Some are 'TURNED OFF' by nudism "because"

[sqmlr]

I was in a pivate discussion on here and the thought came to me ,
What would be the most revealing topic for me as one newly investigating the possiblity of becomeing a nudist /naturalist.
The idea of members recounting there former or current dislikes about nudism in general or specific trends among resorts. As well as ideas either brought to this forum or personal accounts from those outsiders who were unable to make the move to this way of living /thinking,
I am continually amazed at how the internet can make understanding new ideas so much easyer for me 'at least' i would not have ever had this opportunity otherwise, "to ask such detailed questions and enjoy the diversity of reactions/respoinces."
thanks again,

[sqmlr]

I was in a pivate discussion on here and the thought came to me ,
What would be the most revealing topic for me as one newly investigating the possiblity of becomeing a nudist /naturalist.
The idea of members recounting there former or current dislikes about nudism in general or specific trends among resorts. As well as ideas either brought to this forum or personal accounts from those outsiders who were unable to make the move to this way of living /thinking,
I am continually amazed at how the internet can make understanding new ideas so much easyer for me 'at least' i would not have ever had this opportunity otherwise, "to ask such detailed questions and enjoy the diversity of reactions/respoinces."
thanks again,

[Trailscout]

I was disappointed to see many obese nudists lolling about on cots. And there are plenty of others fat and thin who are often chain-smoking by the poolside while the volleyball court goes begging for attention.

People who take care of their bodies can play sports well into their senior years. I have some older relatives who enjoy an active life, (and quit smoking too) so I know it can be done.

[Atlanta Runner]

I got to thinking about this and just a couple of things came to mind. I have become a much happier person and more in tuned with myself, my enjoyment of the outdoors and my understanding of people from a social standpoint as well as their personal barriers dealing with modesty and body shame. I tell you, reading people's opinions on here has really opened my eyes and afforded me some good friendships with others who live near me.

What still turns me off about nudism is the constant relation being made (by both nudists and non-nudists alike) between the enjoyment of life without any clothes and sex or focus on body parts.

The other thing is not as much a turn off as it was a disappointment to find that nudists are for the most part a very similar cross section of the population and no matter how forward thinking or open minded they profess to be, for the most part they are still pretty judgmental and open minded to the standpoint that others adhere to the same political, social and religious mindset that they do.

[NudistGuy47]

I have been thinking also on this subject and have drawn my own thoughts together.

I do enjoy being nude when I can, but accept that life exists on many planes and many of those planes require one to be clothed. I have stated my motto before and it still holds. "Nude when possible; clothed when practical." The constant obsession of being without clothes is one I can not understand.

One thing that really gets to me is the distrust of the single guy in many nudist circles. I have tried to talk with others at my club only to be dismissed quickly when they find I am single. I am a complex human being with thoughts that run much higher than a constant focus on sex or trying to get something from someone. When people have gotten to know me, they find we have many things in common, but the intial brush-off will continue to get my goat.

One other thing I find disappointing is the complaining that no one is in their area or they know no place to enjoy nudity in nature or social settings. The internet provides so many opportunities to search for information. I find those who say they have no opportunities to get to know others who share the interest annoying as there exist so many avenues for information. It just takes initiative to get the information and then to make the first move.

I am with Trailscout and AR on a couple of points. I find the same people (myself included) playing volleyball or swimming actively in the pool at my club. There are many who could get up and move a bit, but choose to sit and do nothing. As AR stated, the cross section reflects society. The part of being judgmental hit the nail on the head. I touched on that in the above paragraphs.

[NudePete]

Most of my experience with social nudity is from the local C.O. beach. Being a public beach it is frequented mostly by men, often older and obviously retired. Everyone is well behaved and so on, but there is still a sort of "locker room-like" look to the place. I can see how this might turn off some.

It is encouraging to see that the proportion of females is slowly increasing, as the average age decreases. Perhaps when I am ready to retire...?

[Borntobenude]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by Atlanta Runner:
The other thing is not as much a turn off as it was a disappointment to find that nudists are for the most part a very similar cross section of the population and no matter how forward thinking or open minded they profess to be, for the most part they are still pretty judgmental and open minded to the standpoint that others adhere to the same political, social and religious mindset that they do. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

If nudists are just regular people, the only difference being that they're not compulsively attached to clothing, then I fail to see why one would expect them to be any better than anyone else in this regard.

[NudistGuy47]

I was thinking after my post and the thought expressed by Borntobenude came to mind. Just because the clothes come off does not mean the mind is changed!

[DoctorSurferDude]

When I initially started nudism at the age of 19 I was disappointed that there was nobody my age, and that nearly all nudists were my parent's age or older. I was disappointed that the respect and equality of males to females is not practiced on the beach and therefore not present on the beach. I was disappointed that resorts are predominantly white RV savy people (uncomfortable to minority visitors at times).

[oddbutterfly1]

I may be a little slow here, but I have the impression that you guys have a problem with people that are overweight going to nude resorts.

I hope not. I am one of those that have a few many lbs. on. It is that kind of negative thinking that stops a lot of people from going in the first place.

Luckily for me, my b/f is smarter than most. He has taught me to accept myself and love myself for who I am, not what I am.

We are nudist at home, and go to many local lakes, river and woods to enjoy the sun and the breezes.

I have only been a naturist for a year and a half and wished I had done it long ago, but I didn't much like myself then.

I am also very open with people that I am a naturist. I am very proud of my new life and have nothing to hide anymore. I find that most people are very accepting. If they weren't then I really don't need them in my life.

Sorry if I have been wrong in my statement, or took the post the wrong way.

Connie http://clothesfreeforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_smile.gif

[BackpackerBrian]

My initial challenges when I became a nudist, at age 20 or 21, were the abscence people in my age group, the un-naturalness of same naturists (read: silicone and high-heels) and being hit on by swingers at the club, or stalked at the local nude beach.

Fortunately, naturists are pretty friendly people, and once I had a good group of friends, those turn-offs were minimalized.

Today I may have one more "turn-off" if I was 21 again. When I joined Paradise Lakes yearly associate dues were $35; today they'd be more like $135. What college kid can afford that?? Naturism is becoming an industry, and perhaps too focused on business.

[namedun]

I too find it a bit frustrating that I'm the only nudist I know in my age group. I find it difficult to socialize with other nudists when they are on average at least 20 years older than I am, and have little in common besides being naked.

[Trailscout]

Connie, I can't speak for everyone, but I will address my own comments about obesity. I don't like obesity because it robs us of the ability to participate in many of the things that make life enjoyable and ultimately it is almost sure to rob us of many years of our lives.

One of my dearest friends is about 30 or 40 pounds overweight. I would marry her just the way she is, but we have other problems and responsibilities that keep us miles apart. But my acceptance of her as a person doesn't mean that I don't secretly wish that she would find a way to lose that weight. I am afraid that it will take her from this world years before I am ready to let her go. And she can't join me when I go hiking or camping, something I would like to share with her.

I have been badly overweight myself and am almost back to my ideal weight. It was not easy and there were times when I was worried that I would not get there.

Nudism teaches us to take care of our bodies, to live in harmony with nature. A lot of people don't mind being nude, but don't seem to otherwise care for their own bodies. I would like to see a revival of some of the values that made nudism a distinctive philosophy when it first came to this country.

None of my remarks were meant as a personal snub to you.

[Nudony]

I don't know if this is on topic or not, but one thing that still freaks me out are what I call "hyper-defensive" women. These are the women who automatically assume that if they catch you looking in their direction, you MUST be a gawker.
I have gotten anywhere from a negative attitude to an outright "evil look" from several women over the years, just because the caught me looking in their direction, unexpectedly. And then I end up feeling guilty, even though I haven't done anything wrong. Ironically, I have years of practice in 'non-staring", having grown up in France and been around many topless female friends. I simply don't stare.
If I'm reading a book, hear a noise and look up to find a woman in front of me bending over to pick up something: it's an accident! If someone throws me a ball, misses and it bounces off a lady's butt: it was an accident! Some of the reactions I've witnessed were unbelievably negative.
In all fairness, I can understand how negative past experiences with pervs or residual body acceptance issues can cause "hyper-defensiveness." But I still think that jumping to conclusions and reacting so strongly is uncalled for. The experiences I've described are not that common; thank goodness, because it can ruin a perfect day of nudist fun.

[lovebeingnude]

My wife has a few "turn offs" regarding nudism.

She really hates dining with naked people, especially topless women. We recently went to Eden Bay for a vacation. One dinner she sat across from a topless woman who was wearing an interesting necklace that hung between her breasts. It was frustrating for my wife when she would engage in conversation with this woman and inadvertantly follow the necklace down with her eyes to the woman's breasts. So, she tried to avert her eyes to other things.

She also imagines she is being gawked at a lot. So, I only take her to resorts when few people are around (such as weekdays). And we tend to keep to ourselves.

And, then she has body issues...

[Aaron Adams]

I have enjoyed reading what people posted for this topic. One thing I have noticed in my extended exploration of nudism is that nudists tend not to describe negative aspects of the nudist lifestyle. It has been refreshing to me to see that everyone's initial experiences weren't universally positive.

[Buff Man in MI]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by lovebeingnude:
She really hates dining with naked people, especially topless women. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

One of the things I like best is dining nude, if something drops off a fork (or think something that's just basically messy like watermelon) and ends up falling on an area that would have otherwise been clothed (like a shirt) the cleanup is so much easier, no laundry. Of course a hot piece of food dropped into the lap is not exactly fun. I am thinking of an incident that occured to me involving a freshly fried french fry that was a little painful.

[NudePete]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by Aaron Adams:
I have enjoyed reading what people posted for this topic. One thing I have noticed in my extended exploration of nudism is that nudists tend not to describe negative aspects of the nudist lifestyle. It has been refreshing to me to see that everyone's initial experiences weren't universally positive. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Not universally positive - no, but heavily weighted towards that positive. No second thoughts or regrets at all. My first impression didn't discourage me in the least from continuing my first beach visit, or from returning again. It was just an observation, not a real turn-off.

[Nudony]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">My wife has a few "turn offs" regarding nudism </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

That gave me the idea of asking my wife what her turn-off was. She replied: "feeling as though I HAVE to be naked to join in" (friends at their home or at the resort). Apparently, her problem is not with getting nude, it is when it is assumed that she will be getting naked. She would prefer being told to just join in with the group, rather than having to hear something along the lines of: "why don't you get naked and join us?!"
I guess it's a "freedom of choice" thing.

[MJ_KC]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by namedun:
I too find it a bit frustrating that I'm the only nudist I know in my age group. I find it difficult to socialize with other nudists when they are on average at least 20 years older than I am, and have little in common besides being naked. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>
How do you know for certain that they have little in common with you? Just because someone is 20+ years older than you, it doesn't mean that they have one foot in the grave.

[Ren]

I function primarily in the clothed world, and some of my closest friends are a generation or two older than I am. I don't want to speak for namedun, but for me, I'd be looking for people in my younger age range as well, mostly because in spite of the many differences in people's lives, there is a shared experience within a generation, and you want to feel a part of a peer group in new situations. If you go somewhere and everyone's older, there are things that don't translate. It's almost intangible in a way. What I know about myself is that even though I have these older friends, I feel lost without the contact in my age group.

[Atlanta Runner]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by Borntobenude:
If nudists are just regular people, the only difference being that they're not compulsively attached to clothing, then I fail to see why one would expect them to be any better than anyone else in this regard. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Bear in mind that I am fairly new to the lifestyle/mindset here; maybe 5 years now. My expectation was though that if someone is going to be involved in something that is for the most part frowned on by society and they have the ability to see beyond the myths and fears of naturism then maybe they would also be open to exploring different viewpoints be more open minded towards social issues. Unfortunately I have heard comments made about racial/cultural differences, male-female issues, religion, sexual orientation, social status, age and political party affiliation in open conversation that just turned me off. Everyone is entitled to their own opinion but I get turned off by others judging opinions of those who don't adhere to their own.

[lovebeingnude]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by Buff Man in MI:

One of the things I like best is dining nude, if something drops off a fork (or think something that's just basically messy like watermelon) and ends up falling on an area that would have otherwise been clothed (like a shirt) the cleanup is so much easier, no laundry. Of course a hot piece of food dropped into the lap is not exactly fun. I am thinking of an incident that occured to me involving a freshly fried french fry that was a little painful. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Dining nude would have come in handy last night... We were eating pasta with red sauce and we both ended up with little red drops on our shirts. http://clothesfreeforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_frown.gif So, I jokingly told her from now on we are eating pasta nude. http://clothesfreeforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_wink.gif

[NudistGuy47]

AR wrote:<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Everyone is entitled to their own opinion but I get turned off by others judging opinions of those who don't adhere to their own. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

My experience in naturism has been like yours, AR. I hear comments that make my skin crawl when it comes to social issues, racial bias, and other categories of opinions. I can be open-minded about others opinions, factual tales, and thoughts. I have changed my mind on some subjects based on dialogue with others. (Key word: dialogue) But when one is attacked or dismissed based on what is shared during the dialogue, I find myself leaving the area of conversation and seeking other things to do.

[barbararuth]

I believe that most people turned off by nudism don't know or understand the rules. The misconseption of nudism is sexual, is immoral, and downright discusting runs rampant, but simply isn't true. Agreed, some nudists are loud and boastful, try to convert non-nudists that resent being persuaded or continuously try the legal limits.

I live in a country that provides me with more personal freedoms than many in this world and one of them is to be nude within the confines of my home or beach or resort. I don't need more than that.

I have always said that nudism needs more positive marketing that tells it like it is. If successful, and I suspect it would be, many who are 'TURNED OFF" would have a better understanding of what it is all about and might not hold such bitter feelings. My resort hold Open Houses at least twice a year to introduce people to nudism, answer their questions, and provide a positive view of the lifestyle. I am sure other resorts do the same. This is a good first step.

And if additional marketing doesn't work, there is one more chair for me at the pool!

[Buzzer]

http://clothesfreeforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_redface.gifI'm embarrassed to say I'm still reluctant to have business associates of my wife's & Mine find out we are even at home nudests.
The affect it might have on our careers may be too great a hardship.
I've not the courage to take the chance and perhaps reap some unknown benifits. http://clothesfreeforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_redface.gif

[DoctorSurferDude]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content"> ...shared experience within a generation, and you want to feel a part of a peer group in new situations. If you go somewhere and everyone's older, there are things that don't translate. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Ren is giving an honest opinion, and I think I've shared the feeling myself at times. I am lucky to have found a resort which has good representation from all ages, and I definately enjoy mixing with all age groups, gladly including my own.

But Why aren't there more young people involved??

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">I have always said that nudism needs more positive marketing that tells it like it is. If successful, and I suspect it would be, many who are 'TURNED OFF" would have a better understanding of what it is all about and might not hold such bitter feelings. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

I think THAT is the key.... nudism has somewhat of a stigma attached to it. It's featured on Surreal Life or Paris Hilton's show for purposes of a giggle. So people in general don't take it very seriously, especially younger generations. I think it needs to be repackaged and marketed more positively.

A "problem" and a "solution"....nice.

[Ren]

I think there are many reasons why more young people aren't involved. First off, no one operates in a vacuum and so we're always influenced by the society around us, even if our impulse is different from the status quo. I knew that I enjoyed being naked at a pretty young age, but there was no outlet for it except alone and at home.

Naked people (I'm not going to quantify it within one named grouping) are marginalized, and there are rarely positive mentions in mainstream publications kids can get their hands on. If we grew up within a religion, we're taught that our bodies are meant for shameful things. And dare we take too long to change or engage in a conversation with a classmate during changing, that becomes a problem. I was once accused as a kid for not changing fast enough and it made someone uncomfortable.

There is nothing out there saying that if you enjoy being naked that you're not necessarily a freak or a weirdo.

Then you head to the music channels and everyone's half naked and in some sort of sexual pose, so the message extends there that nudity is only present to turn someone on.

By the time you break out of this (and the Internet's a good place) you have all of these influences heaped upon you. So now, while you're finding that you're not insane, you have years of emotional damage to contend with - it doesn't just go away. It's like a baby learning to walk.

I think this is why you have the nattering sexual questions that always appear - circumcision, erections, etc. - because that is what is hammered home by the outside world. And it is our culture that has a dysfunctional attitude about the human body.

I'm all about fitness and eating right (wasn't always the best, but believe in it), but we have makeover shows galore that re-dress the same problems for people, that make fun of people for imperfections, or show how transforming plastic surgery can be. But none of this attacks the psychological issues of these messages. What I mean here - this is why there are so many questions about if you look too "something" to be seen in public.

Older people tend to hit a point of just not giving a darn, and they're going to do it if they like it. Usually they have experiences that tell them nudity isn't a big deal. Younger people are increaingly leading insular lives, retained in the home, to the point where when they leave the house, they have to look just so or risk embarrassment and harassment.

So, if at some point younger people get past the mental gymnastics brought on by society, they will feel insecure about entering a situation without the peer group. A peer group they can't find, because no one is comfortable to discuss it.

[johny]

RE:REN
""Naked people (..)are rarely positive mentions in mainstream publications kids can get their hands on""

Heavely contrary at us. Annually in the mainstream journals or newspapers are at least 3...6 articles about naturism what are highly positive, and in the criminal news just 1...2 articles mentioning someone (not from our people) did something criminal naked. Therefore the weighting machine shows at our sake while.

The last bad news was just some days ago. Certain man at textile beach (far far away from naturist beach) at undressed state used that most of women are modestly turning the eyes off seeing man nude, spend that second to steel their money, jewelry etc. He succeded to steel about 6 women. Of course, hour later he was cached by police and now sees the Sun just through the gridiron pattern. Yet publication didnt tell he is naturist and I am hope he really is not, however never one may be sure about people, when those numer is few thousands of them.

[True Brit]

There has always been a shortage of Twenty & Thirty somethings venturing into recreational nudism. I am however encouraged today at seeing & meeting an ever increasing number of younger people who are willing to give it a go, providing they can be comfortable with their surroundings and costs can be kept low.

"Turn Offs"..... inconsiderate behaviour from the gawkers, those who feel the need to constantly touch themselves in front of others, I'm sure we have all witnessed this kinda behaviour on our beaches, and in the clubs an ever increasing swinging activity seems to be the trend, I am honestly surprised that we continue to attract newbies at all.

[KetchumMaine]

For me, the following things are nudist turn offs (in no particular order):
> Social Stigma
> Gawkers
> Pervs
> "bush whackers"
> Body jewelry on others which highlights and enhances
> Erections (on others, it isn't a problem for me)
> Swingers who won't stop talking about it
> Being propositioned
> People who bring porn to a nude venue
> Gender Discrimination at resorts (i'm a single)
> Having to keep secret due to work
> Fear of having clothes taken while swimming
> Textiles who commendeer known skinnydipping spots
> anti-nudist laws
> Large mouth bass & snapping turtles http://clothesfreeforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_wink.gif

[Buzzer]

http://clothesfreeforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_cool.gifI think it's the notion that their bodies will be unacceptable to others. I know this is a hang-up of my wife's.

[Cheffred]

Actually since I have become more socailly a nudist, my lifestyle is changing I drink more water and less soda and I eat healthier. In fact even though as you see on my avatar I am fat. I have already began to lose weight. Probably the walk to the nudist beach and the swimming doesn't hurt either.

[takeitontherun]

I was more nude than not when younger but for whatever reason, i stopped as my son got older and never went back and didnt give it much thought really. I have no problems with it at this point due to someone i want to be with into it and due to how i am learning that it isnt a *weird* thing like most seem to assume.

I consider myself to be "cool". I'm certainly a lot cooler than I would be wearing clothes when it's hot. Clothes hold in the heat and sweat. It's in the 90s here; why do I need clothes?

[need2Bnude]

In conversations I here people mention nudity, or the lifestyle thereof, and they always relate it to leading into sexual activity. I think the way nudity is thought of today is always related in some form to sexual activity; and for that reason it repels people from taking part in just liesure activity.

I have seldom mentioned nudism to men who didn't mention that they would "walk around erect all the time". Rarely do I hear a favorable comment from anyone. Although very few have actually said anything negative about social nudism, the common answer is usually that "I could never do that", or "I would be too embarrassed."

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by KetchumMaine:
For me, the following things are nudist turn offs (in no particular order):

> Body jewelry on others which highlights and enhances

</div></BLOCKQUOTE>

But your nose is highlighted and enhanced in your picture.

And I think wearing dark glasses inside draws attention to you.

[Gothmog]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by Cyndiannaked:
But your nose is highlighted and enhanced in your picture.
And I think wearing dark glasses inside draws attention to you. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

He's also not nude or in a nudist environment.. So your point is moot.

So you are saying it's ok to draw attention to yourself when you aren't nude?

Doesn't that mean you are ashamed of your nudity?

[Gothmog]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by Cyndiannaked:
So you are saying it's ok to draw attention to yourself when you aren't nude?

Doesn't that mean you are ashamed of your nudity?
</div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Sorry but sunglasses and sunscreen on one's nose can't really be considered attention getters (nude or clothed, indoors or out) and really aren't in the same league as nipple rings, chains, body piercings and genital jewelry.

As usual you are nitpicking and attempting to be clever.

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Sorry but sunglasses and sunscreen on one's nose can't really be considered attention getters </div></BLOCKQUOTE>


When you are inside? ROFLOL!

[Gothmog]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by Cyndiannaked:
<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Sorry but sunglasses and sunscreen on one's nose can't really be considered attention getters </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

When you are inside? ROFLOL! </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

I guess you don't get out much..

I've been to many locales and clubs (nudist and textile) where people wear dark glasses/sunglasses inside.

I have also been to many beachside eateries and resorts where folks were wearing nose protection indoors. It may well not have been sunscreen but medication. Who knows? No one batted an eye in any case. Mr. Ketchum's getup is obviously a joke or gimmick.

In any case your comparison is still laughable.

[Dario Western]

I think it is these obese middle-aged prudes that put people right off naturism. We are visual creatures, and no matter what trends may come and go, virtually all of us would rather much want to see young nubile musclebound gods and goddesses playing volleyball and dancing than some slovenly smelly drunk hairy hippies looking bored out of their mind whilst lolling on couches.

If they claim that their lifestyle is healthy then they should be striving to LOOK the part - it's walking the walk and talking the talk.

The other problem is sexual predators like swingers and child molestors who go to nudist places to solicit patrons for sexual favours. They do the lifestyle no good at all, and simply have textiles pointing fingers and saying "I KNEW that these people are all perverts."


Dario Western

[Gothmog]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by Dario Western:
I think it is these obese middle-aged prudes that put people right off naturism. We are visual creatures, and no matter what trends may come and go, virtually all of us would rather much want to see young nubile musclebound gods and goddesses playing volleyball and dancing than some slovenly smelly drunk hairy hippies looking bored out of their mind whilst lolling on couches. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

If they're at a nudist facility they're obviously not prudes.

And if one is going to nudist locales just to gawk at "beautufil" bodies then they are there for the wrong reasons and don't have a clue about nudism/naturism. They're as bad as the gawkers at beaches. I say let them be "put off" and leave.. the nudists (and nudism) are better off without em.

As someone else said on here, nudism is not about being seen, it's about BEING.

[Naked_Justin]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by Dario Western:
I think it is these obese middle-aged prudes that put people right off naturism. We are visual creatures, and no matter what trends may come and go, virtually all of us would rather much want to see young nubile musclebound gods and goddesses playing volleyball and dancing than some slovenly smelly drunk hairy hippies looking bored out of their mind whilst lolling on couches.
</div></BLOCKQUOTE>

"Smelly and drunk" would make any human immediately unattractive.

As for, "virtually all of us would rather much want to see young nubile musclebound gods and goddesses playing volleyball and dancing," maybe that's true, but I'm not one of them.
I prefer average normal people.
I've never been interested in the "model" types.

When talking nudism to others, who I initially don't if they are nudists or not, most often I get the reaction of, "But I'm too ugly for that" and/or "Nudists are people who shouldn't be seen naked."
Any attempt to refute said statements winds up being futile.


Justin

[not4long]

I was at a club and there was a very over weight lady who needed a cane to get around. I did not find that a turn-off instesd I thought it was great that she was out there having good time. She was laughing and talking to everyone and did not seem to be slowed down by her situation.

[PascoDoug]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">If they claim that their lifestyle is healthy then they should be striving to LOOK the part - it's walking the walk and talking the talk. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

I'll add to what has been said and say that the health benefits of nudism have nothing to do with weight or appearance. Just being without clothes, and having the sun on all your skin (in moderation) is healthy. Not to mention the mental health benefits.

Also, just because someone doesn't "look" healthy (by your standards) doesn't mean that they aren't. You can be a large person and be healthy.

IMHO it's shallow attitudes like Mr. Western's that do harm and "turn off" people to nudism.

[NudeAl]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by PascoDoug:
<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">If they claim that their lifestyle is healthy then they should be striving to LOOK the part - it's walking the walk and talking the talk. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

I'll add to what has been said and say that the health benefits of nudism have nothing to do with weight or appearance. Just being without clothes, and having the sun on all your skin (in moderation) is healthy. Not to mention the mental health benefits.

Also, just because someone doesn't "look" healthy (by your standards) doesn't mean that they aren't. You can be a large person and be healthy.

IMHO it's shallow attitudes like Mr. Western's that do harm and "turn off" people to nudism. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

I second that.
I have had to try very hard for a number of years and thousands of arguments to get my wife to go with me to nude resorts. She is over weight and she is now handicaped and has to use a cane to get around. We have been going now as a couple for many years and only once did she over hear a rude remark about her weight and this was from a young 20 something couple that we had never seen before and never did see again. My point is you do not know what physical or mental problems a person has and you shouldn't be so quick to judge others on their appearance.

I go to a nearby nude beach quite often and I have seen many more young people there than at the clubs I go to. I don't know why this is but I have seen it first hand. I think if we want to get more young people interested we need to pursue having more recognized nude beaches since that appears to be there preference.