Are all nudists exhibitionists?

[Gary Naturist]

Here is the definition of exhibitionist from Wordnet, published by Princeton University:
someone with a compulsive desire to expose the genitals.

The difference between not nude and nude is exposure of the genitals.

People who want to be nude are, by definition, people who want to expose their genitals.

Does this make all nudists exhibitionists?

Gary

[Gary Naturist]

Here is the definition of exhibitionist from Wordnet, published by Princeton University:
someone with a compulsive desire to expose the genitals.

The difference between not nude and nude is exposure of the genitals.

People who want to be nude are, by definition, people who want to expose their genitals.

Does this make all nudists exhibitionists?

Gary

[hm0504]

No.

Using Princeton's definition (which may be questionable), nudists do not have a "compulsive desire" to expose their genitals -- they just don't care about it.

I have no doubt there are some exhibitionists who parade around thinking they are nudists.

[Naturist Mark]

You might also want to tighten up the definition of "expose" as it relates to the definition of "exhibitionist".

"Expose" in the case of exhibitionism has a clear connotation of deliberate display to other people.

A nudist isn't so much interested in "exposing" the genitals as in uncovering them. They don't necessarily care if anyone looks or not.

-Mark

[Nudony]

American Heritage Dictionary:

1 - The act or practice of deliberately behaving so as to attract attention.
2 - Psychiatry: A psychosexual disorder marked by the compulsive exposure of the genitals in public.

In other words, you have to really want for other people to see your genitals to be considered an exhibitionist; and as Mark said, that is not a typical nudist's purpose.

[Nude in the North]

I agree.
I think that is why so many "textiles" can't come to terms with nudists.
They think that being nude is the same thing as Indecent Exposure.
Dropping your pants in front of a bus load of little girls is not the same, as walking along a beach or mowing the lawn.
An Exhibitionist seeks out Victims and feels pleasure from their reaction.
A nudist only seeks out freedom.

Steve

[grl66]

quote:

Originally posted by Nude in the North:

An Exhibitionist seeks out Victims and feels pleasure from their reaction.
A nudist only seeks out freedom.

Steve

Couldn't have said it any better.

[luvnaturism]

quote:

Originally posted by Gary Naturist:

People who want to be nude are, by definition, people who want to expose their genitals.

Gary

You don't get the right answer when you start with wrong assumptions. Exhibitionists want to expose themselves for sexual gratification; naturists just want to be free of clothes, and don't care who does or does not see them—-except that most wouldn't want to be the object of sexual attention, the very thing that an exhibitionist craves.

This topic did make me curious enough to look up "nudist" in Wikipedia. Both "nudist" and "naturist" are covered under the broad title of "nudism." Wikipedia has a large, well-balanced collection of material reviewing nudism around the world.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Naturist

[nudenwv]

i don't think of myself as an exhibitionist. i have always been more relaxed when nude. of course when nude i'm going to expose my genitals. does not bother me others see me.

[NudeAl]

As someone else said I'm sure their are some out their who have exhibitionist tendencies who are nudists. However, I think the vast majority just enjoy being nude for the feelings of freedom and sense of well being they bring. I don't feel I have a desire to expose my genitals so much as a desire to feel the gentle caress ofo the wind and the warmth of the sun on my whole body. I think most nudists/naturists make little distinction between the skin on their face and arms and the skin on their boobs and buns. It's simply another area of the body to us not some taboo dark hidden secret. We just don't have a lot of hang ups about our bodies. We treat as I think we should no big deal.

[Bob S.]

"someone with a compulsive desire to expose the genitals."

Compulsive desire is the major phrase, Gary. That is a psychological definition. And that definition is also woefully very incomplete.

Everyone can be considered an exhibitionist when they take a shower or change clothes.

There must be more to an exhibitionist than merely the compulsion to expose the genitals. There must also be intent and location. Can an exhibitionist exist when he has a compulsion to remove his clothes only in private? Just to his wife? Because of sensitive skin?

Nudists don't have the compulsion to expose their genitals. They have the want to be able to be naked around others who share that feeling. It's also not the genitals they are concerned with, it is their whole body.

Bob S.

[DoctorSurferDude]

If you interpret it too vaugely, then nearly all children are exhibitionists.

Can a child be an exhibitionist if they like to be naked? I don't think so....

Nudism is the same....purity is key

[Ben_m]

quote:

Originally posted by hm0504:I have no doubt there are some exhibitionists who parade around thinking they are nudists.

Nor do I, although and there also seem to be just a few nudists who fear they are exhibitionists .

[Guy L]

It is natural and normal to be proud of our bodies. Our genitals are parts of our body. Therefore, it is normal to like to show that also...

quote:

Originally posted by Bob S.:
"someone with a compulsive desire to expose the genitals."

Compulsive desire is the major phrase, Gary. That is a psychological definition. And that definition is also woefully very incomplete.

Everyone can be considered an exhibitionist when they take a shower or change clothes.

There must be more to an exhibitionist than merely the compulsion to expose the genitals. There must also be intent and location. Can an exhibitionist exist when he has a compulsion to remove his clothes only in private? Just to his wife? Because of sensitive skin?

Nudists don't have the compulsion to expose their genitals. They have the want to be able to be naked around others who share that feeling. It's also not the genitals they are concerned with, it is their whole body.

Bob S.

[nudeM]

I tend to agree with the notion that nudists don't really care who is looking. I also agree that an exhibitionist will seek out those whom they (the exhibitionist), would like to get a thrill by showing them (the public) their genitals.

Just my opinion