A quick sound-off about this week's cartoon

[owl tn]

Normally I find Ron Coleman's weekly cartoons to be funny, but this week I think he crossed the line.

Dunno, maybe I'm overreacting, but the admission of singles to clubs is a very controversial topic, is it not? Making fun of it in such a way as Mr. Coleman did this week is dragging us backwards on the path of societal acceptance. What sort of example does this set for any curious visiting textiles about what sort of lives we lead?

What do you think? Back me up or splash some cold water on me, whatever. Comments?

Alex

[owl tn]

Normally I find Ron Coleman's weekly cartoons to be funny, but this week I think he crossed the line.

Dunno, maybe I'm overreacting, but the admission of singles to clubs is a very controversial topic, is it not? Making fun of it in such a way as Mr. Coleman did this week is dragging us backwards on the path of societal acceptance. What sort of example does this set for any curious visiting textiles about what sort of lives we lead?

What do you think? Back me up or splash some cold water on me, whatever. Comments?

Alex

[Peter Stokes]

I had the same uneasy feeling as you, Owl. I think Mr Coleman misjudged his subject matter and his audience on this one. I don't know about the US but here in the UK naturist clubs generally have a real down on single men based on some sort of sexual presumption; I didn't find this particular cartoon humorous, it just reinforced a stereotype we're trying to dispel.

[nudeM]

I think he is trying to state what we are already experiencing, too many singles can be a problem. I, too, do not find this particular cartoon very funny at all, when in fact, we are trying to eliminate this problem.

I was offended when I saw it but didn't say anything because it's been there for nearly a week, and no one else said anything about it. I figured that either no one noticed it but me, or I was the only offended by it.

I usually enjoy the cartoon and look forward to the next one, but I would think this one is offensive to all single men. It reenforces the common belief that all single men are at the nudist venues to ogle and harrass the women and make them feel unconfortable.

[Nude in the North]

I agree with what you are saying about the cartoon sending the wrong message. But I get the impression that it's the "old couple" complaining.
Maybe the intended message is that limiting singles is an "outdated" Idea.

Maybe his next cartoon will suggest limiting old couples.

Then the one following that could show an empty beach.

The caption could read, " I suppose we could limit the Seagulls".

Steve

[greensunshine]

Ok Guys,

Time for my input /infopop/emoticons/icon_eek.gif

I for one found the cartoon to be fitting considering the ratio of single males to single females...like I don't at times feel like I stick out when I am in a crowd of nudist...I being the manority and you guys being the majority...it can get a bit over whelming at times (ok, to be honest with you, most of the time). I have been victum way to many times to having you guys act like you have never seen a naked female body when I am attempting to enjoy some sun out on the beach.

No offense, but how many of you never saw a naked female before you had sex or read your first X-Rated magazine or the beach before joining this BB??? With the majority of the comments, I have read so far, that is what I am seeing in your comments regarding this topic /infopop/emoticons/icon_mad.gif

Greensunshine in the Pacific NW /infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif

PS

Being a female nudist is a whole tougher than any of you will ever be able to comprehend...Not only do we get to put up with attitudes like I have just read, but we also get to put up with the media saying to us...in order to be attractive, We Do Need to Cover UP!!! NOT

Bet if the tables were turned none of you would be complaining...

[Naturist Mark]

I agree that the cartoon seems unfair to single guys, but what is fair to single women?

The sad thing is that I've seen what the cartoon portrays happen. At resorts that do no strictly limit the numbers of singles (meaning unaccompanied men) there is a huge imbalance between single men and women. An unaccompanied woman is so rare that she will often find men politely introducing themselves. Not in a gang as shown in Coleman's cartoon, but serially.

I isn't that anyone is being harassing, or that any one guy is doing anything wrong, or is in any way being other than a complete gentlemen. Let me reiterate: I am not saying that these guys are acting wrong in any way, individual behavior is exemplary- any other kind can lead to expulsion.

As a single guy I don't want to see any policy that keeps me out. Besides, it is not just the single guys who overplay the attention to unaccompanied women.

I'm at a loss to suggest a solution. I don't think there are rules to fix this. You can't prohibit decent, polite behavior. I don't think limiting singles is fair.

Perhaps guys need to just step back a bit. I believe in being open and friendly when meeting new people. But sometimes, especially with the single gals it would be better to let them take the initiative.

-Mark

[EricNY]

Very well put, Mark....I can fully understand how a single man must feel, but I can only imagine what a single female must feel like.

I know that my wife sometimes feels VERY uneasy when she is the only female around.

[Suntied]

I don't feel that the toon is inappropriate or offensive to single nudists. I've seen men act that way towards women with CLOTHES ON! /infopop/emoticons/icon_eek.gif

As I was raised in a textile world (as we most all were), the secret that was kept from us was the naked human body (women too). Without making Greensunshines little red face /infopop/emoticons/icon_mad.gif any redder, I would like to say that if men and women were able to just get past all that society, the media, and our parents have put into our heads (brainwashed) /infopop/emoticons/icon_rolleyes.gif about the opposite sex, then there wouldn't even be an issue here. Sure we have sexual instinct, but would a clothes free world lead to a society of orgies, or would we have a better planet to live on.

OK, the planet comment was a bit much, /infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif but I think it isn't the single males fault... I think it is SOCIETY! /infopop/emoticons/icon_mad.gif /infopop/emoticons/icon_confused.gif

[EricNY]

It is unfortunate that there are a few men that have made it tough for the rest.....it is also unfortunate that many women also put us ALL in the same catagory

And some of you people wonder why I'm so afraid of approaching women at the resort?

[Doug H]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Jon-Marc:
And some of you people wonder why I'm so afraid of approaching women at the resort? <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>Hear! Hear! Unfortunately, the sensitivity of women on the subject is not only well-known, but well-based, and not just in nudist circles but in the big, wide world.

Personally, I think it's a case of the women becoming less highly sensitive, while the men learn to keep their distance for a while. That combination could help both sides in the long run.

Doug H.

P.S. the same applies at miniature wargaming tables. I have simple policy. Don't hit on any girls 'til they've been around long enough to realize that you're a wargamer first and lonely guy second. By then, she might actually believe that you like HER and not the fact that she's a girl who wargames.

Doug H.

[NudeAl]

You know this is all very interesting to me. I'm an old married guy, I've been married so long I don't knkow what I'd ever do if I was single. My wife has single friends that are our age (35-45) and one their complaints is that there aren't any real men left. They say that there has been so much publicity about sexual harassment etc. that men are afraid to act like men. I'm not sure what is meant by that but to me it implies that women like men to be assertive and make the first move but just be polite. On the other hand I have heard about guys getting yelled at for opening the door for a woman at a store, crazy. I'm just glad I'm married and don't have to worry about this issue to much. I know I will still be the kind of guy who opens doors for women, especially my wife.

[R.M.GREENMAN2]

I wonder if a single man with children would be treated differently.

[soofreeemateomanian]

ughhh, this makes me SICK!

I doubt any TRUE female nudist would care if a bunch of men were there. Stereotypes have created society of super tight clothing so why would a nudist reinforce it? any woman why feels this way has paranoia and insecurity. Paranoia is when you think everything is about you, like when someone laughs you think its always about you.if i was a woman in that situation with a buch of perverts(not nudists), i would have walked away instead of staying because that is only saying that you enjoy it.

[Naturist Mark]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by soofreeemateomanian:
I doubt any TRUE female nudist would care if a bunch of men were there. <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>I don't think it is a matter of them minding that there are men there, it is a matter of not being left alone. I've been amazed at how patient some women are at deflecting all the attention. Of course some thrive on it. Some leave and never return because of it.

[NudeAl]

I just looked at the cartoon. Okay I see what is going on now. I have seen similar things happen both at the beach I go to at the club I attend.

It is true to some extent but of course the cartoon exagerates the situation for comedic effect. In my opinion these guys are to lazy or scared or what ever to go out and find a woman in the textile world and then take the time to educate her on what naturism is all about. Sure I'd have liked to just meet a woman who was interested in this already but life isn't like that. You have to be willing to go the extra mile to find someone interested in this. Almost all the discussions here have dealt with how it is harder for a woman to go ahead and give this a try. Now if there was a way to create interest in this stuff and tailor it to women and get the word out somehow, well then we'd have the answer to all these problems. I doubt anyone is able to find and answer to that one though. That's just my opinion of course and I could be wrong.

[Fresh Air]

It is a fact that single guys in nudism outnumber single women. The sad thing is that part of this reason is because of the situation that the cartoon depicts. I know many men are nudists and enjoy nudism alone, but other men being single figure that a nudist resort is a nice place to meet a nudist girl and live happily ever after. For some, maybe it is. Simple math will tell us that for most it isn't. Imagine being the girl though.

I don't think there is a solution, and unfortunately the problem does not reside in the single people (men or women). It is just a statistics problem.

Beaches are public domain. Resorts are not. The people running a resort have the right to run it as they see fit. You can either cater to the men or cater to the women, but it can be difficult to cater to both.

Fresh Air

[Nude in the North]

Greensunshine;

I didn't mean to offend you with my comments. You are correct that there is no way I could really know what it must be like for a female that is outnumbered 10 to 1. But I do know what it is like to be Harassed by unwanted sexual advances.
I still believe that the solution isn't to limit the numbers of people that wish to enjoy a nude beach or club. The solution is in education and a weeding out process. I know that is a nearly impossible goal. There are just too many men out there that are TOTAL JERKS. And just enough women that enjoy the attention to encourage them to keep being that way.
I respect the wishes of others. But I know there are alot of men that don't.
Limiting men at a nudist venue will keep as many (if not more) good men away as it does the bad ones.

Steve

[EricNY]

Bravo Steve ....well put!!

[Naturist Mark]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Nude in the North:
There are just too many men out there that are TOTAL JERKS. And just enough women that enjoy the attention to encourage them to keep being that way. <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>One total jerk is too many. But that isn't really the problem, the jerks identify themselves pretty quickly and are dealt with.

The problem we are talking about here is that the perfectly nice, proper, gentlemanly behavior that is absolutely blameless on the part of the individual guy becomes a pain in the behind to a woman who has to deal with the attention of one perfectly nice, proper, gentleman after another.

-Mark

[NudeAl]

I agree and point well taken. I would say a bit of common or rather Un-common sense should prevail here though. I mean seriously guys if 10 or 20 others have approached the young lady just give her a break already.

If I see a lady who appears to be near my age and would like to talk to her, how am I supposed to know that she's already been approached by too many other men to her liking, and that she would just as soon be left alone? Or how am I supposed to know that she has had bad experiences with men and doesn't trust them? How am I supposed to know that she is one of those people who thinks that no single man can be trusted? How am I supposed to know that she won't take my friendliness in a negative way? That's why I generally don't say anything. If I do speak, it doesn't take long to realize that she'd rather be left alone. As I've said before I won't intrude where it's obvious I'm not wanted. A person's (Male or female) manner makes it obvious as to whether or not they want to talk. Of course, some people, like myself, are just shy around others and don't know how to make small talk. It doesn't mean we're unfriendly. It could just mean we've never learned how to make friends. We're not all running over with self-esteem and self-confidence. The people who are outgoing and very self-confident can't understand why other people aren't like that. Being one of the "other people", I know exactly what others like me go through.

[NudeAl]

Better to have loved and lost than to have never loved at all. Isn't that how it goes? You just don't know the answer. You could casually observ to see if there is a procession of visitors and take a que from that. But you are very right there is no sure way to know unless you simply opt out of the game all together. Then again nothing ventured, nothing gained.

[Nude in the North]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>The problem we are talking about here is that the perfectly nice, proper, gentlemanly behavior that is absolutely blameless on the part of the individual guy becomes a pain in the behind to a woman who has to deal with the attention of one perfectly nice, proper, gentleman after another.

-Mark [/QB] <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>Thus making them total jerks in the eyes of the woman they are bothering.
Is it so hard for some men to read body language?
I can tell from about 100 feet away if a woman wants company or would rather be left alone. It's not how the men behave when they approach , it's that they ignore the wishes of the woman.
I'm sure Jon Marc and other Polite men can tell within the first 10 seconds if a woman wants privacy or company.
For those that can't tell , try asking.

Steve

[Croydon]

I didn't find the cartoon funny, not because it appepars offensive to some (not me) but I just don't find it funny at all.

I can see where some may find offense too it but in reality, the cartoon holds some truth. For every 1 single woman at a resort/club, there are like 6 guys (I am just throwing out a #). Although, I don't support banning single men from clubs but I do support some limitation such quota or waiting list. Gender balance is always a good idea.

I don't see how single men are different from married men. Just because a man is married doesn't mean he will not hit on other women or be any more well behaved than single men. Men are men period and trust there are a lot of perverted and unfaithful married men just as there a lot of ufaithful and perverted single men.

Cyndiann was the one to say this and I agree with her. "It is better for a single man to meet a NON NUDIST female and convert her to nudism than looking for a NUDIST female." Cyn hits the nail quite well with this and she is so right.

[shãybare]

I don't support limiting. The cartoon is a bit offensive to me because it portrays the single men as being there for one reason only, therefore, continuing the stereotyping of single males. It may just be a cartoon but many club owners will use it to reinforce their prejudices. And as I like to say,"That shore to hell ain't right.".

[Croydon]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by shaybare:
I don't support limiting. <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>Why?

[Rik]

Because it discriminates solely on the issue of gender.

Rik

[Croydon]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Rik:
Because it discriminates solely on the issue of gender.

Rik <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>How is it discrimination if it is allowing single men in but LIMITING the amount.

[Rik]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Croydon:
How is it discrimination if it is allowing single men in but LIMITING the amount. <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>It discriminates against those which are affected by the 'limiting' policy solely on the grounds of gender. Those single men who are not affected (the lucky ones if you like) are not being discriminated against.

I might be wrong but I cannot think of any other social organization where such discrimination (i.e. discriminating against some potential participants [of the same gender] based solely on gender) would be considered acceptable.

Rik

[shãybare]

Textile beaches do not have any limits and there doesn't seem to be many problems there nor does it keep the ladies away. If I am "safe" to be allowed in one week, I should still be allowed to get in the next week. I am still the same "safe" person.

[Jochanaan]

Hey, I'm a single guy and I thought the toon was cute. And true.

As for being controversial, how many of you have heard a stand-up comic recently? They don't shy away from controversial subjects. Neither do political cartoonists. So why should naked drawers? /infopop/emoticons/icon_wink.gif /infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

[Fresh Air]

In general a independently owned business has the right to "limit" as they see fit. It happens in dance clubs, concerts, etc.

As for approaching women. Why not let them approach you?

If everyone did that the problem(s) would be soved (not that I think it would ever happen). /infopop/emoticons/icon_wink.gif

Fresh Air

[EricNY]

The problem is not: How many men are there

The problem is : What they do when they get there.

Even if we are not doing anything wrong it is how we are perceived....Perception IS reality.

Single men are not the issue...men that act like jerks are. ....SOOOO what is the answer??

[Rik]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by ercNY:
Single men are not the issue...men that act like jerks are. ....SOOOO what is the answer?? <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>Simple - discriminate against them based on their behaviour not their gender.

Rik

[Peter Stokes]

If I've read all the above comments correctly, they're all from males, no female point of view on the discussion.

Which in turn highlights (again) the issue that nudity is a lifestyle more often embraced by men than women, which is what leads to the gender imbalance problem that the cartoon was trying to turn into a laugh.

[Rik]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Peter Stokes:
...which is what leads to the gender imbalance problem that the cartoon was trying to turn into a laugh. <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>But what makes it a problem as opposed to a mere feature of naturism?

And did anyone actually think the cartoon was funny?

Rik

The cartoon was not in the least bit funny to me. It was offensive for the following reasons:

1. It shows a large group of apparently single men acting like jerks by surrounding a single female and making her uncomfortable and fearful.

2. It makes all single men, regardless of age, appear to be at the nudist venue to ogle and harrass women.

3. It emphasizes the false belief that since all single men are perverts they need to to limited.

[NudeNFree81]

Once again, I don't quite feel comfortable with this weeks cartoon, not sure why. Does anyone else feel the same way?

[TXK NUDE]

If you are refering to the "erection" cartoon. I don't like it because it's not funny. I know that cartoonist, comedians and satirists take things to extreme to be funny and make a point, but this time, it didn't work. The joke was not funny, the topic was not funny, and the artwork was not funny. Some topics are best left alone, like the Holocaust, or 9-11.

I agree. The cartoon is not in the least bit funny. It's no wonder a lot of young guys are afraid of getting an erection at a nudist resort. I'm sure no one would be hung for it, but the cartoon insinuates that no one had ever get an erection for any reason.

Honestly I've never considered any of Ron's cartoons as funny. I stopped looking at them quite awhile ago.

I guess I have a different view of what is funny than he does.

[luvnaturism]

Here's a dissenting opinion: I did think this week's cartoon (featuring man in swimming pool + a nearby noose) was funny. Not laugh-out-loud funny, but good for a smile and chuckle.

I find one in four or five of the nudist cartoons to be funny, which is about the same ratio of laughs that I get from the comic section of our newspaper. Even my absolute current favorite (Zits) doesn't do much better at tickling my funnybone.

A lot of humor comes from taking ordinary situations and exaggerating them to the point of absurdity, which is what this series of cartoons typically does. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't. That's life in the cartoon world. It's hard to be funny on deadline.

Concerning some of the ultra-serious analysis in previous posts in this thread, my thought is: Lighten up folks! These cartoons are just jokes. They're not candidates for a Pulitizer Prize for Social Commentary That Changed The World. And I really don't think that a cartoon is going to change the admission policy of any naturist club. /infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif /infopop/emoticons/icon_razz.gif /infopop/emoticons/icon_rolleyes.gif /infopop/emoticons/icon_cool.gif

[Jochanaan]

Part of the way comics get laughs is by hyperbole, that is, going to obviously impossible extremes. And they have good precedent: Jesus of Nazareth would talk about boards in eyes and camels going through eyes of needles. The noose is a great example, since not even Arkansas uses one these days. (At least, I think not. Any Arkansans have different info?)

Hey, if we can't laugh at ourselves, what are we gonna do when someone else laughs at us? /infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

[Bob S.]

I also will make a somewhat positive comment about this week's cartoon. It was humerous. As luvnaturism said, "Not laugh-out-loud funny, but good for a smile and a chuckle."

I was wondering about one thing, though; is the noose meant for their neck or for their erection? /infopop/emoticons/icon_confused.gif /infopop/emoticons/icon_eek.gif

And consider this: the President of the AANR-ER, Bob Roche, said in Glamour Magazine (I think) that real nudists do not get erections. So I guess women are real nudists, huh?

Bob S.

[noodtoonist]

being a cartoonist i thought i might wade into this topic...
i reckon if any of my cartoons ever generated this much discussion (even if most of it was negative) i'd be blown away! maybe one day /infopop/emoticons/icon_wink.gif
one thing i do find difficult about naturist cartooning is trying to depict the lifestyle in a positive way whilst at the same time not pandering to it. despite this the editor of H&E, in reviewing my last book, said i should be depicting more of the "foibles, complexes and problems of nudists, and being critical of rivalries, silliness, etc". in this sense it could be said that coleman has done exactly that. personally i didn't find the toon funny but it certainly set the cat amongst the pigeons.
and my two cents worth on the issue of single men... perhaps instead of trying to limit or restrict them, clubs should be looking for ways to promote naturism to single women! but does that simply create a 'pick-up' atmosphere? (i don't know!) but yeah, single guys... there's a subject i've stayed well away from in my own cartoons... (hmmm. maybe i need to go there!)
stephen

[Naturist Mark]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by xmung:

i reckon if any of my cartoons ever generated this much discussion (even if most of it was negative) i'd be blown away! maybe one day /infopop/emoticons/icon_wink.gif <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>Hi Stephen,

Your comics have generated some comments here if you look far enough back /infopop/emoticons/icon_cool.gif

Last year I bought a copy of The Koala Bares (http://www.loxieandzoot.com/goodies/index.html) and it has since become well-worn. It has made visits to several nudist club meetings and camping trips - hopefully that has initiated a few more sales.

My favorite trick is to leave it out for the 'reluctant curious' to discover and read on the sly. It's a great way for shy persons, a reluctanct spouse, or nervous teen to learn about nudism without embarrassment.

And its fun!

-Mark

[noodtoonist]

hi mark
thanks for that - i caught your post in the other area of the forum and chances are it has helped move some copies. and you're right... i had a father tell me how his 12 year old daughter (raised a nudist, but starting to feel it wasn't for her) after reading the book found a whole new appreciation for the lifestyle (ie. fun!). i know of non-nudist males and females who've read it cover to cover and really enjoyed it... it may not have 'converted' them, but who knows, when the opportunity presents itself for them in the future...
a friend read it before accompanying me to a resort a while back. she had never been to a nudist resort before - but within about 15 minutes of being there she said "it's just like your comic!" (she had a great week there, btw)
and herein lies my own dilemma as a cartoonist... i know nudists have their major disagreements and different ways of looking at things, but i do want to portray the lifestyle positively... yet to gloss over or bland out conflict maybe does a disservice too. i know it's just a comic but i can't help having some investment in it! /infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif
i'll shut up about my own stuff now!

I greatly enjoyed the Loxie and Zoot cartoons and would love to see a new one once a week. The only nudist cartoons I have a problem with are the ones that help to perpetuate the false beliefs that so many people seem to have--that single men are all trolling for sex, that all single men ogle and stare at the women or children, that single men should be refused admittance because the resort has reached it's limit of single men.

[NudeAl]

Hey Jon Marc check out the Loxie and Zoot web site. They have a whole bunch of there cartoons posted online there. They also have a book for sale.

[noodtoonist]

yes indeed! and my preferance is to make fun of people who perpetuate those myths (either through word or deed) against naturism and nudists. and i also like to make fun of textile foibles, especially the anti-nudist types. heheh... they're just askin' for it! /infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif

[tarsus]

i like the little cartoon with the girl afraid of snakes. last summer i told n-v that there was a snake down at the bridge[creek runs through property] and to be careful.
her answer: oh it justs sticks its tounge out and looks at me.
my answer: no more steve irwin. /infopop/emoticons/icon_rolleyes.gif

[Jochanaan]

Did anyone notice in "Today's Photo" posted earlier that the poolside showers were obviously designed with nudists in mind? Not hidden behind walls or curtains; just out in the open. Very nice!

[NudeAl]

Yes I believe it was taken at De Anza resort about 50 miles east of San Diego.

[missouriboy]

In the current cartoon with the sinking cruise ship, is there any kind of message at all, be it humor, social comment, irony, criticism, battle of the sexes, ANYTHING WHATSOEVER?

Help me here, I'm at a total loss to detect anything useful at all. /infopop/emoticons/icon_confused.gif

[TXK NUDE]

yeah...I wondered what the point was too. I figured it was an inside joke, and my mother always said an inside joke is best kept inside! /infopop/emoticons/icon_wink.gif

The only possible thing I could think of is that the wife didn't like the idea of being stranded without any clothes. Perhaps she wasn't a nudist but let herself to talked into the cruise. /infopop/emoticons/icon_confused.gif

[shãybare]

That's the way I interpreted the joke, also, Jon-Marc. However, I'm not sure all jokes have to have a message, as in a parable. Or have I miss understood? I can do that with my eyes shut.

[FLslimguy]

I think the lady is just upset because she's getting wood slivers on the underside of her breasts...

[missouriboy]

Oh, NOW I get it. The lady's name is Miss Understood, and THAT explains why there is no other discernible point. /infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

[noodtoonist]

my alternative caption (with no claim to it actually being funny mind you!)...
woman (less agro looking) says: "i know it was a nude cruise, but not having life-jackets is taking it a bit far!"
any other suggestions?
stephen

[Naturist Mark]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by xmung:
any other suggestions? <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>"Would you stop waving off rescue boats that aren't Clothing-Optional!"

-Mark

[noodtoonist]

heheh
that's quite funny mark!
stephen

[Rex]

Maybe this is digressing a little, but someone did comment on the merits of men meeting women in the textile world and perhaps introducing them to the nudist lifestyle if it seems appropriate to the situation.
My mother was a very smart woman, for example she told me when I was maybe 9 or 10 and getting a bit shy about my body that if I grew up embarrassed and ashamed of my body, then I would create all sorts of problems for myself and she highlighted some of them. [This was in the 1940's and she was not a nudist].
Back to subject. When I was 16, she told me if I learned to dance, I would meet more girls than I would meet in a pub, maybe they'd be nicer girls and they would not spend all my money. At 16, what else do you want to know?
At a dance, single women WANT to be approached, otherwise they don't get to dance. Naturally, it helps if you are neatly dressed. In the Perth, Western Australia area a fancy or plain open necked short sleeved shirt and casual slacks and suitable shoes is OK.It also helps if you are not affected by alcohol, are reasonably polite and can dance at least a little. If you can dance more than a little, then the women will approach you and all they are looking for initially is a dance and maybe friendship.
And don't come up with any of that "2 left feet" stuff, if you can learn to drive, then you can learn to dance, we're not talking about world championship level.
I look fit and I am deeply tanned, so new acquaintances often say, "Do you like the beach?"
"I love the beach." "Which beach do you go to?" "The such-and-such beach." "Oh, that's the nude beach, isn't it?" "Yes, that's right."
Almost always, the reaction is favourable. I did not bring the subject up, but answered their question in a straightforward manner. We are not alone, so no reason to be apprehensive.
It helps if we are good ambassadors for our chosen lifestyle and it certainly helps if you are a single guy looking for compatible company.

[FLslimguy]

Sorry Australia but I'm trying to figure out what the heck this has to do with cartoons?

Second question...I wonder what the effect of today's cartoon would be if the gender roles were reversed??

[Rex]

Hi FLslimguy and thanks for your comments.
The following comments are from the cartoon post. I have edited a little for clarity of my point and hope the original writers will excuse me for this.

Fresh Air 16.11.03.
"single guys in nudism outnumber single women".

Doug H 16.11.03.
"the sensitivity of women on this subject [ie being approched by men] is well known, not just in nudist circles, but in the big wide world".

Jon-Marc 16.11.03.
"I see a lady who appears to be near my age and would like to talk to her".

naturistmark 1 16.11.03.
"perfectly nice, proper, gentlemanly behavior becomes a pain in the behind to a woman".

Croydon 17.11.03. [quoting Cyndiann]
"It is better for a single man to meet a non nudist female and convert her to nudism".

NudeAl 16.11.03.
"these guys are too lazy or scared or whatever to go out and find a woman in the textile world and educate her on what naturism is all about".

Fresh Air 17.11.03.
"As for approaching women, why not let them approach you?"

I have followed on from this theme and offered a workable solution.
This method is personally tried and tested and it works.
I don't go to dances particularly to meet women, I go because it's fun, good exercise, helps to develop social skills and it's an easy way to meet lots of new friends, male and female, old and young, single and partnered.
When I lost my wife, 19 months ago, I found it very hard to walk into a dance on my own, but I forced myself to do it and it has been the biggest factor in getting me back onto the world.
At most dances, there are usually more women than men, sometimes very much so. The single women WANT to be approached, otherwise they will not get to dance. Sometimes they will approach the men, not in a forceful or inappropriate manner, just nice and friendly.
I suspect that most men do not know this world exists, or if they do know, they assume that, for whatever reason, it's not for them.
I cannot speak for other parts of the world, but in the Perth area and some other parts of Western Australia, there are plenty of opportunities to dance and it's cheap, friendly and not as hard as some may imagine. We can't be the only place on the face of the earth like that.
You know, we all find plenty to complain about and that's fair enough, but it doesn't generally get us anywhere unless someone comes up with a workable solution and that only works for those who apply that solution.
Best wishes to everyone.