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From: trb@masscomp.UUCP (Andy Tannenbaum)
Newsgroups: net.rec.nude
Subject: Re: Mainstreaming nude recreation
Message-ID: <133@masscomp.UUCP>
Date: Fri, 11-Nov-83 22:16:44 EST
Article-I.D.: masscomp.133
Posted: Fri Nov 11 22:16:44 1983
Date-Received: Sun, 13-Nov-83 12:08:57 EST
References: <284@bbncca.ARPA> <289@houxh.UUCP>
Organization: MASSCOMP, Littleton, MA
Lines: 38

I was amused by Pete Lamaster's recent comment here about why Americans
are less tolerant of nudity than Europeans.  He says:

	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.

The maturity of European culture?  Explain to me how European culture
is more "mature" than American culture.  Tell me how you can compare
something as broad as the maturity of a continents' cultures in this
day of rapid travel and communications.  Even if we say that Europe
does treat sex and nudity with more dignity, that doesn't imply
anything about their general level of maturity.  A child doesn't get
hyped up about sex and nudity even after you explain what's going on,
does that imply a higher level of maturity on the child's part?

That wasn't really my point, this is my real point (note well).  Pete
says that the rub is that we Americans closely connect nudity and sex.
I'd agree, my question is what difference does that make?  In a
rational sense, how is nudity good and beautiful whereas sex is
anything less?  In a rational sense, why should it be bad for nudity to
associate itself with sex?  If you're going to point your finger at a
problem, figure out why sex carries a bad connotation.  I sure can't
figure it out.  Lick that one and nudity falls out in the wash.

Note, by the way, that what's "wrong" with sex isn't that you're
naked while doing it.  People are uptight about any display of
physical affection or acquaintance in public, more or less.  I know I
am to some extent.

	Andy Tannenbaum   Masscomp Inc  Westford MA   (617) 692-6200 x274