Monday, November 28, 2011
Sunday, November 27, 2011
The Great Penis Debate 0f 2011
On Nov. 16 we hosted a discussion about penises. The plan was to summarize and refine the responses we received but that proved to be impossible. There was no real consensus about erections other than yes, they probably should be covered if they happen if for no other reason than people expect you to. I’m not even sure that was a consensus. At the very least, you can read through the comments and maybe learn something about how men think about their penises!
The Penis. Every male’s first question about attending a nudist event is, “What if I get an erection?” The standard response is usually, “That’s unlikely to happen but if it does, cover it up or go in the water until it’s gone.” Right?The topic today relates to the oft-repeated idea that nudists/naturists do not view the human body as a sexual object, and see nudity as a natural state. If that is the case, why do we find an erect penis to be something to be hidden? Is it unnatural? Is it obscene? If it is accidental, is it sexual?Could it be that one who sees an erect penis or erect nipples as necessarily sexual is actually less of a ‘true’ nudist than one who sees them as a natural part of life?You can start with these thoughts and take this wherever it goes! Let’s be civil and respectful, ok? Have fun!
118 Comments on this big nudist issue, Read more
The Penis. Every male’s first question about attending a nudist event is, “What if I get an erection?” The standard response is usually, “That’s unlikely to happen but if it does, cover it up or go in the water until it’s gone.” Right?The topic today relates to the oft-repeated idea that nudists/naturists do not view the human body as a sexual object, and see nudity as a natural state. If that is the case, why do we find an erect penis to be something to be hidden? Is it unnatural? Is it obscene? If it is accidental, is it sexual?Could it be that one who sees an erect penis or erect nipples as necessarily sexual is actually less of a ‘true’ nudist than one who sees them as a natural part of life?You can start with these thoughts and take this wherever it goes! Let’s be civil and respectful, ok? Have fun!
118 Comments on this big nudist issue, Read more
Sunday, November 20, 2011
Egypt's naked blogger is a bomb aimed at the patriarchs in our minds
By posing naked, Aliaa Mahdy has brilliantly challenged the misogyny and sexual hypocrisy of Egypt's leaders
When a woman is the sum total of her headscarf and hymen – that is, what's on her head and what is between her legs – then nakedness and sex become weapons of political resistance. You can witness how nudity sears through layers of hypocrisy and repression by following Aliaa Mahdy, a 20-year-old Egyptian who lit the fuse of that double-H bomb when she posted a nude photograph of herself on her blog last week.
Full story
When a woman is the sum total of her headscarf and hymen – that is, what's on her head and what is between her legs – then nakedness and sex become weapons of political resistance. You can witness how nudity sears through layers of hypocrisy and repression by following Aliaa Mahdy, a 20-year-old Egyptian who lit the fuse of that double-H bomb when she posted a nude photograph of herself on her blog last week.
Full story
Monday, November 14, 2011
I'll be posting less as I take on another job
The fight for nudism acceptance in the United States surges on with many folks committed to maintaining our basic right to happiness. Keep fighting the good fight!
I'll still post from time to time, thanks for making this my most successful blog.
I'll still post from time to time, thanks for making this my most successful blog.
Friday, November 11, 2011
The Skinny on Nudism in the U.S.
People who do stuff in the buff say there are a lot of misconceptions in U.S. society about what they are doing and why
There are nude cruises, camping grounds, tennis courts, and motorcycle rallies across the country. There are at least three nude summer camps just for teens and about 260 clothing-optional family resorts in North America—nearly twice the number of ten years ago, according to the American Association for Nude Recreation.
"Naturists" say the benefits to sloughing off both clothes and convention include a sense of freedom and a better self image.
Clothing Optional
"I've taken lots of friends to nudist beaches, both men and women," said Mark Storey, an editor of Nude and Natural magazine and a philosophy professor at Bellevue Community College in Washington State. Storey is also the author of Cinema au Naturel: A History of Nudist Film.
"Some of them walked away thinking it was great, some walked away thinking it was boring. But they all walked away thinking, Most people look somewhat like me."
Read more
There are nude cruises, camping grounds, tennis courts, and motorcycle rallies across the country. There are at least three nude summer camps just for teens and about 260 clothing-optional family resorts in North America—nearly twice the number of ten years ago, according to the American Association for Nude Recreation.
"Naturists" say the benefits to sloughing off both clothes and convention include a sense of freedom and a better self image.
Clothing Optional
"I've taken lots of friends to nudist beaches, both men and women," said Mark Storey, an editor of Nude and Natural magazine and a philosophy professor at Bellevue Community College in Washington State. Storey is also the author of Cinema au Naturel: A History of Nudist Film.
"Some of them walked away thinking it was great, some walked away thinking it was boring. But they all walked away thinking, Most people look somewhat like me."
Read more
Tuesday, November 8, 2011
15 Things You Should Know About Breasts
My Breast Friends [infographic]
The very fruit of the female anatomy. Peaches, melons, you’ve heard it all before…That’s right: boobies. The lovable funbags we’re all very familiar with.
So, what’s the big deal? What’s so magical about these gelatinous masses? Well, for one, they attract quite a lot of attention. Some women detest this, some love it, and some hunger for it. On the other end of that spectrum, there’s the men that have breasts and never wanted them… Poor guys. That’s why we have plastic surgery!
Whether it’s for approval, reconstructive, or purely “enhancing” motives, breast augmentation is the #1 cosmetic procedure in the US. Unfortunately, those procedures come with a variety of possible aftereffects. Those who wish to have a gallon or so of silicon in their bodies will often pay a dear price.
Excellent graphic dealing with most issues about women's breasts.
Click for more
The very fruit of the female anatomy. Peaches, melons, you’ve heard it all before…That’s right: boobies. The lovable funbags we’re all very familiar with.
So, what’s the big deal? What’s so magical about these gelatinous masses? Well, for one, they attract quite a lot of attention. Some women detest this, some love it, and some hunger for it. On the other end of that spectrum, there’s the men that have breasts and never wanted them… Poor guys. That’s why we have plastic surgery!
Whether it’s for approval, reconstructive, or purely “enhancing” motives, breast augmentation is the #1 cosmetic procedure in the US. Unfortunately, those procedures come with a variety of possible aftereffects. Those who wish to have a gallon or so of silicon in their bodies will often pay a dear price.
Excellent graphic dealing with most issues about women's breasts.
Click for more
Monday, November 7, 2011
NetNude Naturist Site
International naturist/nudist site featuring information, chat facilities, message board, and pictures from participating naturists worldwide.
Home Page
Home Page
What is Naturist-Christians.org?
Our emphasis is on how Christians can live naturally in their homes and enjoy recreational or social activities while free of clothing and shame. In our forums we will talk about how that works, and in our albums we will show pictorial evidence of Christian naturism in action. You will see natural affection, by way of smiles and occasional hugs, but nothing more. You will not see enticing shots inviting the thought of eroticism, that is not what we are about.
Home Page
Home Page
Topless protests slam Ukraine’s future as global football bordello
The pro-active Ukrainian women's movement FEMEN have staged a topless protest against what they say are UEFA’s plans to turn economically weak Ukraine into a destination for sex tourists from around the globe. Read more
Sunday, November 6, 2011
Mike and Tracy's Naturist World
I'll recommend some wholesome nudist sites from time to time.
Welcome to Mike and Tracy's Naturist World. We are naturists living in New England. Naturism is a lifestyle that allows us to enjoy ourselves and the world around us as nature intended. Stripped of clothing, we are opened to the beauty that surrounds us, both in nature and in other people. We enjoy visiting beaches and clubs in our area as well as destinations throughout the world. We invite you to join in our adventures as you explore the pages in this site and learn what naturism is all about.
Visit the site
Welcome to Mike and Tracy's Naturist World. We are naturists living in New England. Naturism is a lifestyle that allows us to enjoy ourselves and the world around us as nature intended. Stripped of clothing, we are opened to the beauty that surrounds us, both in nature and in other people. We enjoy visiting beaches and clubs in our area as well as destinations throughout the world. We invite you to join in our adventures as you explore the pages in this site and learn what naturism is all about.
Visit the site
Saturday, November 5, 2011
Testimonies: First experience at a nude resort
I had never at this point in my life, intentionally stripped off and fully exposed myself to not only the suns rays but also the beams of everyone else who populated the beach. I grabbed a long chair, dragged it down to waters edge, bore my soul and began to relax. Within minutes the whole drama, the whole heart-pounding anxiety that I had earlier felt had completely dissipated. Nude seemed totally natural and the sense that everyone was going to sneak a peek was completely unfounded. The only one doing that was me! I was amazed though; I have to tell you. The stereotype for Hedonism envelopes the old, the flabby, the red-neck. Those people that we in the civilized world consider to be less. To have morals and shapes that are all bent and twisted. This could not have been more wrong.
Read more
Are nudists actually swingers?
Most non-nudists have preconceived notions about the nudist lifestyle. Orgies and sexual activities are supposed to be the norm while walking around nude in public, right? That’s not exactly true.
Nudist parks and/or resorts are usually family oriented. That means that on any given day, you will see children of all ages running around playing and splashing in the pool-totally nude. It would be very inappropriate to engage in any sexual activity around them!
But, there are some parks and/or resorts that are ‘adult only’ and members must be at least 21 or over to join. These locations are not sponsored by the American Association for Nude Recreation (AANR). ANNR has ‘been the credible voice of reason for nude recreation since 1931’ and is the organization that gives guidance and educational information about nudist parks and resorts all over the world.
Nudist parks and/or resorts are usually family oriented. That means that on any given day, you will see children of all ages running around playing and splashing in the pool-totally nude. It would be very inappropriate to engage in any sexual activity around them!
But, there are some parks and/or resorts that are ‘adult only’ and members must be at least 21 or over to join. These locations are not sponsored by the American Association for Nude Recreation (AANR). ANNR has ‘been the credible voice of reason for nude recreation since 1931’ and is the organization that gives guidance and educational information about nudist parks and resorts all over the world.
Friday, November 4, 2011
Janet Jackson exposure fine is dropped
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) appealed to the US Supreme Court in 2008 to force the TV network to pay a $550,000 (£345,270) fine.
The FCC said it was disappointed by Wednesday's ruling. CBS said it was grateful for the decision.
The 3rd US Circuit Court of Appeals in Philadelphia said that in imposing the fine, the FCC "improperly imposed a penalty on CBS for violating a previously unannounced policy".
Full piece BBC
Love Your Body: 8 Reasons to Feel Great About Who You Are
These are some reasons why you should feel good about your body:
1. It enables you to recognize yourself, and other people to recognize you. Which is really important, because there are billions of people in the world. You have stuff going on that no one else does. It's fantastic. It's a really good thing. In fact, I want to meet you, just to see all the ways in which we're interestingly different and comfortingly similar.
2. It is incredibly complicated, but tends to work. And you're alive. Which is absolutely astounding, when you take a moment to think about it.
3. Even though you can recognize yourself, you always look different. How you feel and what you do and who you're with and what kind of mirror you're looking in all shift and rearrange the way you appear to yourself. It's cool. Sometimes it's awful. Sometimes you feel like total crap. But there's always potential for startling beauty. Or surprising awesomeness.
4. No matter what you look like, you're hot to other people. Like, seriously hot. Except to internet trolls. Even supermodels aren't hot to them. Once I read someone's rant about how big Gisele Bundchen's nose is. Which made me feel like my nose was about the size of, let's say, the moon. But longer. My friend told me that she was feeling really ugly the other day and then someone on the street was like, "Hey, you're beautiful!" A homeless guy on the street told me I have a gorgeous ass two nights ago. OK, not exactly the same. The point is -- it's pretty sweet that we're all attractive. Did I really mess that point up, with the homeless guy comment? Moving on.
Read more
1. It enables you to recognize yourself, and other people to recognize you. Which is really important, because there are billions of people in the world. You have stuff going on that no one else does. It's fantastic. It's a really good thing. In fact, I want to meet you, just to see all the ways in which we're interestingly different and comfortingly similar.
2. It is incredibly complicated, but tends to work. And you're alive. Which is absolutely astounding, when you take a moment to think about it.
3. Even though you can recognize yourself, you always look different. How you feel and what you do and who you're with and what kind of mirror you're looking in all shift and rearrange the way you appear to yourself. It's cool. Sometimes it's awful. Sometimes you feel like total crap. But there's always potential for startling beauty. Or surprising awesomeness.
4. No matter what you look like, you're hot to other people. Like, seriously hot. Except to internet trolls. Even supermodels aren't hot to them. Once I read someone's rant about how big Gisele Bundchen's nose is. Which made me feel like my nose was about the size of, let's say, the moon. But longer. My friend told me that she was feeling really ugly the other day and then someone on the street was like, "Hey, you're beautiful!" A homeless guy on the street told me I have a gorgeous ass two nights ago. OK, not exactly the same. The point is -- it's pretty sweet that we're all attractive. Did I really mess that point up, with the homeless guy comment? Moving on.
Read more
Naturism and Race
This post came out of discussions about how to make naturist events more inclusive. It is deliberately quite short, we are wanting to tease out some of the wider issues in later posts. We are looking for people who are interested in sharing their own personal experiences with us, please get in touch through the contact details here.
Have you noticed how everyone in the naturist community is white? Well, maybe not everybody, but there is certainly a noticeable lack of people of colour in our community. Its worth noting that quite a lot of other communities; vegans, feminists, activists, etc. also have this problem.
How can we explain this? Asking around, a few people have made vague attempts to explain it away with “cultural differences”, but this doesn’t seem to sit right with me. The “cultural differences” explanation puts the work in addressing this problem back onto communities of colour, or at least somewhere external to our community. It says that people of colour need to change their cultural identity in order to fit in to our (white, western) naturist community.
Whilst culture, particularly religious ideology, may play its part – there is nothing innately white about a liberal attitude towards non-sexual nudity, nor is the anything innately non-white about a more moralistic attitude.
Full piece
Have you noticed how everyone in the naturist community is white? Well, maybe not everybody, but there is certainly a noticeable lack of people of colour in our community. Its worth noting that quite a lot of other communities; vegans, feminists, activists, etc. also have this problem.
How can we explain this? Asking around, a few people have made vague attempts to explain it away with “cultural differences”, but this doesn’t seem to sit right with me. The “cultural differences” explanation puts the work in addressing this problem back onto communities of colour, or at least somewhere external to our community. It says that people of colour need to change their cultural identity in order to fit in to our (white, western) naturist community.
Whilst culture, particularly religious ideology, may play its part – there is nothing innately white about a liberal attitude towards non-sexual nudity, nor is the anything innately non-white about a more moralistic attitude.
Full piece
Wednesday, November 2, 2011
Vacation Naked
Vacation Naked takes you inside the worlds most luxurious clothing optional resorts. Meet the people who vacation naked. Cameras aren't allowed in these resorts but, ours are! Dayle Hoffmann is your host as well as co-writers & co-producer. Watch more at youtube.com/vacationnaked
The Courts Are Still Ruling on Janet Jackson’s Super Bowl Nipple
Seven years (almost eight, at this point) after Janet Jackson's intentional "wardrobe malfunction" at the Super Bowl and the $550,000 fine leveled against CBS is still being argued in court. Just today an appeals court in Philly threw out the case. Now it might be headed back to the Supreme Court.
Yes, the Janet Jackson Nip Slip was heard by the Supreme Court in 2009 and sent back to the appeals court. Today the appeals court ruled that because the FCC created a new policy in order to fine CBS for the offending aureola without announcing the change in advance, it acted arbitrarily and therefore illegally. Yes, that means there is no fine. But now it might go back to the Supreme Court again. This thing just follows us around like some kind of stink we can't get rid of.
Source
Yes, the Janet Jackson Nip Slip was heard by the Supreme Court in 2009 and sent back to the appeals court. Today the appeals court ruled that because the FCC created a new policy in order to fine CBS for the offending aureola without announcing the change in advance, it acted arbitrarily and therefore illegally. Yes, that means there is no fine. But now it might go back to the Supreme Court again. This thing just follows us around like some kind of stink we can't get rid of.
Source
Tuesday, November 1, 2011
Being nude: Nothing unnatural about it
New Delhi : Kedar Ramanathan brightens up at the prospect of finding himself alone at home. He slips out of his clothes, brews himself some coffee and turns on the music. He roams around the house naked, taking pleasure in just being in his own skin.
While many would view his activities as kinky and bordering on sexual perversion, Pune-based Ramanathan doesn't actually have sex on his mind.
Far from it, being in the buff is his way of feeling free, shedding both physical and emotional baggage and being close to nature. He is a naturist, or in other words a nudist.
Naturism is a way of life that advocates practising nudism - both in private and public - without indulging in any sexual activities.
A fairly popular concept in the US, Britain, Canada and Thailand, a regular nudist meet abroad has both men and women engaging in any activity - from cooking to cycling to sunbathing - with only one precondition, everyone should be naked.
However, timid first-timers can be allowed to turn up fully-clothed to get used to the nudity around them. No one stares, no one gets erotic ideas. The whole idea is to have a friendly get-together -- sans clothes.
Read more
While many would view his activities as kinky and bordering on sexual perversion, Pune-based Ramanathan doesn't actually have sex on his mind.
Far from it, being in the buff is his way of feeling free, shedding both physical and emotional baggage and being close to nature. He is a naturist, or in other words a nudist.
Naturism is a way of life that advocates practising nudism - both in private and public - without indulging in any sexual activities.
A fairly popular concept in the US, Britain, Canada and Thailand, a regular nudist meet abroad has both men and women engaging in any activity - from cooking to cycling to sunbathing - with only one precondition, everyone should be naked.
However, timid first-timers can be allowed to turn up fully-clothed to get used to the nudity around them. No one stares, no one gets erotic ideas. The whole idea is to have a friendly get-together -- sans clothes.
Read more
This is why we fight
Some people have asked why there has to be an "-ism" around being nude. Why isn't being nude enough just by itself? Why does there need to be a movement behind it? Simply put, nudity can't defend itself. We need people to stand up for nudity; to advocate for it; to calmly and patiently explain why it's not evil or sinful or otherwise bad.
Because otherwise, we get stories like this. To say that Lindsay Lohan's career has been a train wreck is an insult to both trains and wrecks; it's been a complete and utter disaster. She needs something to get back in the public eye. Someone has apparently convinced her that posing in Playboy would do the trick, and so that's what she's doing. Even though she said back in 2005 that she'd never do such a thing. What a difference six years of self-destruction make, eh?
Here's a few things that come to mind about this. One: Magazines like Playboy, and far more pornographic stuff, exist because of the attitude our society holds around nudity. The textile world attaches all these taboos to the nude body, making it either something to be lusted after (for the "beautiful" bodies) or something to be shamed and hidden (for the rest of us.) There's no room in this mindset for the healthy appreciation and celebration of the body that is naturism. And that's why, instead of being a completely uninteresting career decision by a now B-list actress, this is such big news.
Read more
Because otherwise, we get stories like this. To say that Lindsay Lohan's career has been a train wreck is an insult to both trains and wrecks; it's been a complete and utter disaster. She needs something to get back in the public eye. Someone has apparently convinced her that posing in Playboy would do the trick, and so that's what she's doing. Even though she said back in 2005 that she'd never do such a thing. What a difference six years of self-destruction make, eh?
Here's a few things that come to mind about this. One: Magazines like Playboy, and far more pornographic stuff, exist because of the attitude our society holds around nudity. The textile world attaches all these taboos to the nude body, making it either something to be lusted after (for the "beautiful" bodies) or something to be shamed and hidden (for the rest of us.) There's no room in this mindset for the healthy appreciation and celebration of the body that is naturism. And that's why, instead of being a completely uninteresting career decision by a now B-list actress, this is such big news.
Read more
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)