TAN Article on Women in Naturism

[Doug H]

In the most recent issue TANaturist, there is an article on "Women in Naturism" by the president of Synetech videos. In it, he confirms some known issues, points out a paradox, then poses a new viewpoint on a widely-held naturist belief. I heartily recommend that anyone, who can lay a hand to a copy of it, should read it.

It does mention two of the commonly thought deterents to women entering naturism: gender imbalance, especially at beaches and public areas, and the behavior of certain individual men at those venues. However, he pokes a hole in the issue of body image by mentioning, as most here know, that most women that do go to naturist places and events are not knockouts. Why? Could it be that women, especially attractive ones, are still sensitive to being labeled as "loose"? And this, by extension, brings about concerns about personal safety. That said, once a fashion style, such as string bikinis, cutoff shirts, and low-rise trousers, becomes "in", many women will adopt it to appear conventional. Putting it bluntly, if being nude on the beach becomes vogue, and teenage girls will scream if made to wear anything at the beach at all.

Another point that the author brings up is the criticism of using attractive young women in videos as ambassadors of naturism. Yes, it can raise unrealistic expectations and attract the "wrong" crowd, but there is logic in what the author wrote. Basically, he states that female nudity is generally perceived as less threatening than male nudity; therefore, in trying to convince the skeptical that it is OK, using women in examples versus men should work better. It can also lay the groundwork for the fashion trend mentioned above. The article's author has had much success in recruiting models for his videos, and subsequently, most enjoy the experience and continue with the lifestyle. Have those in organized naturism choosing not to use a valid and potentially valid marketing tool?

The article's author also made mention of the need for a more active style of resort to attract younger people to naturism, but that is being addressed in another forum.

Anyone have comment? (Dumb question, I know.)

Doug H.

[Doug H]

In the most recent issue TANaturist, there is an article on "Women in Naturism" by the president of Synetech videos. In it, he confirms some known issues, points out a paradox, then poses a new viewpoint on a widely-held naturist belief. I heartily recommend that anyone, who can lay a hand to a copy of it, should read it.

It does mention two of the commonly thought deterents to women entering naturism: gender imbalance, especially at beaches and public areas, and the behavior of certain individual men at those venues. However, he pokes a hole in the issue of body image by mentioning, as most here know, that most women that do go to naturist places and events are not knockouts. Why? Could it be that women, especially attractive ones, are still sensitive to being labeled as "loose"? And this, by extension, brings about concerns about personal safety. That said, once a fashion style, such as string bikinis, cutoff shirts, and low-rise trousers, becomes "in", many women will adopt it to appear conventional. Putting it bluntly, if being nude on the beach becomes vogue, and teenage girls will scream if made to wear anything at the beach at all.

Another point that the author brings up is the criticism of using attractive young women in videos as ambassadors of naturism. Yes, it can raise unrealistic expectations and attract the "wrong" crowd, but there is logic in what the author wrote. Basically, he states that female nudity is generally perceived as less threatening than male nudity; therefore, in trying to convince the skeptical that it is OK, using women in examples versus men should work better. It can also lay the groundwork for the fashion trend mentioned above. The article's author has had much success in recruiting models for his videos, and subsequently, most enjoy the experience and continue with the lifestyle. Have those in organized naturism choosing not to use a valid and potentially valid marketing tool?

The article's author also made mention of the need for a more active style of resort to attract younger people to naturism, but that is being addressed in another forum.

Anyone have comment? (Dumb question, I know.)

Doug H.

[FireProf]

Sure,

First, I think my wife is still a "Knockout" even if she doesn't meet the authors quidelines or criteria.

Second, I do think that portraying nudists as these young, toned, well built people, especially the women is false. We've been to the beaches, resorts and some clubs. I haven't seen many of these model types around. The videos should really portray women in naturism as they really are. [img]/infopop/emoticons/icon_cool.gif[/img]

[Doug H]

Well, judging by the videos of Synetech, this author's definition of "knockout" is a more diverse than Hugh Hefner's. I would actually expect to meet a woman with these looks in everyday life. In my personal opinion, the average woman is more beautiful than she will allow herself to believe.

As for the author's case on beautiful women as ambassadors of naturism, the case is made much better in the author's own words, as opposed to my very humble attempt to paraphrase. Another way of putting it is that young attractive people (women in particular) are hesitant to go to naturist places and events because when they collect info, they see few like themselves there. Why not show them what it would be like if there were more like them there? Valid question in my opinion.

Doug H.

[Angel]

quote:

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Originally posted by Doug H:
[qb]Another way of putting it is that young attractive people (women in particular) are hesitant to go to naturist places and events because when they collect info, they see few like themselves there. Why not show them what it would be like if there were more like them there? Valid question in my opinion.[/qb]

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A point to ponder:

Why the focus on recruiting "young, attractive" people into nudist life? Why *not* just show reality the way it is, with middle-aged less-than-perfect bodies?

The middle-aged less-than-perfect bodied folks are likely to have a lot more acceptance and self-confidence than the younger crowd, and may be more likely to say "What the heck", and try it.

And *those* people are more likely to have kids that, seeing mom and dad's comfort level, will grow into it themselves.

Sometimes I think there's just a *bit* too much emphasis on "young", and *way* too much emphasis on "attractive".

My 2 cents. [img]/infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif[/img]

[hw]

Well said, Angel.....nudeM and I visited a c/o beach this weekend....Pirates Cove. There may have been 6 women total on the beach that I saw. The only female I saw walking the beach totally nude was 20 something. The other women I saw there were more confined, staying in one spot. Probably in the 30 or 40's age group, with only their tops removed. There were a few "Looky Loos", the men that go for the view! These are the people that make it uncomfortable for women to go to these places, or at least remove all clothing. Just a thought. [img]/infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif[/img]

[Fresh Air]

I say paint it for what it is. If freedom and openess is what nudism is about then honesty should be a primary component. "Target Advertising" to try to attract certain subgroups over others is too manipulative for my taste. I don't feel this is somewhere we should try to play God in. We could end up destroying what we hold sacred. If the present will affect the future we should let nature take it course and stop seeking to turn what we have into an improved eutopia. Just be honest about what it is, who is a part of it, and what it means to you. Accept the eutopia as is. In doing so, one just might acheive the environment one seeks.

[CAPE COD NUDISTS]

Angel and hw,

I agree with you both 100%. No one is a perfect 10. We've been to a few nude beaches and resorts everyone looks "normal". No real knockouts or either sex. It is rare when you see one. If you do they are usually not taoally nude.
Our bodies our unique and we are all individuals. What I may think about how a person looks, either clothed or nude, may be totally opposite of what my wife thinks or what you think.
We became nudists about a year ago, kind of daring each other at a resort in Jamaica. Since then we have been to a couple of resorts and beaches and both enjoy the freedom it offers. We have also found out that other nudist are extremely friendly and helpful. We were at a local nudist campground for a day visit. Someone came down to the beach and told me that one of my tires on my truck was low. He told me to stop by his camper as he had a battery powered air pump. Now I ask you would this happen any where else? Probably not.

[hw]

Thanks CAPE COD NUDISTS. I would like to think that even the textiles would alert others of the low tire. Have a great day. [img]/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif[/img] [img]/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif[/img]

[SUNLUVR]

This is a bit of a dilemma is'nt it; especially for the promoter types who have something at stake, namely the continued growth and sucess of their particular interests.

I have nothing at stake, except my continued ability to enjoy the Ocean and other wonders of Nature, in the nude with others who share the love of freedom and the freedom to love.

Maybe that is why I only see the beauty in others when I am nude with them. I accept them uncritically as they stand before me.

I have a large collection of glossy nude female photos, air brushed and in the perfect lighting. They are all very young to me. They are idealized versions of the person portrayed. They are there to promote themselves and an image of beauty defined by others.

If we must be promoters of something, let's promote the idea that when we strip ourselves of our clothing, we strip down to our souls. We lose the affectation of our props. We hve no wrist watch to check, impatiently anticipating the arrival of our one true love. We have no pen and pad or palmcorder in our pocket with which to perform critical analysis of the day's events.

Without saying it, we reveal our vulnerabilities to one another in an instant. What can we do but dissolve into our own essence. The essence of existence is Love, I'm told.

[Bob S.]

In regards to the topic of "Target Advertising" the term Fresh Air used. In three forums that I regularly participate in, the topic of how best to get teens into the lifestyle has come up, sopmetimes regularly.

When talking in those terms, we talk about what activities would attract them and keep them naked. And we have agreed that lack of activities and similar lack of same-aged peers are two major impediments to their continuing in the nudist world.

The same thing can be said for any demographic. Retirees would not want to move into a place where all-night parties and loud music by rowdy youths are common. Young adults generally do not want to move someplace where Frank Sinatra is considered pop music and bingo night is considered a highlight of the week. I know that whenever I am in a situation where I am the youngest person there, I am uncomfortable.

That said, we also cannot get ourselves into false or misleading advertising where the image that we promote is radically different than reality. When targeting women, use women and families. When targeting teens, use teens. When targeting young adults, use young adults. When targeting men... But when showing specific destinations, use realism and show what is available, show a cross-section of people at play and rest.

Honesty is the best ambassador. The wrappings that come with that honesty are less important.

Bob S.

[Doug H]

quote:

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Originally posted by Bob S.:
[qb]That said, we also cannot get ourselves into false or misleading advertising where the image that we promote is radically different than reality. When targeting women, use women and families. When targeting teens, use teens. When targeting young adults, use young adults. When targeting men... But when showing specific destinations, use realism and show what is available, show a cross-section of people at play and rest.

Honesty is the best ambassador. The wrappings that come with that honesty are less important.

Bob S.[/qb]

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You've said it best of all. Unfortunately, I don't think much is being done in targetting at all. I often feel like the youngest, or amongst the youngest at any given venue, and I'm a very young 34! I do think that more could be done within the naturist community to show that nude recreation is something for women and young people. And to do that, young people and women need to be shown in naturist situations. Those that do often get criticism for doing so.

Doug H.