Naturism 201

Naturism 201 – Studies in Practical Naturism within Atlantic Canada

Is it a good idea to have a non-landed FCN-affiliated naturist club within New Brunswick?  Opinions may vary but I consider that it is a good idea.  Why?  Because the legitimation of any social activity is always a numbers game.  The more people who are involved in any particular social activity, the more the activity is viewed as “normal” or, failing normal, “acceptable.”  Numbers matter.

The Calculus of Nudity

In general terms, as far as our textile-obsessed society is concerned, one naked guy seen in public is thought to be either a pervert or a nut job and in either case the police are summoned.  Two naked guys seen together are accounted “gay” and society treads more lightly for fear of being branded homophobic.  Three or more begins to seem more “normal” unless they are carrying guns or chainsaws.

One naked woman seem in public is thought to be either a slut or a nut job and in either case some consider her to be a target for harassment or worse.  Two naked women seen in public begin to acquire legitimacy and begin to lose the status of potential victims.  Three or more begins to seem “normal.”

One man and woman couple seen naked in public tends to inspire more envy than anything else.   Each member of the couple legitimizes the other.  Two or more such couples begins to look like “normal.”  A naked crowd, whether at a beach or engaged in a mass naked event such as the World Naked Bike Ride is seen by most people as legitimate or, at worst, non-threatening. 

Numbers matter.  With numbers comes legitimacy and where legitimacy goes safety usually follows.  Who knows, it might even lead to positive changes to the law!

All this is why I think that organizing a non-landed club is a worthwhile endeavour.  By being able to say to a politician or to parks authorities “Look, we have one/two/three hundred active members and that is likely far less than ten per cent of the active naturists in this city/province”  we acquire strength in numbers that is denied to each of us as individuals.  Strength in numbers is essential in lobbying for official toleration of clothing-optional land use.  How much better would it be if there were actual signs on Kellys or Long Beach saying “Official Clothing-Optional Beach”?

While waiting for that sort of official sanction the members of a non-landed club would be able to enjoy the advantages listed in Naturism 101, and probably many more that I haven’t thought of at the moment.

So think about it.  Acknowledge your convictions that the naked human body is neither obscene nor sinful.  Overcome your suspicions.  Conquer your apathy.