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Subject: REC.NUDE FAQ--The Questions, Part I of III
Supersedes: <nudefq1_9509010000@OXY.edu>
Date: 2 Oct 1995 13:24:03 -0700
Summary: Questions (and their answers) frequently asked on REC.NUDE.
Posted monthly on the 1st of each month.
Version: 4.0
Changes this month: none.
Additions marked by + in column 1. Modifications marked by | in column 1.
Copies of this article may be obtained by anonymous ftp to
rtfm.mit.edu under /pub/usenet/news.answers/nude-faq/part1.Z.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ON REC.NUDE, PART I OF III
1: What is REC.NUDE?
2: What does CO, thong, etc. mean?
3: Why nude recreation?
* 3.1: But isn't it illegal?
* 3.2: Isn't nudity sinful?
4: Won't I offend someone?
5: What is the difference between a naturist and a nudist?
6: Appearance Concerns
* 6.1: What if I (a male) get an erection?
* 6.2: What if I (a female) am menstruating?
* 6.3: I just had surgery and have a scar. What will people think?
7: But doesn't nudity equate with sexuality?
8: Does one go naked all the time?
9: What if I meet somebody I know from work?
10: How does one explain to kids when nudity is/isn't acceptable?
11: Where can I find a CO beach/resort near me?
12: What should I take with me when I visit a nude beach or resort?
13: I would like to participate in REC.NUDE, but am afraid to post. Is
there is an anonymous posting service?
_________________________________________________________________
1: What is REC.NUDE?
From the REC.NUDE charter: "REC.NUDE serves as a medium for
exchange of views, news, philosophies, and ideologies relating
to the nudist and naturist lifestyles.
Here you will find discussions of locations to enjoy nature
naturally, notifications of legal proceedings affecting
nudists/naturists, notices of gatherings and trips, and
spirited discourse on issues relating (most times) to nudism."
REC.NUDE is NOT a place to pick up someone.
Harassing/threatening mail or posts are NOT desired or
condoned. See question 7 (and its answer). Flames may be
directed to ALT.DEV.NULL.
General cross-posting of messages in NOT encouraged, especially
not with the various alt.sex newsgroups. Threads get confused
and the discussion quickly gets "off track".
2: What does CO, thong, etc. mean?
* AANR - American Association for Nude Recreation (was ASA)
* ASA - American Sunbathing Association (obsolete, now the AANR).
* Bulletin, The - AANR's publication.
* Canuding - canoeing in the nude.
* CCBN - Central Council for British Naturism.
* CO - Clothing-Optional
* ESA - Eastern Sunbathing Association, AANR eastern region
* FANR - Florida Association for Nude Recreation, AANR Florida
Region
* FCN - Federation of Canadian Naturists.
* IMO/IMHO - In My (Humble/Honest) Opinion
* INF - International Federation of Naturists.
* N - Nude & Natural magazine, published by The Naturist Society.
* NAC - Naturist Action Committee.
* Naturist - not to be confused with NATURALIST. see question 5.
* NIFOC - Nude In Front Of Computer.
* Ob[xxx] (e.g. ObNude, ObBeer) - Introduces an on-topic statement
following an off-topic statement. "Ob" comes from the word
"Obligatory".
* Thong - in this newsgroup refers to G-String style swimwear.
* TNS - The Naturist Society.
* Top-free - naturist preferred term for what is commonly referred
to as topless (topless has gained undesirable connotations from
association with strip bars).
* WSA - Western Sunbathing Association, AANR western region
NOTE: nudists do no live in COLONIES -- that is an antiquated term
that should not be used.
3: Why nude recreation?
Some would retort, "Why not nude recreation?" A more
informative answer would point out that most naturists wear
clothes only when appropriate.
If it's 20 degrees and a blizzard outside, wearing clothes
makes quite a bit of sense! Conversely, it makes little sense
to go to the beach to "take the sun" and then cover some of the
body with itty-bitty little strips of synthetic (or even
natural) cloth.
The feeling of the sun, wind, and water on your body brings you
closer to the surroundings around you. Not having to worry
about sand and salt in clothing adds to your recreation (of
course, wise use of sunscreens still applies here, as much as
on a clothed beach).
When you add to this the growing body of knowledge from
researchers and sportswear industry leaders that dysfunctional
dress - too tight or skimpy swimwear - is damaging to health,
it becomes clear that nude recreation is the logical choice in
many situations...
3.1: But isn't it illegal?
...even with all this evidence, it boggles the mind as to
why many laws exist on the books to this day which
mandate the use of bathing costumes; even laws which do
not apply to nude recreation are being mis-applied to
innocent skinny dipping or sunbathing.
Although there are no U.S. Federal laws prohibiting nude
recreation on Federal lands except at Cape Cod,
concurrent jurisdiction became the catch phrase in the
early 1980s, allowing state and local laws to be enforced
by park rangers, Bureau of Land Management officers, and
the like. This insidious encroachment onto Federal turf
raises Constitutional questions and allows state and
local jurisdictions to limit or eliminate altogether many
traditional sites suitable for clothing-optional
recreation.
Western Europe is generally more tolerant, especially of
top-free bathing. Areas in public parks are specifically
set aside for the purpose of CO recreation.
In light of all this, you've got to believe that naturism
has much to offer if its participants brave legal and
physical barriers to partake. Try it, you'll like it!
3.2: Isn't nudity sinful?
Plenty of naturists find no contradiction with their
religious beliefs, Christian or otherwise -- in the US,
The Naturist Society has a Special Interest Group called
"All-Together Christians". The perceived danger is that
it leads the weak to sexual temptation. Naturists just
want Puritanical evangelists to not make judgements that
affect their lifestyle.
4: Won't I offend someone?
"Offense"...the age old question (intent v. action).
Offense is in the mind of the beholder, true. But, legal
questions turn on intent; actions by themselves do not imply
that any offense will automatically follow.
If a man intentionally exposes himself to the proverbial little
old lady, there is clear intent to do harm; the man knew that
he would elicit a negative response from the little old lady
and intended to do so by his actions.
However, if a group of people are skinny dipping and have
demonstrated a concern for others by either trekking to a
remote area or using a traditional- or designated (managed)
area, then there is clearly no intent to do harm.
This is why naturists continue to press for management rather
than banishment; naturists would get the same treatment as
other taxpayers and complainers need no longer complain.
5: What is the difference between a naturist and a nudist?
Some people will tell you nothing. Some people will spell out
the difference- in great detail. There is little difference in
the two terms as espoused by the American Association for Nude
Recreation and The Naturist Society, the US's two largest CO
organizations. Americans have been arguing the point since at
least the 1930s, while Europeans seem to have little problem
using the terms interchangeably. Most "naturists" feel a
closeness with the outdoors and are sometimes termed "beach
people". Most "nudists" tend to participate in social nudity
via resorts, camps, and other similar settings, and they tend
to practice social nudity for its own sake. "Naturists" tend to
be more active in their pursuit making sure that
clothing-optional recreation is always available.
NOTE: Some naturists/nudists do not participate in social
nudity, and some do not have or desire to have any "political"
associations with organized naturist/nudist groups. Some people
who espouse naturist/nudist philosophy don't like the labels.
NOTE: Not everyone who goes to a "nude beach" or "nudist
resort" espouses nudist/naturist philosophy or ideals -- just
as sitting in a hen house doesn't necessarily make you a
chicken, sitting on a nude beach does not make one a nudist.
6: Appearance concerns
6.1: What if I (a male) get an erection?
Most males get erections. Now for the news: these natural
occurrences in most cases are periodic and predictable.
Erections occur periodically during sleep and as the
result of internal stimuli (slam a cup of coffee and
wait...).
They also occur naturally as the result of external
stimuli meeting particular notions of sexuality. Since
each male has different criteria for being aroused, it is
difficult to assert that this erection was caused by that
stimulus.
This problem occurs far less frequently you might think.
Nude recreation is just not that much of a sexual
situation for most participants.
As in any social setting, the Golden Rule applies. If you
get an erection at a nude beach or other social nude
setting, you and the group you are with are the best
judges as to whether or not it is appropriate. Naturists
generally yield a bit of elbow room to avoid making you
feel uncomfortable; you should use your judgement to
avoid making them feel uncomfortable. If necessary, take
a swim or roll over for a short while. In any case, just
use common sense and be considerate.
6.2: What if I (a female) am menstruating?
Again, this is a natural occurrence, and it is one of the
realities of the body with which women have to deal.
If a woman is comfortable with one, a tampon is the
simplest method of dealing with that time of month. If an
external conveyance is preferred, then she would wear
shorts or bikini bottoms.
For the most part, a woman should use what she feels is
less obtrusive for her personally; others aren't going to
notice or object.
6.3: I just had surgery and have a scar. What will people think?
Naturists preach body acceptance. Being nude means having
nothing to hide. There is no perfect body and naturists
come in ALL shapes, sizes, ages, and colors. Some have
scars from surgery, some use wheel-chairs, some are
overweight, some are too thin, some have tattoos and
other body adornments, and some are "handicapped" by
being "normal" :-).
7: But doesn't nudity equate with sexuality?
This hot potato receives much discussion. Many naturists
believe that the connection arises artificially in a society
where many people see the opposite sex nude only in sexual
situations. Suffice it to say that the practice of naturism and
the pursuit of naturist values and philosophy allows one to
place sexuality into its natural perspective.
8: Does one go naked all the time?
No. That's why the term "clothing-optional" exists. Clothing
has its purposes - warmth and protection. Many naturists feel
more comfortable wearing some clothing while participating in
active sports and there are some activities that require one to
wear protective clothing while participating in them. But many
activities - swimming, especially - can be much more
comfortable and enjoyable without the confinement of clothing.
NOTE: As stated earlier, wise use of sunscreens is advocated,
as is the use of hats, and yes, even T-Shirts to shade/cover
yourself to keep from getting too much sun.
9: What if I meet somebody I know from work/school/supermarket?
Remember they are there too, just as naked as you are. Be happy
to discover that person shares something in common with you.
10: How do you explain to kids when nudity is/isn't acceptable?
It can be very confusing to kids that nudity is acceptable in
some places but not others. Some parents worry about what their
kids might tell others about you and how those others might
react. There are wide ranging opinions on this, and bringing up
the subject on the net is likely to result in an interesting,
lively discussion. Below is one such opinion which could
probably be tailored to meet the needs and circumstances of
many families:
I have been very careful to raise my kids to believe that it is
perfectly normal and acceptable to be naked whenever they want.
I hope that they will grow up to be instrumental in changing
the way people think about nudity. I have tackled the issue of
"what other people think and feel" this way. I tell my kids
that "some people do not like to be naked, and it makes them
very uncomfortable to see other people naked. It is their right
to feel that way and you should try not to make them feel
uncomfortable. That would be rude. If you are at a friends
house and you would be more comfortable being naked, ask their
mom or dad if it would be okay. If they ask you why you want to
be naked, tell them that you are more comfortable that way and
that you are always naked at home. If they say no then you must
respect their wishes. If you ever feel uncomfortable or afraid
when you are naked then you should put your clothes on and ask
to leave. If you have friends over to our house and you want to
be naked, go ahead. If your friends do not want to stay or do
not want to come back after you are nude, you will have to
decide if you want to be naked or not. I will be happy to help
you explain your point of view to your friends." I never want
my kids to think that nudity is wrong in any way.
For their protection they have known the proper names for all
body parts male and female) since they learned to speak. They
have been told that if someone touches them and it makes them
uncomfortable in any way) that they should go straight to mom
or dad and tell us. But I have always told them that it is okay
to be naked. As they get older they will have to deal with
society's pressures. Until then I intend to show them how it
could be.
It is very complicated trying to empower the kids to make their
own decisions without bowing to society's pressures. And we
have to protect our children from those who are not mentally
stable enough to deal with nudity. I don't want my kids to be
outcasts. They need to know when to compromise. If they have
the confidence and maturity to demonstrate responsible nudity,
then maybe they can help others deal with it. Perhaps they can
help our society overcome the stigma associated with nudity.
--Contributed by Paul Dumais
11: Where can I find a CO beach/resort near me?
This question is always welcome in REC.NUDE. Richard Mathews'
Beach FAQs and Part II of this FAQ give some directions and
some sources for finding out some of this information, but the
readers of REC.NUDE are generally pretty willing to give the
latest information, also. Remember, when writing to a
naturist/nudist club/resort for information, enclose a
self-addressed, stamped envelope for the reply.
12: What should I take with me when I visit a nude beach or resort?
Take a wide-brim hat, sunscreen, two towels (one to sit on),
sandals, sunglasses, and water to drink. It is also a good idea
to have something to read, something to eat, and something to
play with (like a volleyball or frisbee or your tennis
racquet).
13: I would like to participate in REC.NUDE, but am afraid to post.
Is there an anonymous posting service?
Yes and no. Most REC.NUDE participants feel that a full
anonymous posting service is not needed and would cause more
problems than it is worth. There is nothing wrong with nude
recreation and one should not be afraid to post to REC.NUDE.
That being said, there is the fact that some people are
close-minded and some people may be hassled for posting here --
some may lose jobs. To allow these people to post messages, the
following people have volunteered to accept e-mail and repost
the messages to REC.NUDE. All the "couriers" reserve the right
to edit and/or reject postings they deem inappropriate.
+ richard@West.Sun.COM (Richard M. Mathews)
+ Bill_Arnett@mindlink.bc.ca (Bill Arnett)
+ sam@wa4phy.async.com (Sam Drinkard)
_________________________________________________________________
This information is a compilation of the FAQ that existed before I
took over, material gleaned from nudist/naturist publications and of
course, email and postings from REC.NUDE. Permission must be requested
before copying or posting Copyright @ 1992-1995 Michael
O'Neal-Petterson.
Corrections, additions, positive comments/criticisms, updates and
requests for current copies should be addressed to:
mop@oxy.edu The most current version of this FAQ is always
available at http://www.oxy.edu/~mop/rnfaqp1.html
Relax and enjoy, naturally!
--
Michael O'Neal-Petterson
mop@oxy.edu
http://www.oxy.edu/~mop/home.html
