Confused Nudist

The essential remit on the Naktiv site is for the promotion of non-sexual nakedness, as described in the mission statement. Many people are confused by this concept, as it is nearly always assumed that this is the same as a traditional naturist or nudist viewpoint. This apparently obvious, but naive assumption, is however flawed.

Here you will find the naked body as used in Art, and in documentary, as well as in nudist contexts. Just as the mainstream world needs to understand that not all nudist activities equate to swinging, so too do nudists need to understand that not all images with visible genitalia are pornography. While one man’s nudist holiday snaps is another man’s sexual gratification there will always be room for misunderstanding and misinterpretation. Maybe we can help fix this, but we ALL need to climb out of the 1950s. Open discussion is good, hiding is wrong.

However, everybody needs to realize that the fairly simple rules we have here still explicitly exclude pornography and exhibitionism. It’s constantly surprising how many people don’t understand this, and we are constantly removing inane photos of middle-aged men secretly standing naked in front of their bathroom mirror, or sprawling on their living room couch like some latter-day venus, and who appear to imagine they are being nudist in some weird manner. This is an area of naked social conduct which also needs some serious education.

It is clearly wrong that simple nudity seems shameful, and that sex and violence is so acceptable, as can be seen in so much of our entertainment, news reporting and fashion coverage, in modern media. It’s a sad fact of life that the Naktiv endeavour will attract prurient interest, from trolls and sock puppets. However, while they’re here, let’s use this as an opportunity, perhaps we can do some beneficial educating along the way.

The crucial point to take on board is the need to include people to promote the idea that human nudity is acceptable. There are many different context where the naked human body can be brought into an active context, and these include naturist contexts, but are not exclusive to them. Naktiv contributions often include Art, performance, protest AND nudism and naturism, both mainstream and fringe. Traditional nudists need to wake up to the new naturism of the 21st century, which is so clearly embodied by the naktiv position.

If you are ever confused, a good place to refresh your perspective is the mission statement.

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