Is Nudism a Deviant Behavior or a Healthy Choice?

Being completely naked strips us of more than our fabricated materials – our choice of clothes, shoes, shits, colors, styles, material, etc., are a part of our identity; who we are is defined by our choice of packaging. In a sense, clothing can provide an artificial identity. Depending on the event I might attend, my choice of clothing can profoundly affect my behavior, attitude, and mood. A two-piece suit gives me a level of confidence and security that I do not experience in cut-off shorts and a t-shirt. What if, however, I chose to attend a social event in the nude? Am I committing a deviant behavior or is social nudity a natural state without the need for a textile identity?

Introduction

Depending on whom you talk to, nude recreation and nudism can be described as a great way to get in touch with nature and improve one’s self-esteem or it may be described as immoral and illegal. Such extreme opinions make this an interesting topic and worth further investigation. Is the desire to socialize with other people naked sexually driven or a healthy and safe means of socialization and stress relief?

Henry David Thoreau said “It is an interesting question how far men would retain their relative rank if they were divested of their clothes” (Brainy Quote, 2011). Indeed, according to the modern nudist or naturalist, being unclothed in social groups induces an environment in which everyone is on equal grounds. Can inequality really be dissolved between various socio-economic groups, sexes, ages, incomes, etc., and be broken down simply by everyone disrobing and playing naked ping pong? According to the American Association of Nude Recreation and other nudists, the answer is yes (AANR, 2011).

Can clothing be a sign of oppression and d...

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...and bashfulness of being naked in front of other people. In return, they get to socialize with other “like-minded” people who are convinced that being naked is not only normal and natural, it’s an excellent way to relieve stress and relax au natural.

Works Cited

American Association for Nude Recreation. (2011). Retrieved September 1, 2011 from .

Blank, Leonard. (August 1967). The Impulse to Look and to Show. The Journal of Sex Research. Vol. 3, No. 3, pp. 223-228.

Brainy Quotes. (2011). Henry David Thoreau. Retrieved September 1, 2011 from .

Martin, Richard. (1991). The Deceit of Dress: Utopian Visions and the Arguments against Clothing Utopian Studies. No. 4, pp. 79-84.

Oaklake Trails Naturist Park. (2011). Retrieved September 2, 2011 from (www.oaklaketrails.com/OLT/Welcome.html>.