to practice their sexual fetishes out in the open, they are offering special rates for admission, lodging, camping and food.
Susan Weaver, President of the American Association for Nude Recreation (AANR), is well aware of the openly sexual activities taking place at Lupin Lodge, and AANR-West was designated to investigate. Weaver responded by stating that their are procedures in place for dealing with such issues, and that no "recommendation has yet been received from the region".
The self-styled "credible" voice for nude recreation was informed of the fetish groups at Lupin in May of 2010, and such a slow response begs the question as to whether of not the national organization has the backbone to actually stand up to one of nudism's most storied resorts.
Nicky Hoffman-Lee, co-owner of The Naturist Society, has declined to comment on this situation at Lupin Lodge, which is the announced site of the 2011 TNS Western Gathering on August 11-14. The venue was also featured as the cover story in the Winter 2010 issue of the TNS publication "Nude and Natural" commemorating the venue's 75th anniversary, so any public acknowledgement of the sexual events taking place at Lupin Lodge would be a huge embarrassment to the organization.
The people at AANR and TNS are not stupid. They know full well that Lupin Lodge is marketing to BDSM groups, but they are hoping that members either don't know about these fetish events, or that they simply don't care.
Both AANR and TNS advertise their affiliated resorts as being true to the definitions of nudism and naturism, free from having sexually-charged atmospheres. No doubt that Lee Baxandall is rolling over in his grave when one of the premier naturist resorts in the United States is hosting "puppies, ponies, foxes, furries, and mythical beasts", with people getting their sexual kinks on by wearing leather and pulling carts around the grounds, where "hunters" can enjoy "tea service on the veranda, with their pups at their feet and their ponies on their leads", and a "Fur Ball" is taking place in the main restaurant where "local furries and kinksters are welcome to mix and kick it up".
AANR and TNS have to speak the truth on this issue which is central to the state of nudism today, and has a direct affect on the future. Either this sort of fetish marketing needs to stop, or the organizations need to re-define what is acceptable at their affiliated clubs and breathe a little honesty into the discussion. Merely trying to keep a lid on this, or pretend it is not actually happening, is unacceptable.
I strongly urge nudists and naturist everywhere to let their voices be heard. Either you support the presence of BDSM, swinger and other erotic lifestyle groups at traditional nudist venues, or you don't. Either nudism and naturism must be defended for what it has been over the past century, or it must evolve and merge with a rapidly growing adult erotic segment of society which represents open sexuality and a kink lifestyle.
It's time for nudist and naturist organizations to stop the deception and speak the truth. Oscar Wilde once said that truth is "rarely pure and never simple". Certainly AANR and TNS are struggling internally with the Lupin situation, and understandably so. But enough is enough. Time to stand up for the truth and let the chips fall where they may.
Screenshots of the Human Fox Hunt, as well as AANR and TNS contact information appear below.
AANR
Tel: 800-TRY-NUDE
407-933-2064
Fax: 407-933-7577
Email: try-nude@aanr.com
Email: susanweaver@aanr.com
THE NATURIST SOCIETY
Tel: 800-886-7230
Fax: 920-426-5184
Email: nickyh@naturistsociety.com
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
Monday, March 28, 2011
Sunday, March 27, 2011
Saturday, March 26, 2011
Friday, March 25, 2011
Thursday, March 24, 2011
Saturday, March 19, 2011
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
AANR to Sponsor Guinness Hula-Hoop World Record Attempt
American Association for Nude Recreation President Susan Weaver has announced this year's event for Nude Recreation Week.
We all had a great deal of fun the past two years setting and beating our own world record for simultaneous skinny-dipping. However, there is a great deal of paperwork involved and several event coordinators begged for at least a year of respite.
As it turns out, challenging an existing record is somewhat simpler than establishing a new one, and our PR Team has identified an existing record they think it will be fun to try and break -- simultaneous hula hooping. So this July 9th, clubs and locales that want to register as part of this event will simultaneously set those hoops a-spinning to set a new world record.
As background, hula hooping dates back to 1957 when Richard Knerr and Arthur "Spud" Melin started promoting Australian exercise hoops. From July to November 1958, 24 million hula hoops had been made; by 1960, over 100 million hula hoops had been sold. The craze was on.
Like most fads, hula hooping comes in and out of fashion. It seems to be extremely popular with a diverse population right now, so AANR will be coordinating events at a number of localities on July 9, 2011 and reaching to beat the current record of 4,700 people hula hooping at once.
Skinny-dip Bear has already started practicing, as you can see from his picture on the AANR Facebook site.
We hope lots of folks will enjoy turning out for this fun event.
Thursday, March 10, 2011
The Century Project Weathers a Storm
Dr. Paul Rapoport chronicles the obsession of Oklahoma State University professer John Foubert with Frank Cordelle's "The Century Project".
Although images of nudity may occasionally surprise, confuse, or bother some people, and individuals may misuse some, naturists need to oppose the claim that the existence or viewing of such images causes or increases sexual violence or crime. Countering it may be a tough task. But the mythology and censorship surrounding nudity, especially the non-sexualized variety in naturism, are large and hysterical, and as disturbing as John Foubert’s fabrications and bullying.You can read Dr. Rapoport's full article here, published in the latest issue of "Nude and Natural" magazine.
Wednesday, March 09, 2011
Monday, March 07, 2011
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