Terminology of Naturism
The terms naturism, nudism and social nudity are generally defined as the practice of going nude, especially in a mixed social setting. The terms naturism and nudism generally also mean that the activities are done in non-sexualized, family-friendly contexts. The usage and definition of these terms varies geographically and historically.
Those who practice naturism are called naturists, those who practice nudism are called nudists. See also: labels, associations and terminology for an extended discussion and disambiguation.
The word “naturist” should not be confused with the word “naturalist” (likewise “naturism” with naturalism).
Some people believe that the naked human body is to be accepted, respected, cherished, and enjoyed. They believe it is not inherently shameful, corrupting, degrading, or dangerous. Many of them enjoy clothes free activities. They reject views that being naked with other people is morally wrong (indecent), sexual per se (erotic or pornographic). They argue that nakedness is a healthy, natural state, that being nude is to be in the purest form, since everyone was born nude. They generally find that they quickly become so accustomed to being nude among nudes that it no longer seems very remarkable. It is, rather, simply one part of their lifestyle.
Modern social nudity is mostly a revival of ancient customs and mores, when it was more pervasive throughout the world. Even the Inuit of the Arctic went nude in their igloos. The indians of Tierra del Fuego went almost naked under conditions of snow and bitingly cold wind (In Chapter 10 of The Voyage of the Beagle, Charles Darwin commented on the hardiness of these people). Only a few small, isolated examples today survive of societies which have retained from ancient times a customary life with little or no clothing ever. They are mostly in the Amazon basin, sub-Saharan Africa, and New Guinea. They endure continuing political, economic, and cultural forces which are assimilating some and killing others, often destroying their traditional habitat. See cultural assimilation.
Social nudity in less extreme forms is practiced in many cultures, especially in the contexts of social bathing or swimming, sometimes with mixed sexes. Nude activities can be indoors and outdoors. Typical activities are relaxation, sunbathing and recreation (including many sports). Some also prefer to work nude, etc., when the temperature and the social situation allows it (including when one is alone). A nude party (not to be confused with a sex party) may be public (e.g. Starkers Nightclub) or private. Some clothing-optional communities do exist for those who wish to live in a supportive environment. In fact there are communities under development that even cater specifically to Christians that desire to practice Christian naturism.
Practitioners say that they are not pruriently interested in seeing others naked (which, if for sexual pleasure, is called voyeurism) or in being seen naked by others (likewise: exhibitionism). People participate in clothes free activities for various reasons. Many are convinced that increased exposure to the natural environment, made easier through nudity, can result in numerous health benefits. Sunlight has been shown to be beneficial in some skin conditions and enables the body to make vitamin D, a necessary nutrient.
However, with the increased awareness of skin cancer, wearing of sunscreen is now part of the culture, and recently more education has been carried out to warn of the risk. Whereas nudist parents do not require their children to put on clothes before going outside at a clothes free area, most do require them to put on sunscreen lotion. Overall, those who enjoy clothes free activities often claim that they are more relaxed and in a better state of mind when they shed their clothes.
Many people say that being nude in groups makes them feel more accepted for their entire being — physical, intellectual and emotional. They say that they tend to be more accepted, in spite of differences in age, body shape, fitness, and health. Without clothing, one’s social rank is generally obscured. They report feeling more united with humanity, with less regard to a person’s wealth, position, nationality, race, and sex.
Those inexperienced in social nudity often say that they fear that it contributes to an imbalance of power between men and women.[citation needed] They say that women and children are more vulnerable when nude, and can be exploited. While that might be true in a situation of commercial nudity, such as a strip club, women advocates of social nudity assert the opposite, especially in an established nude group. The men are nude there as well, no money is changing hands, nor is anyone in any sense giving a “performance”.
Many pro-nudity organizations promote frequent social activities. Some of the clubs have stricter entrance requirements than some traditional up-scale ‘country clubs’, including the requirement to supply references, a sponsoring member, a trial membership, committee approval and/or, due to fears of sex offenders, criminal background checks. At the other end of the spectrum are ‘unorganized’ clothes free events and activities on public lands where there is nothing to join, no one to pay, and only law to serve as rules of etiquette. Many people get their first exposure to the clothes free movement through that kind of informal approach (e.g. a clothing optional beach, a friend’s place in the woods, a party on the shore or skinny dipping).
http://www.becomenatural.com/blog/2007/05/naturism-nudism-a-way-of-life/
A naturist or nudist community (club, resort or facility) is a place where nudity is openly permitted. Some “clothing optional” facilities tolerate the wearing of clothes, perhaps for a shy newcomer, while others insist on complete nudity (when practical — often to ensure that no one feels inappropriately undressed).
This distinction is a source of controversy among naturists with some arguing that a clothing optional resort fails to enforce naturist values, while others insist that a “mandatory unclothed” resort is as restrictive as the outside world (where nudity is generally forbidden).
