This essay discusses the facts about nudism.
IIntroduction
Nudism is not generally considered a part of American culture, though nude beaches have long been accepted in Europe. Now, however, there is a growing movement in the U.S. towards nudism. Nude vacations, nude clubs, nude resorts—all are popular, and more are on the way.
This paper discusses the facts about nudism and its practice. (It’s been difficult to find much about nudism; this could be because the field is still growing, or because it is considered embarrassing or shameful; it’s impossible to tell.)
IIA Long History
Nudism has been practiced for centuries, but only now is finding its way to the “mainstream” of society. The American Association for Nude Recreation (AANR) is the largest organization in the United States promoting nudism. It was founded in 1929 as the “American League for Physical Culture”; then it became the American Sunbathing Association (ASA); and finally the American Association for Nude Recreation (AANR) in 1995. Among other things, the Association “publishes material promoting nudism, assists affiliated clubs with advertising and recruitment of new members, and sends lobbyists to Washington to aid legal battles related to nude recreation.” (Woodall, PG).
AANR says that membership has increased by 76 percent in the last ten years, and that it now has 50,000 individual members.
The composition of the group is very diverse, and doubtless reflects the fact that nudists cannot be categorized, except perhaps as smart and successful. AANR conducted a survey in 1997, which revealed that 92 percent of the Association’s members are over 35, and 47 percent earn more than $50,000 per year. In addition, 83 percent have some college, and 22 percent have advanced degrees. These figures are significantly higher than those for the general population. (Woodall, PG).
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(Woodall points out that there’s no way to know if nudism makes people smarter, or if it’s simply the fact that older, more well-to-do people come to the Association. There’s no way to tell, but it’s interesting nonetheless.)
Another nudist organization, the Naturist Association (serious nudists refer to themselves as “naturists”) says that the percentage of American adults who have tried sunbathing naked in the presence of other people increased by five percent from 1991 to 1992. “On a good day as many as 5,000 can gather at beaches like Sandy Hook in New Jersey—ten times the figure a decade ago.” (“Topfree, Bottomfree,” PG).
The San Francisco area has 50 nude beaches.
Surprisingly, federal law does not prohibit nudity on federal beaches, and most states are fairly lax about enforcing any ordinances they might have on the books. In California, state parks officially prohibit nudity, but “the law can be enforced only if there is a complaint by a member of the public, and only after the nudist has been given the chance to get dressed.” (“Topfree, Bottomfree,” PG).
In Florida, nude sunbathing was outlawed in the 1980’s, but is now making a comeback; Miami permits topfree bathing. Some of the newfound freedom is directly tied to the economic realities of the hospitality industry: unless they were allowed to sunbathe topfree, many European tourists would simply leave; keeping them in Miami is more important than keeping them clothed. (“Topfree, Bottomfree,” PG).
IIIGood or Bad?
Like any human activity, nudism can be either a pleasant, wholesome, family activity, or a perverse ritual. In order to present the facts, I must admit that a search for “nudism in Sanford Florida” turned up about 60 listings, of which more than half were porn sites; 10-12 were listings of gay male nude organizations; and a few were strange articles not relevant to the topic. Certainly, then, we must admit that there can be – although there does not have to be – an element that seeks nudism for overtly sexual reasons; particularly gay sex.
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However, organizations such as AANR promote nudism as a truly liberating experience. Seeing many other people nude, they say, helps us all understand that we need not have perfect bodies to be considered people of intrinsic value. By seeing others with less-than-perfect bodies, we can begin to accept ourselves. This psychological freedom to be who we are, without having to worry about meeting some societal standard, is a significant experience for many people.
Finally, an indication of the growing acceptance of nudity as an accepted leisure activity might be found in the fact that there is an increasing number of travel professionals who are working with nudists, and groups of nudists, to plan vacations and outings. All-nude cruises have been underway for several years; and this May, if all goes well, Naked Air will have the first all-nude flight. (Brass, PG).
Every source I found that discusses the policies of nudist organizations states clearly that people are never forced into situations in which they will be uncomfortable, but instead are allowed to decide when and where they will disrobe. There is no pressure, and no expectations, simply a welcome from others who understand how difficult it is. An article in Marie Claire quoted four women who had gone nude to various events, and they all said the same thing: after they made up their minds to do it, they had a wonderful time; possibly the best time of their lives, because they had made themselves completely vulnerable, and thus completely open to whatever happened.
IVConclusion
Though there are always those who will find nudism disgusting, most of the sources I read discuss the freedom and openness that comes from being nude with other people. Trivial concerns about bodily appearance disappear, and one is able to relax and truly connect with others as never before. There are many reputable organizations for nudists, and although there are obviously some places that are not desirable, it appears that the great majority is family-oriented, clean, healthy and interesting.
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VReferences
Brass, Kevin. “Nudist Travel: Agents Capitalize on Clothing-Optional Niche.” TravelAge West 27 Jan 2003: 1. Retrieved 31 March 2003 from The Gale Group, San Diego Public Library, San Diego, CA at: http://web3.infotrac.galegroup.com/itw/infomark/791/466/59682802w3/purl=rc1_ITOF_0_A98386420&dyn=23!xrn_2_0_A98386420?sw_aep=sddp_main
Hudepohl, Dana. ”Yes This Woman Is Nude!” Marie Claire Feb 2003: 64-69. Retrieved 31 March 2003 from The Gale Group, San Diego Public Library, San Diego, CA at: http://web3.infotrac.galegroup.com/itw/infomark/791/466/59682802w3/purl=rc1_ITOF_0_A96442505&dyn=25!xrn_1_0_A96442505?sw_aep=sddp_main
“Topfree, Bottomfree.” The Economist (US) 15 Aug 1992: A19. Retrieved 31 March 2003 from The Gale Group, San Diego Public Library, San Diego, CA at: http://web3.infotrac.galegroup.com/itw/infomark/791/466/59682802w3/purl=rc1_ITOF_0_A12540741&dyn=8!xrn_31_0_A12540741?sw_aep=sddp_main
Woodall, Ellen E. “The American Nudist Movement: From Cooperative to Capital, the Song Remains the Same.” Journal of Popular Culture Fall 2002, 36: 264-285. Retrieved 30 March 2003 from The Gale Group, San Diego Public Library, San Diego, CA at: http://web3.infotrac.galegroup.com/itw/infomark/791/466/59682802w3/purl=rc1_ITOF_0_A96124473&dyn=4!xrn_7_0_A96124473?sw_aep=sddp_main
