Weekly Wrap: Sep 14
This week on Planet Nude: East Germany's socialist nudism, nudism in Nigeria, and how a nudist community in California is coping with loss. Plus new Strips!
Welcome to another Weekly Wrap. This week, we explored East Germany’s socialist nudism and how freikörperkultur (FKK) became a symbol of equality and body freedom under socialism. We also covered the heart-wrenching first part of a series on the tragedy at Olive Dell Ranch, examined the challenges of practicing nudism in Nigeria, and gave an update on the Olive Dell Ranch murder case. And as always, we released brand-new webcomics on Strips for your enjoyment.
Read on to catch up on the stories from this week on Planet Nude! 🚀
This week on Planet Nude 🪐
‘FKK in der DDR’: East Germany’s socialist nudism
In this compelling article, Curtis Atkins unpacks the surprising rise of state-supported nudism in East Germany. He explores how freikörperkultur (FKK) became a symbol of equality and body freedom under socialism, merging with the political ideals of the German Democratic Republic. Atkins takes readers through the unique cultural evolution of FKK, revealing how the East German government embraced nudism as a counter to capitalist exploitation of the body. A fascinating look at how political ideology intertwined with naturism in a way few might expect.
Olive Dell Ranch: Making sense of the senseless
In this deep dive, Evan Nicks explores the heart-wrenching tragedy that has shaken the close-knit Olive Dell Ranch community. Part one of this series examines the lives of Stephanie and Daniel Menard, whose sudden and violent deaths have left their friends and neighbors grappling with grief and unanswered questions. With tensions already high due to management changes and legal battles, the tragedy has only deepened the divides. Through intimate interviews and careful reporting, Nicks reveals the complex emotions at play as the community searches for healing.
Listen to this article as a podcast:
Nudism and identity in Nigeria
In this eye-opening piece, Nahna James shares insights from their groundbreaking study on the challenges and triumphs of practicing nudism in Nigeria. The article explores how Nigerian nudists navigate a society steeped in tradition, modesty, and cultural norms that often clash with the principles of body freedom. Through personal stories and interviews, James sheds light on how individuals within this secretive community are redefining body image, challenging stigma, and advocating for greater acceptance. This article provides a thoughtful and nuanced look at a little-discussed aspect of Nigerian identity and culture.
Sparks pleads not guilty in Olive Dell Ranch murders
Michael Royce Sparks has pleaded not guilty to the murder of his neighbors, Daniel and Stephanie Menard, at Olive Dell Ranch. Sparks, 62, remains held without bail after the court’s decision. The community continues to mourn the loss of the beloved couple as the case moves forward with the next hearing in October.
Podcasts this week 🎧
New Nudist Podcast: Naked Dan
In episode 37 of New Nudist Podcast, Evan sits down with Dan Hawkins, a passionate advocate for nudism, live from the 93rd annual AANR convention at Shangri La Ranch in Arizona. Dan has been an art model for over 40 years, is an author of naturist-themed fiction under the pseudonym D.H. Jonathan, and was recently elected as the new president of AANR Southwest. We explore his journey as someone who is “nude inclined” and his contributions to the naturist movement on multiple fronts.
Still in rotation:
This week on Strips 🚀
Asada & Mischa
“Do Drawings Have Genders?”
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Nudie Cutie Comics
“Noblese Oblige”
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That’s a wrap
That officially wraps up this week! Join us next Saturday for more insights and stories from the week ahead. 🪐
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