Changing attitudes
Posted on April 25, 2013
Today, in England, if a fellow walks down the street naked he is sometimes arrested.
We have had people in this country convicted (the lowest level court, not a jury trial) just for being naked.
I wish it were not so.
Why can't people see that nudity is not indecent, perverted, disgusting?
It struck me that 50 years ago, if two men had kissed each other in the street, they might have been arrested.
There would have been people saying 'Disgusting, perverts, should be locked up..' etc..
But now, in 2013, it is perfectly acceptable. It's legal.
There possibly still are people who think 'disgusting, perverts, etc.', but they have no say in the matter, the law protects the innocent (i.e. two innocent men in love).
How did the gay community bring about this change?
Perhaps we could learn from them.
I do truly hope that we nudists can bring about a similar change for OUR alternative lifestyles.
And that it doesn't take 50 years!
(Actually, I think we nudists are in a better position than gays were 50 years ago. It might not need much of a push to make a lot of progress. Nudity isn't actually illegal here, but the judiciary seem happy to consider it a public order offence)
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Which country is "this country"? 🙂
If that question is meant for the initial post, then 'England'. I did mention that in the first sentence and sort of assumed that people would keep it in mind.
I'm curious whether any of this is covered by the Human Bill of Rights. I've looked but only found freedom of religion and the right to practise without persecution. From what I can make out, at least in local law, it doesn't need to be a formal or organised religion.
A thought I've had based on this is if you needed a legal umbrella, you could state that Naturism is your religion. Increasingly I generally consider this to be the case for myself. I haven't entirely thought out the premise or principals, but at its core is healthy wholesome living and restoring a natural state that many if not all indigenous people's lived by in one form or another.
Meanwhile I need to put some serious thought into the hiking group.
I too have thought about using the religion card. In fact nudity IS part of my religion and sometimes I do practise nudity outdoors directly because of my spiritual needs.
Being an honest fellow, though, I would have to admit that sometimes I go naked just because I want to, so I wouldn't be able to use the religious angle for my naked hike last week, for instance.
The only thing I would interject there, is if you believe that naked hiking is good for your body and/or soul, then that does come under the religious umbrella. If you believe it does you good any any shape or form, then whereas you yourself might think it not significant, it's what you believe that counts.
Personally I believe naked hiking is good for my health and mental well being. I think that most people that participate probably feel that way.
In Europe, the phrase is: "right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion".
http://www.europarl.europa.eu/comparl/libe/elsj/charter/art10/default_en.htm
The comparison with the gay struggle is very valid. Stonewall amongst others has done a very good job. However, it seems to me that one organisation campaigning would be ignored, “well they would say that, wouldn’t they”. If the clamour comes from various directions and of different complexions it may be more effective. Politicians only react to votes so as we are a minority we must be seen to be allied to other groups campaigning for freedom from oppression. Groups that come to mind include that to change Section 5 of the POA and perhaps even Liberty.
I agree. But we need more open activities rather than sheltered and hidden behind gates and walls. Nonlanded clubs that actively organize swims, hikes, bowling, dinners, etc are needed for a more public appearance. The public needs to know our numbers are large, world wide and legit.
We do have a naked walking group in England called the 'Singles Outdoor Club'. But their policy is to cover-up whenever they encounter someone. For me, this is just the same as hiding in a nudist colony. It goes along with the assumption that there is something wrong with nudity.
Back in the "good old days", many more nudist groups would go naked hiking. They would often send a man out front, and another out back, to scout for textiles. Naturally as soon as one was spotted, they'd run back to the group and everyone would get quickly dressed.
This sends entirely the wrong message about the activity.
Indeed. We are the group.
I'm inclined to think that a preliminary step is probably consolidation of forces so people can be effective bringing about change.
As an individual, my level of commitment needs to be extremely high to take on the status quo. Working within a group, one has a support network that offers numerous advantages.
Online communities such as these are good for bringing people together. What I'd absolutely love is the networking functioning to a point where hiking groups are possible within my local area. This then facilitates the ability to be out in the public eye not as an individual committing a criminal offence, but as a group who are redefining what is acceptable.
One group who appear to have made a big difference in their realm of influence are the naked vegan cooking group in the UK.
I'm sure I'm not the only naturist in the A.C.T. I know for sure I'm not, but connecting with others isn't that straight forward. What's more, those that do live locally may not be interested in making any change. I think it's a worthwhile cause, but requires some commitment and group momentum to succeed, or at least have half a chance of doing so.
If you want a local hiking group, you need to start one. The easiest way is to organize a few walks of your own, perhaps on your own, and then let other people know the dates. People will join at some point.
we have such club richard, however, south africa is still in baby shoes sofar naturism concerned. some members still have to conceal the fact that they are naturists because of workplaces
I understand the issue. This is why we need to learn the lessons which the gay community learnt when they "came out". Naked activists need to use this approach to their own advantage and "come out naked".
I'm not chastising you here for not doing so in perhaps difficult circumstances, but this is exactly what gays faced 50 years ago.
Protection from workplace reprecussion for non lewd nude activity must be guaranteed. Challenging any employer that includes public nudity in a morals clause or has terminated employment for public nudity must be legally fought and protested.
I was fortunate at my last job interview to have been asked about my naked activities book (http://www.naktiv.net/active-nudists), and I was pleased to say "well, it has nothing to do with my work, but we can certainly discuss it, if you like".
They were fine with it, they were merely (and understandably) curious.
we still have the problem of people who want to join but ask if other peopl can see them on the website. they are afraid some body at work can see them. i say, the real naturist would not care who sees them juist enjoy the lifestyle
Rights are not gained by concealment and timidity.