"Nobody Wore Bathing Suits"

[simonsebs]

"Nobody Wore Bathing Suits" (http://nudiarist.blogspot.com/2007/10/nobody-wore-bathing-suits.html)

A very good blog article. I agree with what he said.

[SpiderThug]

It's a good blog for sure. Her comments were on the mark with how people see sex into our poor naked children. How sad we are lenient on paedophiles while kick the stuffing out of naked children.

[Agde]

The blog article is great, but the "205 Arguments and Observations in Support of Naturism" (http://www.naturistsociety.com/resources/PDF/205ARGUE.pdf)he has a link to are spectacular!

[Andrey]

It is nice article. I feel sad how States changed for this years. It use to be free country :( Now it is trapped by own misunderstanding of pedophilia, homophobia, etc. American society is now socially ill. Simple nudity considered here in Russia normal are sex-oriented in States? Man still go nude and only nude in sauna in Russia and nobody afraid of gay. If you try to wear anything in sauna you will be thrown out form sauna (if you are not Muslim :( )

[Rick_42]

American society has become very repressive and much of that repression is born out of fear, much of it irrational and fanned by the news and entertainment media. Rather than deal with their fears, most will repress or avoid what they fear rather than face and overcome it.

I suspect that what Americans fear most is freedom, especially personal freedom.

[Sauna]

It is nice article. I feel sad how States changed for this years. It use to be free country :( Now it is trapped by own misunderstanding of pedophilia, homophobia, etc. American society is now socially ill. Simple nudity considered here in Russia normal are sex-oriented in States? Man still go nude and only nude in sauna in Russia and nobody afraid of gay. If you try to wear anything in sauna you will be thrown out form sauna (if you are not Muslim :( )

Otherwise it is more or less same trend in Europe today except sauna where people still go naked.

[texasjoe]

American society has become very repressive and much of that repression is born out of fear, much of it irrational and fanned by the news and entertainment media. Rather than deal with their fears, most will repress or avoid what they fear rather than face and overcome it.

I suspect that what Americans fear most is freedom, especially personal freedom.

Well put. Most Americans really do fear freedom.

[MichaelJB]

I dont like how people are afraid to have children nude in public due to unwarrented fear of pedophiles and feminists who think that just because men and women share the same pool that they need to both wear swimsuits in order to be equal. Pedophiles dont care if children are nude they will still gawk and do their own thing and if feminists want equality so much why not just let women and men share the same pool NAKED! I guess that thought never crossed their minds. While men and women should be treated equally feminists need to realize that in some ways men and women are DIFFERENT and theres no getting around that and they need to respect those differences. Men and women areint just different socially.

[wingshot]

Wouldn't it be great to have coed nude swims for everyone. Bring them back!

[Jason Lee]

I dont like how people are afraid to have children nude in public due to unwarrented fear of pedophiles and feminists who think that just because men and women share the same pool that they need to both wear swimsuits in order to be equal. Pedophiles don't care if children are nude they will still gawk and do their own thing and if feminists want equality so much why not just let women and men share the same pool NAKED! I guess that thought never crossed their minds. While men and women should be treated equally feminists need to realize that in some ways men and women are DIFFERENT and theres no getting around that and they need to respect those differences. Men and women aren't just different socially.

clothes optional beach a man looking/staring at a nude girl

Does that classify him as a pedophile ? (clothed or naked ?)

[vanesa1017]

The most interesting bit of that article for me was the pedophile aspect. If I were a parent I would NOT want my child anywhere near someone like that, yet I would not mind them at all swimming nude in a coed environment. Safety is such an issue these days.

[Centauri4]

If the observation that, "the vast majority of people would never strip down in front of others because they simply hate their own bodies" were held up as true then it might prove difficult to attract members of clubs to attending nude or clothing-optional swim sessions.

One unavoidable fact of today's consumer driven economy is businesses adjusting everything from product lines to services offered in order to satisfy demand; so this scenario becomes much like, "which came frist, the chicken or the egg..."

Could people demanding clothing-optional swim times drive a normally swimsuit-complusive facility to offer them? I say certainly it could, but only if we ASK! (perhaps through filling out a comment card and depositing it anonymously in a feedback box if one exists) However, we must do this in order for it to happen! Back to the chicken and egg...

Nudists will not simply wake up to find a nearby facility has deemed to add clothing-optional swims on their own initiative one morning, because there needs to be a demonstrated demand that if satisified would attract new members or increased participation (and revenues in some way, even if only from juicebar sales and accessory sales).

In order to increase the likelihood of nudism being considered both "normal" and "commonplace" we can do ourselves a great service by requesting such accomodations from recreational centers, gymnasiums, spas, public pools (with appropriately discreet fencing or prerequisite landscaping), bowling alleys and rented event halls (a.k.a. a Nude Years Eve party at a hotel with ballroom; one that will derive revenue from celebrants staying over after the party is finished).

I keep meaning to write to local bowling alleys and roller skating facilities to inquire about the number of people required to reserve their space for a private party, and whether they would allow such an event as a non-discriminatory (equal access) activity. I think even if they turned us down it at least gets people thinking about the question.

[Sauna]

The most interesting bit of that article for me was the pedophile aspect. If I were a parent I would NOT want my child anywhere near someone like that, yet I would not mind them at all swimming nude in a coed environment. Safety is such an issue these days.


These days are like before. The difference is that we are more aware of everything and we have better tools to do everything. We have done coed swimming for ever and we do not stop it.

[benakkied]

In growing up in the 60's my class mates and I also showered together and took swimming in High School together nude. We thought it was fun to go to the Y, and we were all signed up for the Y swim classes by our parents.They were not concerned about us being nude. We never were concerned about it at all. In the military no one ever thought being nude in front of others was wrong. There was always an adult around in the school pool and locker rooms and at the Y, blanket parties were givien to those who looked at you to long or acted improperly and they never came around again .Supervised is the answer to safe guarding the life syle. NUDE is my style for next season in swim wear.

[owl1]

Great article

I wasn't around then so I didn't even know it was accepted.

[brightswimmer]

Bottom line the world would be a better place witout he invention of swim suits..

[Stu2630]

Bottom line the world would be a better place witout he invention of swim suits..

I love my swimsuit!

And I would never allow a child of mine to go to the YMCA if they had to, or even allowed to, swim naked!

Stu

<!-- / message --><!-- controls -->

[Agde]

Stu should definitely get some sort of customer-of-the-year award from The International Rayon and Synthetic Fibres Committee (CIRFS (http://www.cirfs.org/)) or similar group! :) But there may be better uses (http://www.ampef.com/application.html) for polyester.

[Stu2630]

You telling me this doesn't look cool?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hpDo-XUu6xM

Maybe not, but he'd look a darn site worse naked!

Stu

[Fuzzy Nuts]

Stu - I disagree. I dont think a man's equipment is going to make him more unattractive.

Obviously this man's weight makes him unattractive but I doubt very much if we would see the extra weight added on his family jewels or penis. (If that were the case I think we would all be putting on some extra poundage!!!!!!)

[Naturist4Ever]

>> Another barrier to bringing back the nude swims is homophobia.

Actually, the way I understand it is that in the US wearing speedo's on the beach is a "no-go" if you don't want to be considered (remotely) gay. However, in Europe they are very popular and no-one (yet) would think a second about it, it actually never crossed my mind until I read about it here in the past.

Which obviously leads to:

>> Social nudism needs to be part of everyday life instead of merely a fringe recreational activity.

The problem with this is that you can't force it on people. In Europe, in the 80's nudism was (by all relative standards) extremely popular, as was topless and nude sunbathing. For many it WAS part of everyday life, sort of. But fast-forward to the present, and topless sunbathing has virtually disappeared in many countries. Naturism is in decline (although I am sure it will revive again in some years). Nude beaches are doing ok, but there isn't much expansion to speak off. So while people here have all the opportunities to enjoy a topless, nude or naturist life, it isn't actually growing.

And it may get worse if we look at the current generation of say thye 14-24yo. Anyone familiar with the INF youth programmes know that this group among the nudists is dwindling fast. Holland, Germany and France used to have large groups of naturist youth but it is getting less, in other countries it has disappeared. Where I live, everyone is required to shower in the nude (segragated, obviously) before entering the swimming pool. But no-one does it! Why? Parents consider it is near child-molestation to force their children to shower nude "in public" among all kinds of strangers (even if of the same gender).

So while you need to have some basic rights in place, it is by far not enough to actually people to enjoy those rights. For that you change attitudes. A good example is smoking. It was now in the news that in the country where I live smoking - especially among younger people - is strongly declining. Why? Simple: smoking is out, it isn't trendy anymore - at least that is what this trend-conscious age group apparently is thinking and spreading. It's not so much the health-aspect, it's just not trendy anymore.
This kind of attitude change probably will also happen at some change to body acceptance. I would not be surprised as suddenly nudism/naturism is getting trendy. In fact you only need a handfull trendy ambassors and it will likely happen.

So in all I think it is part of larger social tidal wave that is still roling in but eventually will recede again. There are many small positive signals. In the media, in local clubs, local initiatives etc that all work towards changing attitudes and spreading a more positve image of the nude body and body acceptance.

________________________
** Stu is on my ignore list **

[luvnaturism]

Actually, the way I understand it is that in the US wearing speedo's on the beach is a "no-go" if you don't want to be considered (remotely) gay.

I don't think that's generally true. Speedos aren't in style on US beaches, but they aren't exactly rare on the beaches I've been to lately. It wouldn't surprise me if some young guys don't wear them because they FEAR that someone will think they're gay, but that doesn't mean that onlookers actually assume that a man is gay because he's wearing a brief swimsuit.

[fuzzy13]

Times have changed, when young we swam nude in High School as part of gym class, showered in a big shower room w/no screens and wore speedos. Required for swim team. Of course we were held responsible for our actions and accepted responsibility. Neighbors looked after all kids in the neighborhood and if you got out of line you caught it twice, once on the spot and when you got home. Those were the days.

[scubare]

Wouldn't it be great to have coed nude swims for everyone. Bring them back!

Bravo! I couldn't agree more!:D

[naturistoftheyear]

Topless sunbathing has disappeared in many countries, Naturist4ever? Really? I don't believe that.
Even though when in Europe, I mostly visit naturist beaches, in 2004 I saw 'textile' beaches in Croatia, and there were lots of topless women, both young and middle-aged.
Even though I don't have statistical evidence to back it up, I would assume that topless sunbathing and swimming on the beach is 'still' extremely popular, and indeed, so commonplace it hardly rates any mention anymore.

[Naturist4Ever]

Topless sunbathing has disappeared in many countries, Naturist4ever? Really? I don't believe that.
Even though when in Europe, I mostly visit naturist beaches, in 2004 I saw 'textile' beaches in Croatia, and there were lots of topless women, both young and middle-aged.
Even though I don't have statistical evidence to back it up, I would assume that topless sunbathing and swimming on the beach is 'still' extremely popular, and indeed, so commonplace it hardly rates any mention anymore.

If you mean that Croatia is your only experience from which you extrapolate to the rest of Europe then good luck to you, but you're way off the mark. Try the UK instead. Or Belgium. Or Scandinavia. Or Poland. Or Italy!!! Try Portugal (and not the tourists). Try Ireland. Then let's talk again.

[usuallylurk]

Wouldn't it be great to have coed nude swims for everyone. Bring them back!



There NEVER were "coed nude swims" in schools, as far as I know, with the exception of a handful of college nudist clubs. And there aren't/weren't many.

On the other hand, many nudist non-landed ("travel") clubs host monthly swims. It's just that, especially on this board, when you mention "there's a swim and social" , everyone, even in here, runs for cover. "Ohhhhhewwwww, I can't go!!!!!"

I realize that in some sections of the country, that there aren't any. However, in other sections of the good ol' USA , and Canada, groups regularly hold them, and could use your support through your attendance.

[riptidenj]

I would like to know where these nude swims were. I went to a Boys Club in New York
in 1960-61, swim trunks were required, IIRC you recieved various patches to show your
proficiency and until you showed a certain proficiency you were not allowed in the deep end
of the pool, the presence of the patch allowed the instructors and lifeguards to monitor that carefully. At the swim club pool I attended in the Summer of 1962 you had to wear a
patch that showed your had paid your membership and at Boy Scout Camp swim suits were
mandatory, not only for reasons of modesty and decorum but so you could display your achievements-there was a patch for the Mile Swim with tabs for subsequent performances
and I vaguely recall a Lifeguard's patch, also one for the camp. Recall a Scout who joined our troop when he moved from another state, he had a patch from his old camp. Most of my youtful swimming was conducted
under the watchful eye of responsible adults, either in open outdoor setting or in pools at ground floor level. And to quote Ben Franklin "Three may keep a
secret when two of them are dead."

[nudiarist]

I would like to know where these nude swims were. I went to a Boys Club in New York
in 1960-61, swim trunks were required, IIRC you recieved various patches to show your
proficiency and until you showed a certain proficiency you were not allowed in the deep end
of the pool, the presence of the patch allowed the instructors and lifeguards to monitor that carefully. At the swim club pool I attended in the Summer of 1962 you had to wear a
patch that showed your had paid your membership and at Boy Scout Camp swim suits were
mandatory, not only for reasons of modesty and decorum but so you could display your achievements-there was a patch for the Mile Swim with tabs for subsequent performances
and I vaguely recall a Lifeguard's patch, also one for the camp. Recall a Scout who joined our troop when he moved from another state, he had a patch from his old camp. Most of my youtful swimming was conducted
under the watchful eye of responsible adults, either in open outdoor setting or in pools at ground floor level. And to quote Ben Franklin "Three may keep a
secret when two of them are dead."
I grew up in Massachusetts in the 60s. I swam at the YMCA in Worcester from about 1962-1965, and you were simply not allowed to wear swimsuits. The Y in those days was males only. I also belonged to a Boys Club but never used the pool, but I remember one time lining up with about a hundred nude little boys for a doctor's examination. That would never happen today. I started high school in 1968, it was an all-male Catholic school, and boys always swam nude in the outdoors pool. Nude gang showers were mandatory. I also attended YMCA camp and we swam in trunks because it was on a lake with homes along the shore, but we all changed in front of one another.

nudiarist
Diary of a Nudist
http://www.diaryofanudist.com