I just finished reading an article in the recent 'N' magazine that is a continuation of the conversation about the aging of naturism in America. The author went on to paint a bleak picture of aging baby boomers with nobody behind them to fill the void. He nearly admonished the general public for not being more supportive of the landed clubs, projecting that as many as half of these clubs are likely to close within the next two decades. (Paraphrase - not a quote!)
On the other hand, every time I read anything in the mainstream press, they quote AANR in noting that the naturist travel industry is growing by leaps and bounds, and that there is a greater attraction to nudist resorts and activities with a distribution throughout the age and socio-ecomomic distribution. The success of places like Desert Shadows and the resorts in Florida and the Carribean provide tangible evidence that people of all ages are more willing than ever to enjoy recreational nudity.
So which is it? Nudism is dying - or nudism is becoming mainstream? I understand the intent of the first article in that the traditional, long-time clubs are suffering and that things need to change. But maybe what needs to change is how these clubs are perceived by (and marketed to) the general public.
And what about the internet community? Ten years ago it was almost impossible to meet other naturists without joining a club, let alone the difficulties of finding a club or resort that is now simply a mouse click away.
So here's the question - What's REALLY going on out there? Are more people willing/interested in nude recreation than before? Or are we falling to the conservative, narrow trends prevalent in other parts of our society right now? Are the numbers growing or declining?
Paul
On the other hand, every time I read anything in the mainstream press, they quote AANR in noting that the naturist travel industry is growing by leaps and bounds, and that there is a greater attraction to nudist resorts and activities with a distribution throughout the age and socio-ecomomic distribution. The success of places like Desert Shadows and the resorts in Florida and the Carribean provide tangible evidence that people of all ages are more willing than ever to enjoy recreational nudity.
So which is it? Nudism is dying - or nudism is becoming mainstream? I understand the intent of the first article in that the traditional, long-time clubs are suffering and that things need to change. But maybe what needs to change is how these clubs are perceived by (and marketed to) the general public.
And what about the internet community? Ten years ago it was almost impossible to meet other naturists without joining a club, let alone the difficulties of finding a club or resort that is now simply a mouse click away.
So here's the question - What's REALLY going on out there? Are more people willing/interested in nude recreation than before? Or are we falling to the conservative, narrow trends prevalent in other parts of our society right now? Are the numbers growing or declining?
Paul
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