A friend of mine on Facebook had come across a question via NUSA’s Facebook post asking “Why is nudism portrayed as being so white?” I told myself that, that’s a good question. I could not answer the question myself so I did some research, asked friends and on my group on Facebook.
The following may or not be the true reasons, however it’s what I’ve gathered to be close to the real reason why it is so, today. The main reason why it seems that there is so many ‘white’ nudists and Naturists is what I now find very obvious is it’s called majority. Since nudism began in Europe and then the America’s there are far more white people who live the lifestyle. If you’re black, latin, native american, from india or any other place that is a minority — there are not enough of that type to go around.
Some of these type of people also may rather be nude around their home and near home rather than participate in nude recreation. Some may also feel awkward going to a resort or campground being the only one from their ethnic race.
I believe this maybe why YNA, YBN & YNC were founded in the beginning for the reason that young people feel awkward going to a club, resort or campgrounds being the only young person among many old or older people.
Religion also has an impact on Naturism and nudism in certain countries. Some countries like in Asia and Middle East have strict laws when it comes to nudity. If they go to a country that allows social nudity, they tend to keep it in their head that they have to follow their laws from their country of origin, even if they are in a country that allows social nudity.
This is a complex question to answer…From my individual perspective and experience…
–The conservative (in most cases Church based) African American community attempted to portray the most moral and facade possible to fight against sexual predator / bull stereotypes pushed against males in particular by the while/European community (ie "…keep your virginal pure white women away from those evil black males who want to rape them at the first opportunity…" or "…keep your sexually unsatisfied but pure virginal white women away from oversexed black men who will screw them into oblivion with their HUGE dongs…"). Appearing morally upright, pure, and adhering to the most Victorian of Victorian attitudes was one defense. These attitudes did NOT lean toward social / open nudity…
–Predominantly white / European nudist communities were not necessarily welcoming of "Negro"/Black/African-American / (insert worse name here) people coming to join the fun…While you think these attitudes would be die in the nudist community as they started to die in the wider community…I still note that I am not necessarily the most welcome face at some AANR facilities in the US ( I have no experience in Europe so cannot speak to current attitudes there).
Presently, I am one of the few African-American nudists I know…and when I mention the concept to a friend/confidant I am often rejected as a freak, immoral, or as someone trying to be "white" (ie…nudism is a thing only "white" people do).
These attitudes will hopefully change on all sides…as nudity is desexualized in the wider community and racism (the whole myth of "race") is fought throughout the world.
http://www.experienceproject.com/stories/Am-A-Black-Naturist/7262843#comment_19796449
Good question. Also why have native Americans put the cloth back on? I think also it is a man thing today because the media and stars like Madonna and Miley give it a sexual meaning. And look to history and the treatment of all females. It is not pretty. Women want to feel safe so they must know that in a naturist setting. What can we do? Don't put up with ass holes who gawk, make fun of or carry cameras asking for pictures. Report bad behavior in clubs. Be accommodating. Read "Men are from Mars, Women are from Venus". Men must change and the media must put a better, safer, view on naturists
Naturism might have started in Africa then people came to make us put clothes on.
There is a huge social divide between people of different races in the US. In the past few years that divide has been aggressively promoted by our government and media. The racial divide is reflected in social organizations of all kinds.
I think that you're onto something there Scott. I suspect another factor is cultural attitudes. Maybe also how people have been treated in the past and the stigma nudity has.
Europeans and Western culture doesn't have a great track record when it comes to treatment of non-whites. If you come from an oppressed heritage you probably don't want to attract any more trouble by being naked in public.
It could also be a money thing. Nude beaches and resorts are far flung and expensive. In the US in particular, that might make access to facilities difficult.
Maybe when nudity is less taboo and more widely spread things will change. I also think there needs to be true equality between gender, race and all peoples before true freedom can flourish. Until then nudism is likely to be a somewhat privileged activity.