How do we talk about children in naturism?
In this #UndressedThread, let’s explore how to navigate one of naturism’s most vital—and challenging—conversations
For a century, naturism has been a family-friendly practice, promoting body acceptance and wholesome, universal values for all—even children. Yet today, cultural taboos and pedophilia panic make it harder for families with children to be public advocates for naturism, and in turn, harder for organizations like the American Association for Nude Recreation (AANR) to promote the benefits of naturism for people of all ages. In aggregate, this silence creates a vacuum that reinforces these stigmas. So, for this week’s #UndressedThread we’re curious to hear your take:
How can we promote the family-friendly nature of naturism while navigating these cultural challenges?
What strategies can help emphasize that naturism is wholesome, universal, and beneficial for all?
Let’s try to have an honest and thoughtful conversation about how we tackle this vital topic. Share your ideas in the comments. 🪐
When it comes to 'how to talk' in order to change things, it's important to understand that most people don't change their minds based on facts, evidence or statistics, at least not permanently. They might tell you that your arguments sound persuasive but a good night's sleep or a conversation with someone who holds their previous position may serve as a reset button and they come out of that as if they've never listened to a word you said.
What you need is vibes. Positive stories, don't lead with denying bad things. Show the wholesomeness and tap into people's own good memories. I've been doing my bit with my comics, I think, in creating a positive vibe.
We’ve ran into so many people that have families that say they do not include their children. The parents usually say something like they don’t want to deal with the headache if their kids say something and I just feel that’s incredibly sad for the kids they don’t get to be raised in this way of life we all know and love, but also when the parents say that it seems to send the wrong message. If you hide something, the connotation is that it’s worthy of hiding and that sends a mixed message that simple nudity needs to be hushed and hidden.
Even in our own naked adventures when people start asking us questions and when we say, “yeah there’s kids there” that’s all a few people need to recoil and say that’s horrible. We have to reply with, “what? Kids go places with their parents.”
Yes social nudity is a taboo, but people get over that, but when children aren’t included it becomes glaringly obvious they aren’t part of the mix. Even in textile society we seem to have this pedo panic that in so many situations that wouldn’t illicit a reaction now seem to raise eyebrows.
I can only assume it’s the individualization of America to the point that we no longer have communities and simply assume everyone outside our door is out to get us one way or any other instead of just being the person down the street living their life.