I met Martinez once, very briefly. I also participated in several X-plicit Players performances in People’s Park in Berkeley. I truly appreciate this excellent piece of writing and reporting.
I was saddened again when I read this fine article. Thank you for its tone and content. I was first saddened when I learned of Andrew Martinez's suicide. He was so Thoreau a person who wanted to offer a simple example on how we each can change the world. Baxandall's microcultures are growing with backyard pools, hot tubs, and sauna for skinny-dipping house parties. Welcoming friends and strangers to one's clothes-free home for pot-lucks or meditation has become more popular. In 1919, William Calhoun Walker wrote in the first American nudist publication "Common Sense": "Oh, if heaven is a place where everyone is happy and comfortable I am going to pick a secluded part of the Elysian Fields where folks never wear clothes and where the fashion never changes. And, I fancy I will find congenial company there, too!" I expect that Walker is there with Baxandall enjoying themselves in conversation with Martinez.
Life is complicated as is the history of every topic. As a history instructor I tried to point out to my students that what we are taught on the service is only popular history. That doesn't mean its necessarily true or accurate. The story told of Andrew Martinez fits that model. This well written article helps us get a better understanding of his story and message. Glad I'm a subscriber to get this kind of information.
I met Martinez once, very briefly. I also participated in several X-plicit Players performances in People’s Park in Berkeley. I truly appreciate this excellent piece of writing and reporting.
I was saddened again when I read this fine article. Thank you for its tone and content. I was first saddened when I learned of Andrew Martinez's suicide. He was so Thoreau a person who wanted to offer a simple example on how we each can change the world. Baxandall's microcultures are growing with backyard pools, hot tubs, and sauna for skinny-dipping house parties. Welcoming friends and strangers to one's clothes-free home for pot-lucks or meditation has become more popular. In 1919, William Calhoun Walker wrote in the first American nudist publication "Common Sense": "Oh, if heaven is a place where everyone is happy and comfortable I am going to pick a secluded part of the Elysian Fields where folks never wear clothes and where the fashion never changes. And, I fancy I will find congenial company there, too!" I expect that Walker is there with Baxandall enjoying themselves in conversation with Martinez.
“Comment” is too small a word for what you’ve written, Carl. It’s beautiful. Thanks.
I’ve been interested in his story since he made headlines. Thank you for the article.
It’s long past due for the collected writings of Lee Baxandall.
Life is complicated as is the history of every topic. As a history instructor I tried to point out to my students that what we are taught on the service is only popular history. That doesn't mean its necessarily true or accurate. The story told of Andrew Martinez fits that model. This well written article helps us get a better understanding of his story and message. Glad I'm a subscriber to get this kind of information.