If nudity were legal

[vrethos]

If tomorrow, nudity were to become totally legal in every shape and form, how would you do things differantly, if anything at all.

As for me, that would be an interesting question. Just because something is legal; it dose not make it accepted by all. But that make a few more options more inviting. Like some of the parks I have allways wanted to try san clothes. Lake Kaweaha would also be fun. Just an interesting thought.

How about any of you? What would change for you?

[betterman]

if it was legal, as you stated, probably wouldn't mean total freedom to be naked all the time...so, i would never swim with a suit on anywhere...pool, lake, river, etc...
i wouldn't get dressed to run simple errands like going to the store for milk or running to the bank...
and i would definitely not wear clothes to the gym...if i still went to the gym

[spiceant]

a lot of things are legal but that doesn't keep authorities from bothering people that are doing unusual things.

[marc_naturist]

i dont think that would change much. it all depends on the situation, i dont see myself walking nude in the city when nobody else does that.

[Larry Sam]

I sure wouldnt get dressed to go get the newspaper out of the driveway

[naturistoftheyear]

I would spend all the time at home naked - including in those parts of the house where others could see me, i.e. the balcony - and I would spend more time at the beach because every beach would be naturist.

[cmasson]

i would love to go to any beach or park and sunbathe naked at all times but i cannot see this happening what is wrong with being naked after all when we are born we certainly do not come into this world fully clothed ?

[nacktman]

If tomorrow, nudity were to become totally legal in every shape and form, how would you do things differantly, if anything at all.

Good question. Not sure I would do anything differently. Have to think on that one some more.

[1Ace]

Would be nude alot more than I am now, going to get the mail, sitting on the front porch, fishing at the local lake, etc...

[nimrod]

I think it would be the simple around the house stuff that would change for me, checking the mail, taking out the trash, and yard work, except when using the weed wacker.

[scubare]

Like so many have said, just because it is legal doesn't mean you don't have to use common sense. That said, I would look for an appropriate spot at our local lake to have some fun! :)

[sliver]

My walks in the neighborhood and local parks would be nude, of course. I think the novelty of "Nude-is-legal" would wear off quickly, just like it does at a club or resort. I don't fancy the idea of a 500 lb hairy man taking a stroll through a public park, but, as long as he behaves himself, OK.
A lot of misconceptions would be gone. The nude = sex thing would would take a few years to erase.
I see two side-benefits. One, people will realize there are very few "perfect" bodies. Two, we would probably take a little better care of the bodies. Rick

[JeepNude]

About the only thing that would change with me is the drive to and from work would be done nude. During the summer, the only laundry I would have is socks and towels.

My wife's life might change drastically though. She works in a hospital.

[Boreas]

It is currently legal for women to be topfree in this province. Unfortunately, that is not a well known fact. You do not see topfree women, or men, often around here. With that in mind, I suspect legal nudity would be similar. It would be nice though to be naked in my own backyard, which is rather fishbowl-like, or at the beach.

One day I may push the topfree limit at a beach or somewhere. I just don't want to be the only one. I imagine I'd feel the same way about nudity if it were legal. It would have to be commonly accepted.

[Naturist4Ever]

>> You do not see topfree women, or men, often around here

Not sure what you mean by "top-free men", let's say at the beach: are they swimming with shirts on?? Maybe it's different in Canada, but certainly here the last decade has been characterised by a slow bur sure trend away from toplessness. In the country where I live you rarely if ever see topless women anymore, 10yrs ago it was the norm. The right hasn't changed, but the attitudes have.
Also here, as in many European countries essentially you can be nude whereever you want as long as it is not indecent or overly offensive (not the offensiveness stew is obsessed with, no-one would care about that), but in practice very few people practice nudism/naturism outside the established areas (sheep mentality?), even if it is legal, and even if they would want to but just don't 'dare".
I really applaud those that break new grounds (not the law) by excercising their rights, even if that initially may be a bit unconfortable. Often what I have seen is that others follow, usually because they don't want to be the first or only one. But as soon as the first sheep has passed the gate (or whatever the expression is)...

[Boreas]

Hi Naturist4Ever, men do go topfree when swimming around here. It used to be more common to see men without tops while mowing lawns, or enjoying a folk festival in the park. That is where there are fewer topfree men. Perhaps there is more concern about skin cancer and sunburns. Who knows??

[Eric6420]

I think that one of the reason we do not see a lot of men who are top free in Canada is simply because it is now illegal to be bare-chest even for men in most commercial estabishments from the McDonalds to the Shopping Centers, you see signs on the doors that men must have at least a t-shirt to enter in theses places. Thoses rules were not so common 20 years ago. Not to mention that many gyms also require men to have a t-shirt to enter and to exercice.

That sends the signal that being bare chest is somehow anti-social for men also.

I remenber that 20 or 30 years ago you could see bare chest men by hundreds anywhere you went in Quebec (in the summer).

I remember about 15 years ago, I went to visit Ottawa with my parents and we stopped at a village in Quebec called Montebello and there was in that village, appart from nice hotels, a small restaurant called "La belle bedaine", and it was a quite cheap "restaurant", the kind of place that have a very casual look. And I was extremely surprised at the big sign on the door on wich was written "No shirt, No shoes, No service". It was the first time I saw such a comment at the door of such a place. Such places send the signal that even partial nudity is offensive.

[Stu2630]

Naturist4Ever

In the country where I live you rarely if ever see topless women anymore, 10yrs ago it was the norm. The right hasn't changed, but the attitudes have.Thank you!!!!! :D

I have been telling people here for ages that female toplessness is declining and so becoming less (not more) acceptable but they weren't having any of it! Now here you are, a Scandinavian naturist, confirming that.

Some have been telling me I'd better get used to seeing topless females because it's coming soon - but we actually appear to be moving in the opposite direction.

And, just to put the cherry on my cake, both Boreas and Eric6420 is confirming that even toplessness in males is becoming a less common sight and more restricted in public.

Woo Hoo! Prudes rock! ;)

Stu

[nudeM]

vrethos, nice question. I see you are in Visalia. I'm in Armona, just on the other side of Hanford. Maybe someday we can meet. lol Anyway, very nice question. If nudity were legal, I would be more inclined to walk the streets nude more often and without guilt. I'm hoping for the day nudity would be more accepted by the public at least while at home, where it would be accepted by the public. Home nudity is more accepted, but not in the open where the general public has an unblocked view. It is accepted by consenting neighbors, which is more prevelent than most think.:smoking:

[alfredr]

More clothes = more civilized
Hot weather = topless men = less civilized
Barefoot = hippie = less civilized
Air conditioning = controlled climate = more civilized = more clothes

Civilization through technology

No Shirt, No Shoes, No Service

It's not your behavior that makes you civilized, it's how much clothes you wear. A three piece suit and tie is obviously much more civilized than a naked indigenous person in the tropics.

[Naturist Mark]

No Shirt, No Shoes, No Service

How about a new saying:

No Shirt, No Shoes, No Service, No Customers

[betterman]

i was told in germany when i was there in the military that nudity is pretty much legal everywhere, but it is not a common practice outside of nude-friendly places such as the c.o. areas of swimming areas or the clothesfree saunas. i was shocked one day to see a guy walking down the street in frankfurt wearing NOTHING but his sandles and a fannypack with a walkman! but from what i'm told he was perfectly within the law

[spiceant]

If you deny <consent to be governed / to be part of a society> no-one and no society can lawfully force laws of that society on you (as that is the definition of slavery). This can be tricky, and explaining any further is aking to giving a hammer to little children. (But then i shouldnt even have sparked curiousity.) It can be used bright and delightfully but also dark and destrutively.

Otherwise and orthodoxially if open nudity is legal in a society that implies that that society is accepting of open nudity and in that case...
I would run out the door and hop around nude and frolick in grass and jump in rivers swim to the other side and keep hopping and frolicking about happier then everyone else.

[Viper05]

al least at this time, we all know that this is not possibile,

[Centauri4]

if it was legal, as you stated, probably wouldn't mean total freedom to be naked all the time...so, i would never swim with a suit on anywhere...pool, lake, river, etc...
i wouldn't get dressed to run simple errands like going to the store for milk or running to the bank...
and i would definitely not wear clothes to the gym...if i still went to the gym

As far as the mall, bank or the store, why wouldn't you go?

The only thing I would be waiting for is extensive media overage of the topic and an idea that most of the population is aware of the new ruling, then I would go right shopping right away! If negative reactions were encountered this would be a very good opportunity to demonstrate what we believe in our hearts, "Nothing is wrong with Nudity."

This would be a great subject matter for that movie people were hypothetically proposing in the forums earlier!

Does anyone else recall the ending of a Sci-Fi channel episode of "Sliders" when the heros jumped to a nudist parallel world? They ended the episode with a naked mailman delivering the mail to a naked woman at the front door of her house and I guess the "hook" to this episode was how the Sliders were going to blend in to this parallel society. To me the answer was obvious, but I do not think they ever filmed the next actual episode (it was a complete tease!).

[Centauri4]

I remenber that 20 or 30 years ago you could see bare chest men by hundreds anywhere you went in Quebec (in the summer).


I think this is more of a commentary on how "image obsessed" we have become as a society. So much so even many men look at themselves in the mirror and see a body they feel is less attractive and which should probably remain covered when outdoors around others. I bet there ARE statistics that would support this as some have already suggested and to me it is people who profess a love for covering and concealing the natural beauty of the human body that have ventured down the wrong path (mentally speaking).

This past year I have renewed an appreciation for my own naked body after losing 27 lbs. (in 2 1/2 months) while following a one page diet plan with my wife in preparation for her gastric bypass surgery.

All anyone needs to do is look at the common perceptions of people now wearing more clothes than is necessary for the weather; generally a person wearing a raincoat on a sunny day is considered "a bit off" (their rocker) or wearing a hooded Parka on a warm day (I have seen this myself) - Sure, it may be a fashion statement but my first reaction is, "Huh? He must be roasting!"

Also, the simple fact that many people feel men (or humans) are not attractive is very informative in and of itself; it shows how "detached" and "distant" we have become from being "comfortable in our own skin" (generally speaking).

[prairieboy]

What would I do different? I'm not sure, but probably small things like move further down the beach where the conditions are nicer, not get dressed to walk back to the car, things like that. I would be limited in not wanting to embarrass my wife. Shopping nude? I am sure that businesses would soon post signs saying no nudity on the premises.

[NudistMetalHead]

If nudity became legal tomorrow, I wouldn't do anything different. I would just be nude 24/7.

[Larry Sam]

I would walk down my driveway to get my newspaper in the morning naked and do it slowly

[RalphVa]

I would have done Streamwatch yesterday afternoon totally naked. We were just downstream of a bridge on a gravel road out in the country. What could be more fitting for anyone driving by on the bridge to see a couple of naked streamwatchers at work?

I drove home without pants or shoes and immediately shed the shirt and walked down to along the creek, laid on my favorite big log down there for a while and just lazed in the sun totally naked.

[chuckincville]

I think this is more of a commentary on how "image obsessed" we have become as a society. So much so even many men look at themselves in the mirror and see a body they feel is less attractive and which should probably remain covered when outdoors around others. I bet there ARE statistics that would support this as some have already suggested and to me it is people who profess a love for covering and concealing the natural beauty of the human body that have ventured down the wrong path (mentally speaking).
........
Also, the simple fact that many people feel men (or humans) are not attractive is very informative in and of itself; it shows how "detached" and "distant" we have become from being "comfortable in our own skin" (generally speaking).

Excellant observation! Most men do seem to be as image conscious as women. Never thought of that for myself - but that is the reason I don't feel free to wear a sensible swimsuit. At my age I'd be laughed out of the pool. Speedos are for younger "hunks"!? :eek: When I grew up all the guys wore speedo type suits - much more sensible than the comic fabric laden suits for men today. Personally, I think the swimsuit designers are trying to drown the whole male population!! :rolleyes:

I'm getting off topic!?
Anyway, if nudity were legal it would remove the fear of being arrested and branded a "sex offender". That in itself would be a real freedom.
Of course, it seems from all the posts that it's not the laws that hold nudist back but society's attitudes. We all have to blend in - Nobody wants to standout! ;)

What would I do if nudity were legal? Well for sure my "postage stamp" yard on a (busy street) would be my playground! :) I'd probably have the best looking yard in the neighborhood because I would actually enjoy doing yard work - free of sweaty, smelly clothes!
I'd be a "regular" at the swimming pool - hate wet suits -don't go much anymore.:(
I'd also be "burning up" our area's bike trails sans shorts - (the shirt is already unecessary). I think I'd be a bit healthier also.

Honestly, though I wish I could say differently, I would be hesitant to be clothes free in other public situations if I were the only one nude :disappointed: :(

Fun question and rather "enlightening"! :D

[Stu2630]

chuckincville

if nudity were legal it would remove the fear of being arrested and branded a "sex offender".

You don't have to 'legalize' nudity to achieve that. Inappropriate nudity should only be deemed a sexual offence if it is done in a sexual context. Otherwise, it should be seen as a minor public order infraction and dealt with by a small fine.

We all have to blend in - Nobody wants to standout!

Maybe you don't want to cause offence, either. :)

I would be hesitant to be clothes free in other public situations if I were the only one nude

I hope you would be hesitant also because encountering nakedness can upset people and spoil their day.

Stu

[Boreas]

Stu, we here in North America place less focus on causing offense than you do in Britain. Even in "polite" Canada. I do not think it is a valid argument. You have heard my views before.

[Nudeinbama]

My biggest changes would only be here on my own property and at the lakes and beaches, but I'd still have the no nudity restraint from my wife, so a lot still wouldn't change, but I'd definately spend more nude outdoor time around home, outside such as going to get the mail or working around the yard.
Nudeinbama

[Stu2630]

Boreas

Stu, we here in North America place less focus on causing offense than you do in Britain.

That's why you need laws. If you won't show consideration willingly, then the law must step in and protect others from you. :D

Stu

[Boreas]

Boreas



That's why you need laws. If you won't show consideration willingly, then the law must step in and protect others from you. :D

Stu

Perhaps. Sadly many have needed protecting from the colonialism and policies that "majority rules" thinking has created. :confused:

[chuckincville]

chuckincville



You don't have to 'legalize' nudity to achieve that. Inappropriate nudity should only be deemed a sexual offence if it is done in a sexual context. Otherwise, it should be seen as a minor public order infraction and dealt with by a small fine.


Maybe you don't want to cause offence, either. :)


I hope you would be hesitant also because encountering nakedness can upset people and spoil their day.

Stu

Stu
I was assuming [and would hope] that inappropriate, sexual behavior [clothed or clothes free] would remain a punishable infraction of the "public order". Legalizing simple nudity would remove the fear of arrest for the non-sexual nudity which we espouse. And that would be a new freedom.

Believe it or not I wouldn't want to cause anyone offence with my nudity - anymore than the offense I have to endure when having to behold those who force themselves into "sausage stuffers" with their flesh contorted and bulging out in places it shouldn't. :eek: [they'd look better nude!] What works best for me is to not look at them!

As to spoiling someone's day? That is an impossible thing to control. It doesn't take much for some people to have a spoiled day - a parking ticket can do that for some.
I would, however, be open to discussing their erroneous attitudes and share with them my motivation and the enjoyment I find in naturism. Who knows I might actually "make their day"!

Of course all of this is in response to the question which started this thread - unlikely as it may be - what if nudity were legal. Don't really think you have much to worry about, Stu.

Regards,
Chuck

[chuckincville]

Perhaps. Sadly many have needed protecting from the colonialism and policies that "majority rules" thinking has created. :confused:

Yes, the phrase "tyranny of the majority" comes to mind. Something the early American "colonist" were concerned with when setting up our present government. It's something that gets little recognization these days.

[spiceant]

You mean two wolves and a lamb voting whats for dinner.
Then liberty means a well armed sheep contesting the vote.

[Stu2630]

chuck

I was assuming [and would hope] that inappropriate, sexual behavior [clothed or clothes free] would remain a punishable infraction of the "public order".

No. Inappropriate nudity with sexual intent is, and always will be, a sex crime. Inappropriate non-sexual nudity is still illegal, but of a far less serious order - i.e. a minor public order offence punishable by a moderate fine or perhaps dealt with by a warning from the police etc.

Legalizing simple nudity would remove the fear of arrest for the non-sexual nudity which we espouse. And that would be a new freedom.

Legalizing it would be sending a message that it's OK. It's not OK with many people, including me.

Believe it or not I wouldn't want to cause anyone offence with my nudity

I know you wouldn't - no responsible nudist wants to cause offence - but nudity still has that potential and so it's right and proper that the authorities have a means of regulating when and where it may occur.

As to spoiling someone's day? That is an impossible thing to control.

You can't ever guarantee you won't spoil anybody's day, but you can be sure that you WILL spoil some people's day if you behave in a public place in a way that many people find distressing. And it's so easy to avoid! Be nude at home, at another nudist's home, at a nudist beach or campsite or club. Elsewhere, put on a pair of shorts. Easy! :)

what if nudity were legal

Yes, that's the main question of this thread and, as expected on a nudist forum, we've seen lots of positive answers from nudists - but none have thought even for a second about the effects it might have on that part of the textile population who find nudity revolting and unacceptable and would be desperate to keep their kids from seeing it.

Stu

[nimrod]

but none have thought even for a second about the effects it might have on that part of the textile population who find nudity revolting and unacceptable and would be desperate to keep their kids from seeing it.

Stu

I put some thought of that into my answer. There was a time in my life when I let what others thought, or might think control me, I stopped doing that and it has made my life so much better, and I am very much happier because of it. There are too many different things that might offend someone for me to try to accomodate them all. Above all else I have to be myself and do what I think is best for me, and if I offend someone in the prosses, they will recover, and if they chose not to I cannot do anything for them.

[Boreas]

I put some thought of that into my answer. There was a time in my life when I let what others thought, or might think control me, I stopped doing that and it has made my life so much better, and I am very much happier because of it. There are too many different things that might offend someone for me to try to accomodate them all. Above all else I have to be myself and do what I think is best for me, and if I offend someone in the prosses, they will recover, and if they chose not to I cannot do anything for them.

:applause:

[chuckincville]

chuck

No. Inappropriate nudity with sexual intent is, and always will be, a sex crime. Inappropriate non-sexual nudity is still illegal, but of a far less serious order - i.e. a minor public order offence punishable by a moderate fine or perhaps dealt with by a warning from the police etc.

Forget what the law is now. In respose to the "what if" - all I was trying to say was that the fear of prosecution or fines holds us back.
For example I would love to be able to hike nude on some of the trails in nearby State Parks. It would be much less expensive and more convenient than traveling to a resort. [I am a taxpayer, too]


Legalizing it would be sending a message that it's OK. It's not OK with many people, including me.

Believe it or not I wouldn't want to cause anyone offence with my nudity

I know you wouldn't - no responsible nudist wants to cause offence - but nudity still has that potential and so it's right and proper that the authorities have a means of regulating when and where it may occur.


The fact is that naturists are quite conscience of the possibility that their nudity might offend someone and do make every effort not to offend.


You can't ever guarantee you won't spoil anybody's day, but you can be sure that you WILL spoil some people's day if you behave in a public place in a way that many people find distressing. And it's so easy to avoid! Be nude at home, at another nudist's home, at a nudist beach or campsite or club. Elsewhere, put on a pair of shorts. Easy! :)

How long do the shorts have to be - must I wear a shirt & can it be sleeveless? If it's a T-shirt with a graphic or quote do I need to run it by the censorship board - lest I offend? :rolleyes:


Yes, that's the main question of this thread and, as expected on a nudist forum, we've seen lots of positive answers from nudists - but none have thought even for a second about the effects it might have on that part of the textile population who find nudity revolting and unacceptable and would be desperate to keep their kids from seeing it.

Stu

This site is a forum for nudist - hence the name "Clothes Free". What do you expect?? I have encountered articles on other sites that ridicule and make fun of nudist and are totally unconcerned with my sensibilities. Does their distain offend me?? Think they care??

Stu, YOU NEED TO LIGHTEN UP! This thread was begun as a hypothetical. IT'S JUST FOR FUN!! :)
I realize that for you debate is fun - but couldn't you save it for a more serious thread? I'm not here to debate you - at least not on this thread - so you can have the last word.