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.
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.
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.
“… 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.
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.
Our way of life in freedom & nudity is increasingly challenged in our society.
Our freedom for bodily autonomy helps us to advocate broader, more tolerant progress. Nudism/naturism does not stop at being naked, but commits us to a much greater freedom.
I completely agree that naturism is inherently political, as everything we do/are is since this is how humans work.
However, naturism is not inherently partisan but it better be. Let me explain, since we live in societies governed by the rule of law, we must do our part, take a stand and advocate for our rights. People sometimes talk about not wanting to have the government involved in naturism, well, I think it's quite the opposite since the government can set laws the make it illegal.
This makes me glad to be an European. It's not like everything is great here regarding naturism but it is much more acceptable and I believe we all are relatively close to a naturist public spot (beach, lake, park, etc).
I have made a career out of working in issues. Sometimes as an activist that explores the grassroots approach of mobilizing people and taking ownership of the definition of who we are, as controversial as it may seem, to ensure a less biased definition forming.
Other times as an activist that seeks to mobilize groups of people that may sway a representative government to listen to the plurality of its voters.
Lately my thought around naturism is on an often overlooked third approach.
I am embarking on a fellowship to explore more of this approach having previously been a research assistant for a professor in my college days. As the intro might predict. The approach was in research. The professor sought to research the implications of a new set of laws on its intended target by being peer reviewed and backed by prestigious academia it served to provide a narrative that can inform future policy and how laws are created, administered, worded, etc.
In the 1930s in Germany nudism/naturism had a very different perspective. The equivalent of its surgeon general advocated for naturism. “Freikörperkultur” or free body culture as described in the 1930s book “Among the Nudists” which explored nudism in Germany, Europe and the US. The source seeming to be Germany.
In the free body culture it promoted health and it was not like resorts of today, nudism was observed in the sense of health. It was a space to rehabilitate the body, with rigorous gymnastics and group workouts, in a more extreme approaches avoiding all meats, having a diet of mostly root vegetables and blandness. A detoxification process back in those times.
Inherently a political movement that its growing acceptance allowed even the existence in publications.
My approach to nudity is naturism. It is a means of bringing a healthy option for me, social nudity allows me to talk to people in an equalizing manner. Void of visual representation of status.
I have come to learn of ADHD this year as a diagnosis for how I think. Struggle with trying to read people and found social nudism to allow me to talk to people as I eliminate the noise from the symbols of status perceived through clothing and style.
I think there are far more health benefits. Walking alone in nature naturally or the common observation many bring up when being in a nudist beach or clothing optional pool for the first time, the freedom and feeling of how natural it all is. The melting of my depression and anxiety, the grounding. Those are worthy research topics that can elevate naturism as a health choice and provide a peer reviewed perspective to inform future policy and laws in the future.
Sun bathing is very common but one of our founding fathers(United States), Benjamin Franklin was well known to propose air bathing as an alternative in his dislike of the harshness of the sun. He proposed being nude, allowing the cold air to hit the body as a means of invigoration.
Having tried it, I can honestly say I was surprised to feel less cold at 40-50 degrees of a hike and more invigorated and connected to nature in the short 30 minute hike than had I been in layers trapped hear and moisture inhibiting natural functions of my body. Same can be said of hiking in hot humid climate as I discover the body adaptation being far more effective in keeping me cool and comfortable than if I had a thin layer of clothing trapping sweat and promoting the growth of bacteria.
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.
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.
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.
Thank you for your comment. I look forward to reading your writing.
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.
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.
Our way of life in freedom & nudity is increasingly challenged in our society.
Our freedom for bodily autonomy helps us to advocate broader, more tolerant progress. Nudism/naturism does not stop at being naked, but commits us to a much greater freedom.
Thank you Evan for this very enriching text.
Great points here, Evan.
I completely agree that naturism is inherently political, as everything we do/are is since this is how humans work.
However, naturism is not inherently partisan but it better be. Let me explain, since we live in societies governed by the rule of law, we must do our part, take a stand and advocate for our rights. People sometimes talk about not wanting to have the government involved in naturism, well, I think it's quite the opposite since the government can set laws the make it illegal.
This makes me glad to be an European. It's not like everything is great here regarding naturism but it is much more acceptable and I believe we all are relatively close to a naturist public spot (beach, lake, park, etc).
Thank you for sharing.
I have made a career out of working in issues. Sometimes as an activist that explores the grassroots approach of mobilizing people and taking ownership of the definition of who we are, as controversial as it may seem, to ensure a less biased definition forming.
Other times as an activist that seeks to mobilize groups of people that may sway a representative government to listen to the plurality of its voters.
Lately my thought around naturism is on an often overlooked third approach.
I am embarking on a fellowship to explore more of this approach having previously been a research assistant for a professor in my college days. As the intro might predict. The approach was in research. The professor sought to research the implications of a new set of laws on its intended target by being peer reviewed and backed by prestigious academia it served to provide a narrative that can inform future policy and how laws are created, administered, worded, etc.
In the 1930s in Germany nudism/naturism had a very different perspective. The equivalent of its surgeon general advocated for naturism. “Freikörperkultur” or free body culture as described in the 1930s book “Among the Nudists” which explored nudism in Germany, Europe and the US. The source seeming to be Germany.
In the free body culture it promoted health and it was not like resorts of today, nudism was observed in the sense of health. It was a space to rehabilitate the body, with rigorous gymnastics and group workouts, in a more extreme approaches avoiding all meats, having a diet of mostly root vegetables and blandness. A detoxification process back in those times.
Inherently a political movement that its growing acceptance allowed even the existence in publications.
My approach to nudity is naturism. It is a means of bringing a healthy option for me, social nudity allows me to talk to people in an equalizing manner. Void of visual representation of status.
I have come to learn of ADHD this year as a diagnosis for how I think. Struggle with trying to read people and found social nudism to allow me to talk to people as I eliminate the noise from the symbols of status perceived through clothing and style.
I think there are far more health benefits. Walking alone in nature naturally or the common observation many bring up when being in a nudist beach or clothing optional pool for the first time, the freedom and feeling of how natural it all is. The melting of my depression and anxiety, the grounding. Those are worthy research topics that can elevate naturism as a health choice and provide a peer reviewed perspective to inform future policy and laws in the future.
Sun bathing is very common but one of our founding fathers(United States), Benjamin Franklin was well known to propose air bathing as an alternative in his dislike of the harshness of the sun. He proposed being nude, allowing the cold air to hit the body as a means of invigoration.
Having tried it, I can honestly say I was surprised to feel less cold at 40-50 degrees of a hike and more invigorated and connected to nature in the short 30 minute hike than had I been in layers trapped hear and moisture inhibiting natural functions of my body. Same can be said of hiking in hot humid climate as I discover the body adaptation being far more effective in keeping me cool and comfortable than if I had a thin layer of clothing trapping sweat and promoting the growth of bacteria.