I appreciate your acknowledging that nudists are on both sides of the aisle. I love nudism, have friends on both sides, and am very interested in politics that directly affect nudism. However, I am not interested in hearing political rants about "that other side." The other day, I was listening to an older podcast on which you were a guest, and you seemed like a good guy. I do hope that Planet Nude will continue to promote nudism and not Twitter-worthy politics. I'm a simple man and would miss the cartoons if I had to unsubscribe.
If you’d miss the comics, the good news is that you can “unsubscribe” from articles and subscribe only to the comics, if you like. Do so here: https://www.planetnude.co/account
Of course, comics are, famously, NEVER political… 😉
One example that comes to mind was Evan's article of November 12th titled, "Your body, my choice". Personally, I wouldn't give any publicity to the source he references but I get the point. Evan's statement, "respect and freedom without compromise" is admirable and agree with it. However, I sometimes wonder if nudists standing in "solidarity" isn't just a one way street. I mean, how often to you hear someone representing another group say, "I stand in solidarity with the nudists"?
I always appreciate your thoughtful engagement, John! And you make a very strong point about that. If that kind of recognition does come from other groups, it's usually for self-serving purposes, as any "allyship" can be on some level. Though it's not a perfect fit, I am reminded of the Ghandi quote, "An eye for an eye makes the whole world blind." I am not sure if it's best to follow typical precedent in unprecedented situations, and rather than segmenting this coalition by subgroup, I think that real allyship is standing together rather than side by side—seeing our fight for body autonomy and another's fight for a different variety of body autonomy as one larger fight for body autonomy writ large.
I'm so thrilled to see this article, as this has been on my mind a lot lately...
I feel like naturists are uniquely poised to stand for freedom. Together, with our shared affinity for nudism, naturists could and should be strong advocates against those forces that legislate control over human bodies for ANY reason. We need to stop being afraid of having tough political discussions with each other and start focusing on what practical civic actions need to be taken to protect each other. No single political party holds a monopoly over authoritarian and fascistic policies that threaten bodily autonomy.
The only people who benefit from naturists avoiding political discussions with one another are the people who would legislate us into oblivion.
Thanks for sharing this well thought out essay on naturism and what it means to many. I appreciate your efforts to further the cause of a free and open world to the idea of living clothes free.
Bravo Evan. Thank you for this. It has always frustrated me to no end whenever I've heard the cries of 'keep politics out of it!' from those so determined to bury their heads in the sand that they've lost the fact that just being human is political in itself.
Keep up the fantastic work. Rainbows and lollipops are great, but without rainstorms and vegetables, our lives would be terrible indeed.
I would also like to point out that I am always flabbergasted when people choose to use the term 'politics' when speaking about issues that affect humans on a human level, or about behaviours that directly or indirectly harm others. We desperately need to have those discussions in naturism, because our very existence depends on it. We can't survive and thrive by being exclusive and shunning marginalized groups, or being complicit with growing anti-woman sentiment, or hiding from screaming fundamentalists.
Like it or not, our words and behaviours, or lack thereof, speak volumes... And being quiet in the face of brutal efforts to control and manipulate and oppress us all is just as bad as being the oppressor.
If closing your eyes and sticking your fingers in your ears and screaming 'lalalalala' is what you really want, by all means. Fill your boots.
As always, thanks Evan for sharing your always pertinent insights and thoughts. I agree with all you have said, again as usual.
I do always have concerns when, in the US, we get “Christian” regimes (usually purporting to have higher morals and completely closed to hearing differing points of view because they are “WRONG!”) we just elected such a regime and I’m very nervous about how far they are willing to go to strip freedoms from all who don’t share their point of view and fully support them.
Thank you for acknowledging that people spanning the whole political and social spectrum can find meaning and common ground in naturism. I am a conservative Christian and have sometimes felt alienated or misrepresented by some of Planet Nude's content. Yet there are many articles I do appreciate and learn from, so I stick around. I have considered submitting something in the past but wasn't sure how my perspective would be received. I'm glad to read that there's a place at the table for me as well and will consider submitting something one of these days (I'm hoping to do more writing starting in the near future). I would love to share with the world what naturism means to someone with my background and point of view. As well, if we want naturism to be more widely accepted in the US, it has to be shown that it's not a partisan issue. Once the misconceptions are swept away, there is much that conservatives can find of value in this philosophy and lifestyle. We need the support of conservative/GOP politicians if naturism is to survive in this country, but I'm afraid if we present it from only a left-wing stance, conservatives won't be able to connect with it and will dismiss it out of hand. So bravo to you for being willing to host a range of (obviously thoughtful and respectful) opinions here. I hope to share some of my thoughts with you in the near future.
The thing with Christian conservatism is that, in my not so limited experience, the vast majority are never willing to compromise on their views. Especially those that yearn for positions of power and influence. Forcing religious views in naturism is far more oppressive for average people than asking for respect and understanding from conservative or fundamentalist religious backgrounds. Naturism can only thrive when we learn to accept everyone that isn't dangerous to us as PEOPLE, and as much as many religious Conservatives want to believe it, lives that are lived counter to religious beliefs aren't inherently dangerous to them as PERSONS.
So while I would love more than anyone for naturism to truly be a common ground, the sad reality is that there is far too much control, oppression and danger from from conservative Christianity than there is from any other background and until that side of Christianity can learn to stop pushing their beliefs on society as a whole, we're never going to get to that common ground. Believe and live your life how you feel you need to, but for yourself and your family... But keep it out of laws and regulations and making others feel like their lives aren't valid.
All I will say in response is that I have met some very open-minded conservatives and some very close-minded liberals, who also felt they had to force their opinions on me and would not accept compromise. YMMV.
I agree that both are true, but there's a real disparity in the intentions of what people are trying to push most of the time. One is *generally* acceptance of others even if it goes against beliefs and the other is *generally* oppression of others if they go against beliefs... One of these things is not like the other.
“… those who feel a ‘naturist newsletter’ should take a more orthodox stance, serving primarily to promote nudism to outsiders“ -
Nicely drawing a distinction between naturism and nudism.
I like that you prefer the term ‘naturism’. It carries more than nudity.
Importantly, it carries in the INF definition, the requirement for respect for self, others and the environment. And it seeks respect from others for the practice of naturism.
In a time where respect for others is sadly lacking across the political spectrum, to advocate for it is inherently political, albeit non-aligned to any of the currently dominant centres of power.
It's absolutely amazing that anyone could think politics does NOT have a huge impact on naturism. Everywhere you go there are LAWS that affect when, where, and how naturism can be enjoyed. Laws are almost always made by politicians - who are by definition political. Laws are also shaped by judges and other public officials who interpret the laws. Judges and public officials are always either elected, appointed, or employed by people involved in politics.
Naturists should ask themselves - whenever they are directly affected by relevant laws - WHO are the people that either wrote, approved, or enforce those laws? And how can their actions be changed for the benefit of naturism? I have a Masters degree in political science. My favorite professor Harold Lasswell (one of the greatest political scientists ever) published a short book for general readers, entitled Politics: Who Gets What, When, How? Naturists need to wake up and realize how deeply politics impact naturism.
Do you want laws to treat naturism more favorably? If so, you need to elect and influence politicians who will improve how naturism is treated in our society. As Lasswell observed, politics in many ways affects what you get. How you vote is one part - but not the only part - of the results.
Since our country has just two major political parties, assuming that "partisanship" controls everything is natural - but mistaken. Politicians can be influenced to treat naturism with more respect no matter which side they're on. For instance, by how they deal with actors in their own "party". Say there's some issue affecting naturism in your own community. Then there are ways to influence officials on how they handle your issue. Businesses and lobbying organizations from the smallest to the largest do this ALL the time. Lasswell's book explains the details.
Ever heard of an organization called the "Naturist Action Committee"? Do you know that the very first point of AANR's mission statement is "Protecting nudists and naturists from policies at the local, state and federal levels that interfere with the right to enjoy clothing-free recreation in appropriate settings." And the second point is "Promoting nude recreation by educating government leaders, employers and the public." Why do you think AANR has a "Government Affairs Team"? If you're an AANR member, did you know that one of the candidates for President this year (Tim Mullins) was Chair of the GAT for 14 years?
Evan, I really appreciate you making this post and putting a lot of thought and consideration into it. Even from the beginning, nudism has had followers from both the right and the left. I’ve always considered naturism to be a third way between the two sides that highlights the better parts of both. Its power truly is in its plurality. I agree with pretty much everything you wrote. My brand of personal naturism is a lot different than most other brands of naturism because it’s highly nature focused and altruistic in attitude. I have no issues with any other naturist having different opinions for their personal brand of naturism.
What I have a problem with is naturists who don’t actively try to protect and stand up for their rights to be naturists.
The simple act of existing is political. And folks can they they’re apolitical or don’t care about politics, but politics cares about you. And starting in January, likely in an invasive way we’ve never seen, given what this new regime is openly stating. So, one might think they can hide from politics but it’s always gonna catch up with you.
Despite being a generally outspoken progressive, I have had profound disagreements with the scolding nature of more recent progressivism and have been able to find common ground on some issues with non-liberal people, as well. I’m talking farm policy or the war machine. I draw the line at human rights and affording everyone dignity and equality under the law. Those aren’t negotiable and those issues are being thrust to the forefront when you look at who was vilified to win an election.
And nudism is political too. Inherently so, as you note, because it’s about freedom to exist as we are. We need to walk together on that issue to survive. And in walking together on this issue maybe other bonds of humanity and understanding dignity and equality will develop as well.
Evan, I agree with you on the topic of politics in naturism. As a member of AANR I was proud to be at the National Assoication of State Legislators meeting when it was held in Denver a couple of years ago. I am also a former legislator, so I was able to talk to the legislators in terms they know and understand. I hope they gained a good understanding of what naturism is and how people can benefit from it. Overall, I was hopeful because of the responses I got from legislators on both sides of the aisle. It was good that many stopped at the booth not just for the great pin that was given out, but to have a meaningful conversation about the issues we as nudists face.
I appreciate your acknowledging that nudists are on both sides of the aisle. I love nudism, have friends on both sides, and am very interested in politics that directly affect nudism. However, I am not interested in hearing political rants about "that other side." The other day, I was listening to an older podcast on which you were a guest, and you seemed like a good guy. I do hope that Planet Nude will continue to promote nudism and not Twitter-worthy politics. I'm a simple man and would miss the cartoons if I had to unsubscribe.
If you’d miss the comics, the good news is that you can “unsubscribe” from articles and subscribe only to the comics, if you like. Do so here: https://www.planetnude.co/account
Of course, comics are, famously, NEVER political… 😉
Done... thanks.
One example that comes to mind was Evan's article of November 12th titled, "Your body, my choice". Personally, I wouldn't give any publicity to the source he references but I get the point. Evan's statement, "respect and freedom without compromise" is admirable and agree with it. However, I sometimes wonder if nudists standing in "solidarity" isn't just a one way street. I mean, how often to you hear someone representing another group say, "I stand in solidarity with the nudists"?
I always appreciate your thoughtful engagement, John! And you make a very strong point about that. If that kind of recognition does come from other groups, it's usually for self-serving purposes, as any "allyship" can be on some level. Though it's not a perfect fit, I am reminded of the Ghandi quote, "An eye for an eye makes the whole world blind." I am not sure if it's best to follow typical precedent in unprecedented situations, and rather than segmenting this coalition by subgroup, I think that real allyship is standing together rather than side by side—seeing our fight for body autonomy and another's fight for a different variety of body autonomy as one larger fight for body autonomy writ large.
I'm so thrilled to see this article, as this has been on my mind a lot lately...
I feel like naturists are uniquely poised to stand for freedom. Together, with our shared affinity for nudism, naturists could and should be strong advocates against those forces that legislate control over human bodies for ANY reason. We need to stop being afraid of having tough political discussions with each other and start focusing on what practical civic actions need to be taken to protect each other. No single political party holds a monopoly over authoritarian and fascistic policies that threaten bodily autonomy.
The only people who benefit from naturists avoiding political discussions with one another are the people who would legislate us into oblivion.
Thanks for sharing this well thought out essay on naturism and what it means to many. I appreciate your efforts to further the cause of a free and open world to the idea of living clothes free.
Bravo Evan. Thank you for this. It has always frustrated me to no end whenever I've heard the cries of 'keep politics out of it!' from those so determined to bury their heads in the sand that they've lost the fact that just being human is political in itself.
Keep up the fantastic work. Rainbows and lollipops are great, but without rainstorms and vegetables, our lives would be terrible indeed.
I would also like to point out that I am always flabbergasted when people choose to use the term 'politics' when speaking about issues that affect humans on a human level, or about behaviours that directly or indirectly harm others. We desperately need to have those discussions in naturism, because our very existence depends on it. We can't survive and thrive by being exclusive and shunning marginalized groups, or being complicit with growing anti-woman sentiment, or hiding from screaming fundamentalists.
Like it or not, our words and behaviours, or lack thereof, speak volumes... And being quiet in the face of brutal efforts to control and manipulate and oppress us all is just as bad as being the oppressor.
If closing your eyes and sticking your fingers in your ears and screaming 'lalalalala' is what you really want, by all means. Fill your boots.
Just don't demand we all do it.
As always, thanks Evan for sharing your always pertinent insights and thoughts. I agree with all you have said, again as usual.
I do always have concerns when, in the US, we get “Christian” regimes (usually purporting to have higher morals and completely closed to hearing differing points of view because they are “WRONG!”) we just elected such a regime and I’m very nervous about how far they are willing to go to strip freedoms from all who don’t share their point of view and fully support them.
Thank you for acknowledging that people spanning the whole political and social spectrum can find meaning and common ground in naturism. I am a conservative Christian and have sometimes felt alienated or misrepresented by some of Planet Nude's content. Yet there are many articles I do appreciate and learn from, so I stick around. I have considered submitting something in the past but wasn't sure how my perspective would be received. I'm glad to read that there's a place at the table for me as well and will consider submitting something one of these days (I'm hoping to do more writing starting in the near future). I would love to share with the world what naturism means to someone with my background and point of view. As well, if we want naturism to be more widely accepted in the US, it has to be shown that it's not a partisan issue. Once the misconceptions are swept away, there is much that conservatives can find of value in this philosophy and lifestyle. We need the support of conservative/GOP politicians if naturism is to survive in this country, but I'm afraid if we present it from only a left-wing stance, conservatives won't be able to connect with it and will dismiss it out of hand. So bravo to you for being willing to host a range of (obviously thoughtful and respectful) opinions here. I hope to share some of my thoughts with you in the near future.
Thank you for your comment. I look forward to reading your writing.
The thing with Christian conservatism is that, in my not so limited experience, the vast majority are never willing to compromise on their views. Especially those that yearn for positions of power and influence. Forcing religious views in naturism is far more oppressive for average people than asking for respect and understanding from conservative or fundamentalist religious backgrounds. Naturism can only thrive when we learn to accept everyone that isn't dangerous to us as PEOPLE, and as much as many religious Conservatives want to believe it, lives that are lived counter to religious beliefs aren't inherently dangerous to them as PERSONS.
So while I would love more than anyone for naturism to truly be a common ground, the sad reality is that there is far too much control, oppression and danger from from conservative Christianity than there is from any other background and until that side of Christianity can learn to stop pushing their beliefs on society as a whole, we're never going to get to that common ground. Believe and live your life how you feel you need to, but for yourself and your family... But keep it out of laws and regulations and making others feel like their lives aren't valid.
All I will say in response is that I have met some very open-minded conservatives and some very close-minded liberals, who also felt they had to force their opinions on me and would not accept compromise. YMMV.
I agree that both are true, but there's a real disparity in the intentions of what people are trying to push most of the time. One is *generally* acceptance of others even if it goes against beliefs and the other is *generally* oppression of others if they go against beliefs... One of these things is not like the other.
Yes, we are in a struggle for freedom, and that's political whether or not we "like" politics.
Very well stated, Evan. Whether we like it or not, Naturism itself is "Political".
“… those who feel a ‘naturist newsletter’ should take a more orthodox stance, serving primarily to promote nudism to outsiders“ -
Nicely drawing a distinction between naturism and nudism.
I like that you prefer the term ‘naturism’. It carries more than nudity.
Importantly, it carries in the INF definition, the requirement for respect for self, others and the environment. And it seeks respect from others for the practice of naturism.
In a time where respect for others is sadly lacking across the political spectrum, to advocate for it is inherently political, albeit non-aligned to any of the currently dominant centres of power.
It's absolutely amazing that anyone could think politics does NOT have a huge impact on naturism. Everywhere you go there are LAWS that affect when, where, and how naturism can be enjoyed. Laws are almost always made by politicians - who are by definition political. Laws are also shaped by judges and other public officials who interpret the laws. Judges and public officials are always either elected, appointed, or employed by people involved in politics.
Naturists should ask themselves - whenever they are directly affected by relevant laws - WHO are the people that either wrote, approved, or enforce those laws? And how can their actions be changed for the benefit of naturism? I have a Masters degree in political science. My favorite professor Harold Lasswell (one of the greatest political scientists ever) published a short book for general readers, entitled Politics: Who Gets What, When, How? Naturists need to wake up and realize how deeply politics impact naturism.
Do you want laws to treat naturism more favorably? If so, you need to elect and influence politicians who will improve how naturism is treated in our society. As Lasswell observed, politics in many ways affects what you get. How you vote is one part - but not the only part - of the results.
Since our country has just two major political parties, assuming that "partisanship" controls everything is natural - but mistaken. Politicians can be influenced to treat naturism with more respect no matter which side they're on. For instance, by how they deal with actors in their own "party". Say there's some issue affecting naturism in your own community. Then there are ways to influence officials on how they handle your issue. Businesses and lobbying organizations from the smallest to the largest do this ALL the time. Lasswell's book explains the details.
Ever heard of an organization called the "Naturist Action Committee"? Do you know that the very first point of AANR's mission statement is "Protecting nudists and naturists from policies at the local, state and federal levels that interfere with the right to enjoy clothing-free recreation in appropriate settings." And the second point is "Promoting nude recreation by educating government leaders, employers and the public." Why do you think AANR has a "Government Affairs Team"? If you're an AANR member, did you know that one of the candidates for President this year (Tim Mullins) was Chair of the GAT for 14 years?
Evan, I really appreciate you making this post and putting a lot of thought and consideration into it. Even from the beginning, nudism has had followers from both the right and the left. I’ve always considered naturism to be a third way between the two sides that highlights the better parts of both. Its power truly is in its plurality. I agree with pretty much everything you wrote. My brand of personal naturism is a lot different than most other brands of naturism because it’s highly nature focused and altruistic in attitude. I have no issues with any other naturist having different opinions for their personal brand of naturism.
What I have a problem with is naturists who don’t actively try to protect and stand up for their rights to be naturists.
The simple act of existing is political. And folks can they they’re apolitical or don’t care about politics, but politics cares about you. And starting in January, likely in an invasive way we’ve never seen, given what this new regime is openly stating. So, one might think they can hide from politics but it’s always gonna catch up with you.
Despite being a generally outspoken progressive, I have had profound disagreements with the scolding nature of more recent progressivism and have been able to find common ground on some issues with non-liberal people, as well. I’m talking farm policy or the war machine. I draw the line at human rights and affording everyone dignity and equality under the law. Those aren’t negotiable and those issues are being thrust to the forefront when you look at who was vilified to win an election.
And nudism is political too. Inherently so, as you note, because it’s about freedom to exist as we are. We need to walk together on that issue to survive. And in walking together on this issue maybe other bonds of humanity and understanding dignity and equality will develop as well.
This sounds like Lee Baxandall. Evan, you have caught the vision.
🙏
Evan, I agree with you on the topic of politics in naturism. As a member of AANR I was proud to be at the National Assoication of State Legislators meeting when it was held in Denver a couple of years ago. I am also a former legislator, so I was able to talk to the legislators in terms they know and understand. I hope they gained a good understanding of what naturism is and how people can benefit from it. Overall, I was hopeful because of the responses I got from legislators on both sides of the aisle. It was good that many stopped at the booth not just for the great pin that was given out, but to have a meaningful conversation about the issues we as nudists face.