I really appreciated this, and I believe your view that “naturism” today lacks an ethical and philosophical ground - not because there isn’t one, but perhaps because of a focus on the body separated from the mind. I wrote an article for the magazine “The Naturist Association” and was encouraged to write more by the staff at TNA, but didn’t I felt insecure in my abilities to articulate my views - especially Process Philosophy.
A great thought-provoking article. I agree it is hard to understand naturism until you try it. For those who are skeptical I have asked this question a few times: "Do you like skydiving?" The usual response is: "I don't know, I have never tried it." Well consider naturism in the same way except there is a whole lot less risk of dying. I have to admit I have had little success, but maybe I have helped raise the awareness about naturism just a little bit.
Your idea is good, except for one thing. Many people, women especially, are afraid of being naked with others, and even more so with strangers. They imagine dangers that aren't present in naturism. Yet significant fear is associated with nudity, just as with skydiving. It would be better to ask whether people have tried certain "exotic" cuisines, such as Afghan, Ethiopian, Korean, or Burmese. All of these can be delicious, most people have no experience with them, but there's little risk in trying them (except maybe for people with allergies), so there's little automatic fear. Instead, people may think - gee, that would be interesting to try.
I have only tried the skydiving question with men who were uncomfortable with a naked guy in an all male locker room sauna. I do see your point regarding women. However, in general I am not comfortable discussing naturism with women, unless they ask me specifically about it. And, not surprisingly, so far none have.
I really appreciated this, and I believe your view that “naturism” today lacks an ethical and philosophical ground - not because there isn’t one, but perhaps because of a focus on the body separated from the mind. I wrote an article for the magazine “The Naturist Association” and was encouraged to write more by the staff at TNA, but didn’t I felt insecure in my abilities to articulate my views - especially Process Philosophy.
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1fiCN5BWhRLzCe0qBhC8XDbgWTMEY86_-hsio7N5zJuk/edit?usp=drivesdk
A great thought-provoking article. I agree it is hard to understand naturism until you try it. For those who are skeptical I have asked this question a few times: "Do you like skydiving?" The usual response is: "I don't know, I have never tried it." Well consider naturism in the same way except there is a whole lot less risk of dying. I have to admit I have had little success, but maybe I have helped raise the awareness about naturism just a little bit.
Your idea is good, except for one thing. Many people, women especially, are afraid of being naked with others, and even more so with strangers. They imagine dangers that aren't present in naturism. Yet significant fear is associated with nudity, just as with skydiving. It would be better to ask whether people have tried certain "exotic" cuisines, such as Afghan, Ethiopian, Korean, or Burmese. All of these can be delicious, most people have no experience with them, but there's little risk in trying them (except maybe for people with allergies), so there's little automatic fear. Instead, people may think - gee, that would be interesting to try.
I have only tried the skydiving question with men who were uncomfortable with a naked guy in an all male locker room sauna. I do see your point regarding women. However, in general I am not comfortable discussing naturism with women, unless they ask me specifically about it. And, not surprisingly, so far none have.