Is the distinction between nudism and sex over emphasized?

[TreyS]

It seems to me that nudism is one of the few activities for which one would feel a need to argue that the activity is distinct from sex. Even though there are some people who don't seem to realize that nudism and sex are distinct, I wonder if the distinction still isn't a bit over emphasized.

[fre2bnude]

I often think that it is over emphasized, but, you can understand why. So many people, mostly non nudists, equate sex and nudity. Nudists are sexual people, but there's a time and a place for it, that's what so many textiles can't understand - public nudity does not equate with sex.

[nacktman]

Yes it is.
fre2bnude has it right as to why, which unfortunately leads to more nudity equals sex in the minds of some who think if they so stridently deny it, it must be true.
It is a tough row to hoe, but the message that nudism and sex are not equated is getting through - mighty damn slow but it is getting through.
I have found that letting them think as they will actually works better for those that have the gumption to find out, discover the truth and the ones without the gumption to find out for themselves wouldn't believe the truth in any case.
Of course this applies mostly to the USA as it is the most repressed nation and the prevailing attitude among the repressed is the ol' nudity equals sex hogwash.
There are a few bright spots piercing the darkness.

[Naturist4Ever]

a) most of the (western) world is under rather puritain influences where people rarely see those of the opposite gender naked unless it is in the context of sex; probably 50% or more of things naked are in one or other way tied into something sexual

b) it must be said that - certainly outside established naturist resorts - nudism/naturism (think beaches etc) do atract a certain amount of people (99% men) who are there for sexual reasons - either for gawking or worse, clothed and unclothed.

b) unfortunately, especially it seems in the UK and the US a lot of people seem to "happily" mingle nudist lifestyles with more liberated/everything goes/swinging lifestyles.

It is very clear that in countries like Germany (and even more so east-germany) where simple nudity/naturism is something one almost grows up with, the association of nudity/nudism/naturism with sex is far more remote. I also refer to the Dresden video-clip posted here by simonsebs (check recent posts) that just shows how different attitudes can be. Not to mention it was aired on regular TV.

I personally don't think it is overemphasised.

[Bobby Hill]

.....................NO

[FishyDave]

Originally Posted by TreyS

It seems to me that nudism is one of the few activities for which one would feel a need to argue that the activity is distinct from sex. Even though there are some people who don't seem to realize that nudism and sex are distinct, I wonder if the distinction still isn't a bit over emphasized.

Fair point, and maybe it is, though naturism does have a rather unusual problem in this respect. You don't see the game of golf being used as a pretext for a gang-bang back at the 19th hole: If you did, then a lot of the people who only went to the golf course to hit a ball with a stick would be very upset indeed. No doubt they'd be doing their best to defend their position as 'genuine' golfers. I suppose it would add a whole new meaning to 'improving your swing.'

And that's our problem: We break one social taboo (the one about public nudity) and end up being used as a vehicle for breaking other taboos. I've always said that the only thing you should assume about a naturist is that they'll be comfortable being naked around other people in certain situations where a non-naturist wouldn't. Beyond that, they can be as tolerant or intolerant as everyone else. But people will insist on assuming that if we don't have a problem with public nudity then we don't have a problem with public sex.

So having to over-emphasise the non-sexuality of naturism is one of naturism's few necessary evils. It's our only defence in keeping the whole thing wholesome and family-friendly. Unfortunately, for much of the time, even that isn't enough.

Personally, I don't have a problem with people who engage in casual sex, but I do get hacked off about being judged as one of them when I'm not. I don't think what they do is morally reprehensible, but I can see why others (especially those with strong religious views) might judge them that way, and I have no wish to be judged for participating in the lifestyle when I don't. I should have no shame about admitting to what I do, but I know that as soon as you mention "the 'n' word" people will more often than not make incorrect assumptions. No wonder so many of us are still in the closet

[Baron Lake]

It's certainly true that in Western society nudity is primarily associated with sex (it sells man, it sells). Do you suppose much of the "true nudist" community objects to the association because it makes it (nudity) more difficult to defend or because they object to sex as much as "normal" people object to simple nudity? Wonder what Stu thinks.

b.l.

[Naturist Mark]

For the majority of the public, and especially for public officials, the distinction is not clear enough.

[Greys]

It's only over emphasized in that it shouldnt need to be emphasized at all.

[obiwan11]

I agree that it is overemphasized and it "should" not need to be, in the same way that people "should" not be closed-minded: the word "should" is an expression of a more ideal world, whereas we live in a world that is less than ideal in that respect.

Saying that being nude is not about sex, in this society, is perhaps similar to a woman in a place like Iran or Saudi Arabia saying, "showing my hair is not about sex" or "showing my face is not about sex" ... we are arguing for a cultural shift away from a mindset that certain arbitrary parts of the human body are unfit to be seen by others.

(PS less than 3 weeks to spring!!!)