| Why be nude? Many naturists would answer, "Why not be nude?" Why would you wear clothing while swimming? You don't wear clothing in the bath or shower. Naturists are not against clothing. Rather, we believe that you should dress only when appropriate. Being nude feels good. It makes people feel free. It takes away artificial inhibitions that were forced upon us after we were born. Naturists believe in body acceptance. Most report feeling less self-conscious on a nude beach than on a traditional clothed beach. The body parts which we cover are arbitrary. It has been suggested that we cover the genital area because of its sexual nature. However, a quick survey of your day would show that that area is used for non-sexual purposes the most of the time. In fact, an equally sexual body part is your lips. Yet we do not have any problems walking around with our lips exposed! Isn't nudity offensive? Naturists are obviously not offended by nudity. What about others? There is no question that some people find nudity offensive. However, why they should be offended is debatable; their reaction is often closer to confusion or embarrassment. One could just as easily be offended by the colour of a person's clothing. In a free society, people should be free to do what they want except under certain conditions, such as causing others harm. It is difficult to understand how looking at the human body may harm anyone. One intent of naturism nonetheless is not to offend. Most naturist organizations are working to identify areas where naturists may enjoy being nude without bothering anyone. What is the difference between nudist and a naturist? Depending on whom you ask, there could be no difference. In Europe, the term naturist is the most common, with nudist being the older term. In North America, some people use the two words interchangeably. Others define two different philosophies which have nudity in common. Those who find a difference define naturists as closer to nature and more interested in free beaches, and nudists as people who practice nudity more in an urban club setting. Not all people who practice naturism/nudism like the labels. They don't see themselves as different from anyone else. As well, not all nude people at a free beach or club espouse the naturist/nudist philosophy. |