an interesting comment. I think naturism is a lifestyle that offers a healthy viewpoint of body awareness and freedom. our "normal" society values of consumerism and conformity are not things to be emulated.
"Antidote to civilization." If crisis means danger and opportunity, we may have an opportunity approaching. Remembering "The Limits to Growth," we should think about China's demographic collapse, global food supply related to reduced access to "Green Revolution" fertilizers and to the Ukraine War, energy and European manufacturing (particularly in Germany), also related to Ukraine. (There will also be a dawning awareness that global climate change is fact.) The US will weather this shock to globalism better than any other place, and to the advantage of Canada and Mexico, although it will be uncomfortable and many of us won't understand what is going on. Courage! Venceremos!
This was great. Sorta captures all my thinking and why I’m at a crossroads myself in terms of do I continue to be a member of our associations that seem to be slow to respond (at best) to owners retiring and selling out spaces to private property dwellers or clothed activities (in VT, CA). Should our associations be working hard to preserve these spaces, especially as the loons start calling everything they hate pejoratives like “grooming?” It seems like all I see are history and pudding tosses. Yay??
This represents a welcome shift in the conversation about naturism particularly online. I have long believed and espoused the view that for naturism to grow it needed to represent something more than naked vacation, naked bodies and suntans. From what I have learned of him Baxandall did wanted to accomplish that as well. I have often wondered what he would think of the stat of naturism today Thank you for sharing your perspective and his views
Aug 21, 2023·edited Aug 21, 2023Liked by Evan Nicks
Excellent piece - thank you.
One thought: although the ideals of naturism are paramount, in my opinion, the commodification and commercialization of nudism that we see at resorts and elsewhere is largely due to the need for businesses that cater to nude recreation to survive financially. That often leads to events and activities that perhaps are not fully in sync with naturist principles. I think that's a perfectly acceptable and pragmatic approach to maintaining and growing spaces where nudity can be freely practiced: if you don't like the brash, gaudy, 'cruise ship entertainment' or the cheap junk food, then just visit your local resort when those events are not on, and bring your own healthy for for a picnic, and just go for a peaceful contemplative nude hike in nature on the resort's trails.
Lee was a joy to be with and discuss these issues. Not only did he see naturism as an "Antidote to civilization" but that he also wrote something like "one indication of a civilized society is nude beaches". He had the advantage of a publishing house and made use of it for his ideas. It is unfortunate that his creative vision of a Society, Foundation, and Action Committee working in concert, which he orchestrated beautifully, has gone Into discord. This article captures some of the concerns of focusing on the business model to attract and keep customers with newsy stories and popular activities. Naturism and "N" magazine has lost its political and social commentary that were so rich with Lee's directions and contributions.
Thank you for this very fine article about how to foster the mind-set and not just the businesses and laws that "permit" naturism, but the concepts and beliefs that allow for social nakedness as part of understanding our place in the larger social and physical environment.
I think it is wrong to contrast the normalization of nudity with its legal legalization. I think the second is impossible without the first. In a society where the majority of people are negatively opposed to nudity, who see nudity as a threat to their own and public morality, it is impossible to adopt laws that protect social nudity. Therefore, after the normalization of nudity in society, the majority can influence legislators in order to adopt the necessary laws, or at least not block their adoption.
A really well thought out and written article. The opening paragraph is one the most accurate descriptions of how naturism has transformed to what we see today. Very interesting.
Naturism originated in the early 20th century as a means of improving the body and psyche. Physical exercises in the water in the fresh air without clothes, proper balanced nutrition were promoted. Taking care of one's own body and striving to improve its external characteristics was given no less importance than spiritual development and mental health from naked outdoor practices in a circle of like-minded people. This view of naturism fits well into the philosophy of the cult of the naked body of ancient Greece, where perfect nudity was deified, and therefore was accepted and approved by the whole society. Unfortunately, in the modern definition of naturism, an indication of the desire to take care of the health of one's own body has fallen out. The emphasis is placed only on spiritual and mental health, on the acceptance of body positivity and respect for the appearance of others.
Thus, naturism has become a refuge for people who deny the pursuit of their own perfection and the need to work on themselves. Isn't this the reason for the loss of popularity of naturism among the younger generation, and, accordingly, the reduction of general interest in it in society? Isn't this the reason for the marginalization of the movement?
I think the philosophy of naturism should be based on two fundamental theses that complement each other at the same time:
taking care of one's own health, striving for one's own physical perfection and unconditional respect for the appearance of others, acceptance of surrounding people with all their external features.
As a woman, I am doubtful that philosophy put forward in the 80s/90s can be brought back. There is too much that has changed. The way bodies have been framed, distorted, commercialized and degraded in many ways by social media and increasing AI tools means we require both normalization and legitimacy.
Why does this choice have to be binary? I vote for both. The community is small enough to show support to each rather than dividing into factions.
I would feel more of a pull towards legitimization if there were intersectional notations behind why this is "the" way. We see intersectional support at many times but somehow seem to forget it when we define naturism. Naturism is only the envelope for all to naturists. To position this outside of the built-in audience, the frame needs to grow.
I hold heart for normalization of all kinds of bodied in all kinds of ways as an antidote to the prisons we live in. We see women's rights and other oppressed groups' rights being whittled down every month. This shows me that although they were legitimized at one point, their failure to be normalized left them vulnerable.
an interesting comment. I think naturism is a lifestyle that offers a healthy viewpoint of body awareness and freedom. our "normal" society values of consumerism and conformity are not things to be emulated.
"Antidote to civilization." If crisis means danger and opportunity, we may have an opportunity approaching. Remembering "The Limits to Growth," we should think about China's demographic collapse, global food supply related to reduced access to "Green Revolution" fertilizers and to the Ukraine War, energy and European manufacturing (particularly in Germany), also related to Ukraine. (There will also be a dawning awareness that global climate change is fact.) The US will weather this shock to globalism better than any other place, and to the advantage of Canada and Mexico, although it will be uncomfortable and many of us won't understand what is going on. Courage! Venceremos!
This was great. Sorta captures all my thinking and why I’m at a crossroads myself in terms of do I continue to be a member of our associations that seem to be slow to respond (at best) to owners retiring and selling out spaces to private property dwellers or clothed activities (in VT, CA). Should our associations be working hard to preserve these spaces, especially as the loons start calling everything they hate pejoratives like “grooming?” It seems like all I see are history and pudding tosses. Yay??
This represents a welcome shift in the conversation about naturism particularly online. I have long believed and espoused the view that for naturism to grow it needed to represent something more than naked vacation, naked bodies and suntans. From what I have learned of him Baxandall did wanted to accomplish that as well. I have often wondered what he would think of the stat of naturism today Thank you for sharing your perspective and his views
Excellent piece - thank you.
One thought: although the ideals of naturism are paramount, in my opinion, the commodification and commercialization of nudism that we see at resorts and elsewhere is largely due to the need for businesses that cater to nude recreation to survive financially. That often leads to events and activities that perhaps are not fully in sync with naturist principles. I think that's a perfectly acceptable and pragmatic approach to maintaining and growing spaces where nudity can be freely practiced: if you don't like the brash, gaudy, 'cruise ship entertainment' or the cheap junk food, then just visit your local resort when those events are not on, and bring your own healthy for for a picnic, and just go for a peaceful contemplative nude hike in nature on the resort's trails.
Lee was a joy to be with and discuss these issues. Not only did he see naturism as an "Antidote to civilization" but that he also wrote something like "one indication of a civilized society is nude beaches". He had the advantage of a publishing house and made use of it for his ideas. It is unfortunate that his creative vision of a Society, Foundation, and Action Committee working in concert, which he orchestrated beautifully, has gone Into discord. This article captures some of the concerns of focusing on the business model to attract and keep customers with newsy stories and popular activities. Naturism and "N" magazine has lost its political and social commentary that were so rich with Lee's directions and contributions.
Thank you for this very fine article about how to foster the mind-set and not just the businesses and laws that "permit" naturism, but the concepts and beliefs that allow for social nakedness as part of understanding our place in the larger social and physical environment.
A wonderful information about the man who devoted his life for the huge task of legitimizing the naturism.. Hats off to Him..
I think it is wrong to contrast the normalization of nudity with its legal legalization. I think the second is impossible without the first. In a society where the majority of people are negatively opposed to nudity, who see nudity as a threat to their own and public morality, it is impossible to adopt laws that protect social nudity. Therefore, after the normalization of nudity in society, the majority can influence legislators in order to adopt the necessary laws, or at least not block their adoption.
Legitimization has to come before normalization. It is not the enemy of normalization.
A really well thought out and written article. The opening paragraph is one the most accurate descriptions of how naturism has transformed to what we see today. Very interesting.
Naturism originated in the early 20th century as a means of improving the body and psyche. Physical exercises in the water in the fresh air without clothes, proper balanced nutrition were promoted. Taking care of one's own body and striving to improve its external characteristics was given no less importance than spiritual development and mental health from naked outdoor practices in a circle of like-minded people. This view of naturism fits well into the philosophy of the cult of the naked body of ancient Greece, where perfect nudity was deified, and therefore was accepted and approved by the whole society. Unfortunately, in the modern definition of naturism, an indication of the desire to take care of the health of one's own body has fallen out. The emphasis is placed only on spiritual and mental health, on the acceptance of body positivity and respect for the appearance of others.
Thus, naturism has become a refuge for people who deny the pursuit of their own perfection and the need to work on themselves. Isn't this the reason for the loss of popularity of naturism among the younger generation, and, accordingly, the reduction of general interest in it in society? Isn't this the reason for the marginalization of the movement?
I think the philosophy of naturism should be based on two fundamental theses that complement each other at the same time:
taking care of one's own health, striving for one's own physical perfection and unconditional respect for the appearance of others, acceptance of surrounding people with all their external features.
This is a thought-provoking article. Thank you.
I will, in turn, share some provocations.
As a woman, I am doubtful that philosophy put forward in the 80s/90s can be brought back. There is too much that has changed. The way bodies have been framed, distorted, commercialized and degraded in many ways by social media and increasing AI tools means we require both normalization and legitimacy.
Why does this choice have to be binary? I vote for both. The community is small enough to show support to each rather than dividing into factions.
I would feel more of a pull towards legitimization if there were intersectional notations behind why this is "the" way. We see intersectional support at many times but somehow seem to forget it when we define naturism. Naturism is only the envelope for all to naturists. To position this outside of the built-in audience, the frame needs to grow.
I hold heart for normalization of all kinds of bodied in all kinds of ways as an antidote to the prisons we live in. We see women's rights and other oppressed groups' rights being whittled down every month. This shows me that although they were legitimized at one point, their failure to be normalized left them vulnerable.