Hi Everyone, it’s CJ here; the one without the large biceps. Although they are firm. Ish.:) This post is a bit of fun, so if you came here today in search of some life-changing wisdom, you best pop back tomorrow when His Largeness returns. On with the show…
So, what’s with all the nudity lately?
I’ve been a little surprised recently by some people’s eagerness to nude-up in public. Evidently, more than 1500 people have already registered to become part of Spencer Tunick’s planned mass-nude photograph on the steps of the Sydney Opera House. I hope they’re meticulous with the sunscreen. Also, when the organisers of the popular and successful play Trilogy invited ‘ordinary’ women to participate in its nude dance scene, they were inundated with volunteers. Apparently, performing naked in front of hundreds of strangers is ‘liberating’ and ‘celebratory’. Who knew?
So why do some people find the experience of being in the nikky-noo-na in public so appealing? Why do they equate revealing one’s bits and pieces with freedom?
The Final Frontier
Of course, many people believe that we only wear clothes today because of the whole Adam and Eve eating-the-fruit-then-realising-they-were-naked incident. Which would make Eve the first and last woman on earth to be ‘tempted’ by fruit. Had she succumbed to the ‘forbidden chocolate’ it would be a lot more understandable. Because, surely, even God Himself could not stop a woman from eating chocolate.
Why is it, then, that thousands of years later when so many social norms have been challenged and rejected, nudity remains one of the last social taboos? That it is still, in fact, illegal? Like, a lot illegal. If I walked to the local shops wearing nothing but perfume and a smile, I would certainly be arrested before I’d made it to the butcher’s. Probably to the enormous relief of my butcher, Stu. 
Gaining Exposure
Perhaps it is nudity’s endurance as a social taboo which makes it so appealing to artists or groups who want to draw attention to their cause or, more likely, themselves. When an act defies a social norm, it is immediately controversial, interesting, exciting and draws an audience. A streaker at a sporting event (in Australia, it’s usually a cricket match because we need a diversion from the slowest and most uneventful sport ever invented) is for a brief moment a hero, cheered on by thousands for his bravery and boldness – just for stripping off and showing the crowd his whizzer. Yep, cricket is that boring.
It could be that the associated feeling of ‘liberation’ is not actually about clothing at all. I mean, really, we’re not wearing crinolines and corsets anymore; how restrictive can a maxi-dress and a pair of knickers feel? And most guys now have the ‘comfort’ dressing thing down pat. Rather, I suspect the participants feel not so much liberated from the clothes per se, but liberated from the rule which says that one must wear clothes. Because breaking rules can sometimes feel fantastic. Depending, of course, upon the rule – breaking the ‘do not swallow’ rule may not feel so great.
Me, Vanessa and the Undresser
Although, sometimes, nudity isn’t a protest, an artistic expression or even a stunt. For some people, it’s just no big deal. I have only met one person above the age of, say, four who was completely comfortable being naked in (semi) public. My friend, Vanessa, and I were about to leave the changeroom at the gym when a woman walked up to us and began a conversation. She was friendly. She was nice. She was completely nude. Yep. Utterly naked. In the buff. In the altogether. Disrobed. Unclothed. Without a stitch. Au naturel. Unclad. Even Lady Ga Ga would have felt overdressed next to her.
Of course, Vanessa and I did what any self-respecting gutless chickens would do: pretended that we hadn’t noticed her lack of clothing, maintained unswerving eye-contact and politely completed the conversation. Once outside, we had a relieved laugh but I think we both envied the woman’s self-confidence, her effortless ease and her positive body-image.
Covering a Multitude of Sins
Call me a prude, but I find the idea of being naked in public completely terrifying. It’s not so much the privacy thing or even the risk-of-being-arrested thing. It’s the I-look-much-better-with-my-clothes-on thing. I probably don’t look completely hideous when naked, (the sight of me has not yet turned anyone into a pillar of salt) but let’s just say that if I ever fall on hard times financially, ‘stripper’ isn’t a viable career option for me. Because I’m normal: I have cellulite, scars, bits that wobble and my breasts took a trip south in 2003 and haven’t been seen north of the border since.
And to be completely honest, there are probably not many bodies out there which would look better completely naked than clothed. Especially men’s bodies. (Sorry, guys, but you have always suspected this, haven’t you? Why do you think women’s magazines contain mostly pictures of women?). Because, sadly, although a well-cut chest and strong biceps can be enormously visually appealing, the other bits are, um, not so much. They’re a little like Volvos – built for function rather than aesthetics. Letting them see the light of day doesn’t really do their owners any favours. Yet strangely, many of you fellas seem compelled to share.
Stop it.
To Each His or Her Own
Perhaps that is the real reason why our aversion to public nudity has stood strong and firm whilst other social taboos have crumbled around it: most of us are quite happy to keep our clothes on and would prefer that other people do the same, thanks very much.
If people wish to participate in public nudity as art, protest, stunt or personal expression (within legal limits) then that is their choice. If it makes them feel involved, liberated, excited and happy then good for them. Just don’t bother scouring the latest Spencer Tunick photograph for my less-than-perfect bod because that ain’t gonna happen in this lifetime.
So …
Why do you think public nudity remains a social taboo? Why do you think so many people participate in public nudity events? Are you a prude (like me) or are you comfortable and happy to reveal your body when appropriate?
Always looking forward to hearing your thoughts.
CJ xox
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{ 20 comments… read them below or add one }
If people are offended by wrinkly old skin at a nudist beach don’t look that simple, we all age. There is a time and place for nudity, it is up to the individual I suppose.
Ah CJ … that’s gold, my friend!
I was just thinking the other day, it’s strange my three-year-old (whom we cannot keep clothes on) can get away with running around in the nuddy and no-one looks twice, but if we “grown-ups” (and I do use the term loosely) did the same thing we’d be locked up.
What age is the cut-off for acceptable nudity?
It’s strictly clothes on for me. My body in the buff is yuck-o! But I do understand the appeal of public nudity. I agree with you, I think for many it’s not the actual nudity that’s liberating, but the breaking of the rule. Perhaps the appeal is in the being in a public place in the nude, not so much the being-in-the-nude bit.
Nice post. Thanks.
Em
( ) x
BTW: You have a “do not swallow” rule??
I went to a nude beach once.
But only to prove to Sister Mary Francis, my 6th grade nun teacher, that I had the guts to do it and I had not been completely contaminated by the Church..
It was in Martinique so the French think nothing of it.
What amazed me is how many ugly people took off their clothes.
I paid for it. Got sun poisoning.
Some years ago, in the middle of the work day, I got up from my desk and went to the Ladies room. I was walking rapidly, opened the door and straight into the cubical with barely enough time to notice that there was a naked woman standing in front of one of the hand basins washing herself.
The cleaning lady came in gave her what for. By the time I had finished and come out of my cubicle, the naked lady had retired to another cubicle to dress. It was the event of the day and produced a lot of chatter. We did wonder how she got to the 5th floof. There was a bank branch on the ground floor, bank offices in the rest of the building and an armed guard in front of the elevators. As for myself, I think I’ll keep my clothes on. But as a friend once said. It might be a different storey if I thought it would give anyone any pleasure to look at me. Cheers, Gina
When I was living in Darwin being in the buff was one way to try and get cool, clothes were over-rated when the temperature is 34degrees with 100% humidity. This however was only in the privacy of my own home, and a sarong was always handy for the unexpected visitor. If my body was like the photo on today’s post maybe I wouldn’t have the sarong handy – but then again my body will never be like that photo because chocolate, custard tarts, cheese, wine, apple pie……are way to yummy.
For me nudity is definitely a rebelious streak, something to break the rules, even if it is in the privacy of your own home.
But isn’t this post about the concept of nudity? The stories are great
you are all game.
Public nudity is taboo and it isn’t, depends on time, place, culture and circumstance.
It just gets me comments like oh I don’t mind if they are nude but why can’t they be buffed. Don’t look. Call the police. Whatever, but it is simply the human body and I can’t see the fuss, except that some do it in not a good place and no wonder we have this debate.
As for me, my clothes will remain on thank you I won’t even take off my shirt in public, just me.
I don’t get the hesitation! I constantly embarass my kids by walking around starkers and walk around the back yard for a bit of a nude up. (i do live in the country – only observers are usually the cows or the odd unexpected visitor)
A couple of years ago I did nude modelling for an local art class. Was weird at first but then got into the zone and it was facinating to see how each person interpreted my body. (hey – that drawings my boobs!) I thoroughly recommend it. Perhaps its a family thing – my dads a serial nuddie too.
That doesnt explain my kids prudeness though! But im no model so perhaps they are scared at what the future holds for them. hehe.
LOL
” a little like volvo’s, built for function rather than aesthetics” Love this little gem, but I would have to agree (please no offense to our male readers).
This bod will never been seen in the buff outside my own four walls, not that I’m ashamed of my 45 yr old womanly shape with the breast that took a vacation south and 2 Caesar scares that have left me with what looks like a smile and an overhanging top lip
I don’t know why public nudity is such a no no for me, I guess it comes from me just being a prude, even at the gym I go to I don’t get naked but then I haven’t seen anybody else get naked either.
As to when is it no longer acceptable for our little kids to run around in the buff, that is a hard one. On a recent trip to the Gold Coast we saw a couple of little toddlers having fun in the sun with nothing on (brother & sister I think) I personally didn’t find it offensive (made me smile at how nice it is to be a kid with out hang ups) but my husband asked the question is it still OK for kids to be able to do this… after all there are some weirdos out there.
Not commenting on the naked thing CJ but can tell you there WAS the forbidden chocolate, but like my place Adam had gotten in first eaten the chocolate and left only the fruit for Eve.
From a male chocoholic.
ROFL Em from Jem – that was my thought exactly! I guess that CJ was referring to poisons…maybe…
Yep Corrine I agree! Public nudity should be reserved for only the super good looking! Anyone who’s been to a beach on a Greek Island and been subject to some of the specimens there (mainly Nth European tourists – old and portly) bending over in front of you would agree
I am also terrified by the idea of appearing naked in public…but that’s more about my own body image than about being prudish.
Have you seen the show called something like ‘Look Good Naked’ on Foxtel? I’m always amazed at how quickly the host moves a woman through the process from finding their body abhorrent to agree to pose naked and even then (often) do a fashion parade in her undies – and these are all women who would be a size 14 or larger. It’s a great show counteracting negative body image that is so prevalent in our media.
I generally think that some bits should be covered up for everyday life – work, shopping, walking down the street. Some bits just look funny when uncovered – men’s dangly bits etc. However, I qualify this by saying that I completely support breastfeeding in public.
I always thought it odd that you could watch a movie where a hundred people get shot up or otherwise killed and no one bats an eye. But if there is any frontal nudity then you better believe it gets rated to the hilt and everyone is shocked.
We are so strange.
Hi CJ,
I think public nudity remains a social taboo because it can make the clothed onlookers squirm.
There’s a killer confidence I admire in some circumstances, and yet there can be the element of creepy exhibitionism too.
I was the one in life drawing class offering robes to the nude models at break time, but I got over it.
xo
p.s. It’s mouthwash- swish but don’t swallow, right?
Sue, and again I was not going to keep posting, but no offence to your husband, but without being there surely the parents would have kept an eye out for strange people. I just find jumping to that assumption terrible, not so much your husband, but to society in general.
Cdn I am 150% in agreement with you have had this arguement with the morals police many a time.
I’ll give you an example at random, there was fuss over Brokeback Mountain at a DVD store recently not due to gay things but you see Heath’s bits (whatever) and I have not seen that movie but I pointed out this. There is a movie out called Law Abiding Citizen with Gerard Butler, CJ’s obession
or is that some other actor, but anyway in that film people, good and bad, including a child are horribly murdered, one cut up, blown to pieces, buried alive etc.
Now I am not a censor and the context of the film is revenge, people have the right to see that trash and there is value in understanding human motives for revenge, and I’m gulity as I liked the Halloween movies. But to say ohhh look a breast ban it but ok she was sliced in two that’s ok reeks of society’s double standards.
Hi Guys,
Ahhh, Vin. I always suspected there was a bit of skulduggery going on in that garden. And poor Eve has had bad press ever since …
You really had a teacher called Sister Mary Francis, Corinne? That is so cool; just like in the movies.
Thanks for sharing, everyone. Now we all know exactly whose garden fences to bother peeking over. We can’t let the cows have all the fun, can we?
Have a great week.
CJ xox
Ps. Em, Tania and Lisa. Poison? Mouthwash? I’ll never tell.
Interesting topic,
I myself have no problem with nudity at all. It’s open, it’s comfy and can feel good, it’s what we are when all stripped down, it’s our natural make-up and even as far as I’m concerned is our beauty! In my view if others have a prob with seeing my body naked, it’s their problem, not mine! They don’t need to look or take notice and can choose to turn the other direction! If I see another person naked minding their own business it’s certainly not gonna bother or offend me whatever their age, shape or fitness level is! It shows character and confidence to me.
Because of the ‘social taboo’ factor and the concern of either getting arrested or offending other people or getting hit on in public when I don’t want to be I refrain from going nude in public. If walking from bathroom to bedroom in my flat, (with a few different nationalities for flatmates) I wrap a towel around me after a shower. If I lived alone I’d walk around home naked a bit! Maybe I’m still a bit too concerned with what others think of me!!!
I’m not worried about lean buff bodies, I just don’t see why nudity seems to offend some people so much when it’s comfy and natural.
hey cj… and Vin… you KNOW I would have to put my 2 bobs worth in on this.. one of my favorite past times!
Nudity.. once married it just seemed the normal thing to be… have always and am still naked walkin round the house… love to go bush (no that isnt a pun) and swim in my river and much to my daughters horror, still go naked into the back yard. Its my back yard and if the neighbors are disgusted then they shouldnt look! During the course of one of my pregnancies I ‘sat’ naked for a local artist… I love those photos. My body is not the greatest by far… but it is mine and all I have… I love it that people feel comfortable in their own skin…it has taken me YEARS to feel that way… and I still fluctuate with that sometimes. And I am going to go completely against the grain here and say.. males arent so bad naked either! Just as well I dont live in sydney… that would almost be too tempting!
errr, no one needs to see me naked, especially with the state that my thighs are in, haha! Who knows, maybe that will change over time once I’ve thoroughly got into the routine of training for and participating in fun runs
can’t decide if I should start simple with a 4k one or throw myself into the deep end with an 8k one.
Meanwhile I’m happy to keep my nudity confined to when I’m home alone and in my room
I have no problem with public nudity, as long as it doesn’t involve my bits being on show. It’s always a good conversation piece.
On another topic though; golf, lawn bowls – and you reckon cricket is boring!?
Cheers,
Steve
There is a naturist beach that I visit regularly. First time I was a little nervous, but it was liberating to strip off. Since then I am comfortable, even in front of those who stroll by wearing clothes. Very few ever stare or pass comment. If the weather were better I would spend hours there.
As far as men’s dangly bits are concerned, what I’ve seen is that they provoke women to laugh hysterically! At least my girlfriend says they’re too funny looking (not just mine, but if she sees one on the Internet too).
I guess I can see why women laugh at that.