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Path: utzoo!linus!decvax!harpo!eagle!mhuxl!houxm!houxh!pvl
From: pvl@houxh.UUCP
Newsgroups: net.rec.nude
Subject: Re: Mainstreaming nude recreation
Message-ID: <289@houxh.UUCP>
Date: Fri, 11-Nov-83 10:35:03 EST
Article-I.D.: houxh.289
Posted: Fri Nov 11 10:35:03 1983
Date-Received: Sun, 13-Nov-83 03:43:45 EST
References: <284@bbncca.ARPA>
Organization: Bell Labs, Holmdel NJ
Lines: 31


  I was hoping to see somebody else take a first crack at answering
this one, but I haven't yet, so I'll see if I can get things rolling.
  I'm not familiar with the European psyche and would be interested
in first-hand accounts, but I suspect that the maturity of European
culture is responsible for their generally-more-tolerant attitude
toward nudity.  I think America still closely connects nudity and sex.
A certain maturity is needed to stop sniggering and realize that one
can be enjoyed without the other.  I suppose that the use of "maturity"
is a bit pompous since I'm defining myself to be more mature than those
who oppose social nudity.  That's not wholly intended, but I can't think
of a better word.
  As to what can be done to promote support for social nudity, participating
in net.rec.nude is a good start.  Suggesting an appropriate outing with friends
(or freely providing directions for those who would rather not have you present)is another.  Another good approach is to subscribe to legitimate nudist/naturist
literature and leave it out on your coffee table for friends to casually pick
up and read.  People have to have the concept of social nudity presented to
them periodically so that it can truly become an option rather than just a
tittilating discussion topic for a moment.  Just recently some of my friends
have begun to seriously consider joining me in social nudity.  I've been
surprised because I had been suggesting it for about a year and had just about
given up trying.  Possibly not surprisingly, Hungarian (European) friends
were the first to join us.  On the other hand, I'm originally from Kansas...
   Trying to summarize, I think the problem is really one of separating
nudity and sex.  By presenting the possibility to friends, it eventually
sinks in and social nudity may become more mainstream.
   I'd certainly like to see others' feelings on the issue including anyone
reading this newsgroup who opposes social nudity (or doesn't oppose it,
but "would never do it myself").  The question is, "why not?"
  Pete LaMaster NJ (201)949-0040