Im a sociology student in college. I am currently working on a subculture project on nudists and I was wondering if anyone here is willing to answer some simple questions on the topic. it would be great if someone could and it would only take a short moment of your time thanks
actually... i hope its not too much trouble if you could answer these :] 1.Would you consider nudism a way of life? Does it affect your life outside a nudist camp? 2. Why is being nude so important to you? (ie. Do you do it to get a nice tan, feels good to be out in the sun or in the water, you think god intended us to be like this, etc) 3. Do you travel far and to many different places to go to nudist colonies? (out of state, out of country) 4. Are there conventions or “get togethers” that you attend? Where? How do u find out? 5. How do you see people who come to nudist resorts and don’t get nude at all, or only half nude? 6. Do you think nudist with good bodies are often praised while nudist with lesser bodies are looked down upon or laughed at? Do people with “lesser” bodies feel embarrassed ? 7. Is there any lingo nudist use? Like people who shave, or do have tan lines, or different nudist places that have different rules? 8. Is there a lot of sexual tension in nudist camps? Are there camps or resorts that encourage hooking up? Are there rules against this or that support this? Do people often break these rules? 9. Do you guys have social activities like volleyball, BBQs, modeling shows? 10. How is your life outside these nudist colonies? Whats your job? Do you do this around your house? 11. Do you think nudist are misunderstood, that some people don’t understand what you are really about? 12. Do you think by attending nudist camps that people will change their general way of life, in more ways than just being nude. (ie, like feeling better about themselves, or enjoying nature more, more confidence).
OK, I'll bite Q1.Would you consider nudism a way of life? Does it affect your life outside a nudist camp? A1: Yes, it's a way of life for me. I don't wear clothes unless I have to (and by have to, I mean if it is too cold, or there's injury potential, or simply because propriety demands it). Q2. Why is being nude so important to you? (ie. Do you do it to get a nice tan, feels good to be out in the sun or in the water, you think god intended us to be like this, etc) A2: I was brought up this way. My mother used to say: "Clothes lie". I feel most natural and confident not wearing anything, regardless of where I am, unless, of course, the points from Question 1 apply Q3. Do you travel far and to many different places to go to nudist colonies? (out of state, out of country) A3: I think the longest I've traveled to go to a nude-friendly place would be about four hours driving. In-state. Q4. Are there conventions or “get togethers” that you attend? Where? How do u find out? A4: Not really. Me and my girlfriend go to nude-friendly beaches, and there are certainly people there. We tried going to a "nude campground" once, but the crowd wasn't really our speed. We found the beaches and the campground on the Web. Q5. How do you see people who come to nudist resorts and don’t get nude at all, or only half nude? A5: To each his own. I personally have nothing against it. But, seems like going to a nudist resort and not getting naked would be a waste of time. Kinda like going to a fancy restaurant and not eating. People like that stand out like sore thumbs, and almost always end up looking embarrassed or uncomfortable on the account of being the "odd ones out". Q6. Do you think nudist with good bodies are often praised while nudist with lesser bodies are looked down upon or laughed at? Do people with “lesser” bodies feel embarrassed ? A6: As trite as it sounds, the prettier you are, the easier you have it No, nobody gets laughed at, and I certainly never saw anyone being ridiculed or embarrassed because of their body. But, as in any situation, more attractive people always get more attention, regardless of being clothed or unclothed. Q7. Is there any lingo nudist use? Like people who shave, or do have tan lines, or different nudist places that have different rules? A7: Maybe some do, but I personally am not aware of any "secret nudist handshakes" except for calling people who wear bathing suits "textiles". Q8. Is there a lot of sexual tension in nudist camps? Are there camps or resorts that encourage hooking up? Are there rules against this or that support this? Do people often break these rules? A8: Wouldn't know. The one time we went to a "nudist camp" the crowd was upper-middle-aged, and there seemed to be a swinging undercurrent. We weren't in any hurry to find out for sure. On beaches, there's no more sexual tension than there would normally be: a cute girl or a hunky guy would get plenty of stares, I'm sure. Q9. Do you guys have social activities like volleyball, BBQs, modeling shows? A9: I resent the "you guys" classification. It would depend on the age and makeup of the group, just as it would under any other circumstance. Q10. How is your life outside these nudist colonies? Whats your job? Do you do this around your house? A10: Life's fine, thank you. I'm a college student and a salesperson at a tabletop game store. And yes, I'm naked around the house all the time. Q11. Do you think nudist are misunderstood, that some people don’t understand what you are really about? A11: Ya betcha. And judging by at least one question in your questionnaire, you're among those who misunderstand. Q12. Do you think by attending nudist camps that people will change their general way of life, in more ways than just being nude. (ie, like feeling better about themselves, or enjoying nature more, more confidence). A12: Yes. Being confident about your body and being able to stand against conventional morality does wonders for your self-esteem. Maybe you should try it instead of posting silly questionnaires (OK, Alexandra was feeling in a giving mood today, and just a teensy bit cynical. If I got a penny every time I saw a "sociology student" with a bunch of questions for nudists - especially nudist girls - I could open my own nudist colony by now. But hey, it's all in good fun).
1.Would you consider nudism a way of life? Does it affect your life outside a nudist camp? Saunas an important part, and I am a happier person from the relaxation and the friends I have made. 2. Why is being nude so important to you? (ie. Do you do it to get a nice tan, feels good to be out in the sun or in the water, you think god intended us to be like this, etc) Personal comfort when swimming or having a sauna. I'm not publicly naked much elsewhere and not at home generally. 3. Do you travel far and to many different places to go to nudist colonies? (out of state, out of country) Holidays yes, find an excuse to visit certain places 4. Are there conventions or “get togethers” that you attend? Where? How do u find out? None. 5. How do you see people who come to nudist resorts and don’t get nude at all, or only half nude? No problem, they are often with another family member. I'm happy with clothes optional. 6. Do you think nudist with good bodies are often praised while nudist with lesser bodies are looked down upon or laughed at? Do people with “lesser” bodies feel embarrassed ? Some may, most not. 7. Is there any lingo nudist use? Like people who shave, or do have tan lines, or different nudist places that have different rules? Only the word 'textile' which I don't like or use. 8. Is there a lot of sexual tension in nudist camps? Are there camps or resorts that encourage hooking up? Are there rules against this or that support this? Do people often break these rules? Not in the UK and never found it elsewhere. 9. Do you guys have social activities like volleyball, BBQs, modeling shows? Yes 10. How is your life outside these nudist colonies? Whats your job? Do you do this around your house? The same as everyone else, clothed. 11. Do you think nudist are misunderstood, that some people don’t understand what you are really about? Some are misunderstood I think because of some people's pervy behaviour. 12. Do you think by attending nudist camps that people will change their general way of life, in more ways than just being nude. (ie, like feeling better about themselves, or enjoying nature more, more confidence). Yes, more relaxed and happy.
1.Would you consider nudism a way of life? Does it affect your life outside a nudist camp? ***Yes. It is a lifestyle choice. 2. Why is being nude so important to you? (ie. Do you do it to get a nice tan, feels good to be out in the sun or in the water, you think god intended us to be like this, etc) *** It is liberating and natural. You weren't born with clothes on; this 'clothes' thing came later, one of society's mores and values. 3. Do you travel far and to many different places to go to nudist colonies? (out of state, out of country) *** My nudist resort is 135km away from home. I've been going there since 1996. It is now for sale and if it is sold to non-nudists, there will be nowhere else to go except the nude beach. 4. Are there conventions or “get togethers” that you attend? Where? How do u find out? *** Yes definitely. The resort runs event weekends such as tube races on the dams, bushwalks, nature spotting at night with torches, hot tub, cycling and overnight camps, all nude. Newsletters are sent out by email with all of these details. 5. How do you see people who come to nudist resorts and don’t get nude at all, or only half nude? *** Give them time! Owners of resorts are very good at sussing out wannabes and potential troublemakers. Some people may be understandably self-conscious going naked in the presence of people they don't know. But genuine nudists will take them under their wing and nurture them. 6. Do you think nudist with good bodies are often praised while nudist with lesser bodies are looked down upon or laughed at? Do people with “lesser” bodies feel embarrassed ? *** No. Nudity is about body acceptance. Stripping off clothes brings everybody down to the same level. Appearance-wise, it makes no difference: a body does the same thing. Most of us are not pretty 20-somethings but mature adults; some are athletes with good builds which will, of course, attract the eyes and comments, others have pot bellies or massive folds and bulges. So? They are still humans with feelings and nudists who are living the same life and dreams as you are. There is no condescending overtones either way. 7. Is there any lingo nudist use? Like people who shave, or do have tan lines, or different nudist places that have different rules? *** We use plain English! "Buffy" is sometimes used to describe a newbie. "Buns" for the occasional well-formed buttocks. Strictly speaking, lingo like this is only used in groups where everybody knows everybody else so well over a long period of time. Nobody is out to belittle newbies with language that may offend, confuse or upset. 8. Is there a lot of sexual tension in nudist camps? Are there camps or resorts that encourage hooking up? Are there rules against this or that support this? Do people often break these rules? *** NO. Sexual tension does not even enter the equation. Nudist resorts are just for sheading clothes, socialising and literally living au naturel. There is no sexual overtones. What nudists do in their tents or cottages or caravans etc at night is their business. 9. Do you guys have social activities like volleyball, BBQs, modeling shows? *** The resort I visit does i.e. BBQs, New Year's Eve dancing (the Chicken Dance is a riot where we 'tar and feather' each other!!). We celebrated St Patricks Day recently by painting bodies green (!). A local Swiss-Italian Festa saw us dress up in Carnivale masks, boa feathers and fishnets, followed by a sit-down 4-course meal. YOu can't say we don't have fun!! 10. How is your life outside these nudist colonies? Whats your job? Do you do this around your house? *** The majority of people I know and live with accept I am a nudist and protocols are in place to protect their as well as my interests where there is a potential for conflict. My household is nudist as circumstances permit: typing this I've got a dressing gown on as it is only 11 degrees outside but 21 degrees inside (probably due to 2 computers running non-stop with their cooling fans expelling hot air). Job wise, I don't wander around in the nude when I have clients visiting to view my work (I am a photographer). 11. Do you think nudist are misunderstood, that some people don’t understand what you are really about? *** Yes. Part of society's mores and values dictate that the body should not be seen naked in public because it is dirty or offensive or sexually explicit — all of these assumptions are ridiculously outdated. But nudity is gaining more social acceptance. Nearby where I live in liberal-minded suburbs I've heard of people getting organised for the World Naked Bike RIde by riding up their street and back as they ensure they look the part or for media. Nobody gave a hoot about it. 12. Do you think by attending nudist camps that people will change their general way of life, in more ways than just being nude. (ie, like feeling better about themselves, or enjoying nature more, more confidence). *** Most certainly. Resorts and camps are at the foundation of change of community perception of nudity. A healthy mindset and deep feeling of one's own body will benefit everybody. The barriers come down immediately the clothes are thrown off. My resort appoints "mentors" for newbies; they accompany them and show them around and explain what is happening and help them socially integrate and build confidence. Often, it's the girls who are shy while the boys are more extrovert and immediate in their integration.
Ten years late, but nevertheless I will answer 1.Would you consider nudism a way of life? Does it affect your life outside a nudist camp? Not for me. Though it has I am sure changed the way I view people 2. Why is being nude so important to you? (ie. Do you do it to get a nice tan, feels good to be out in the sun or in the water, you think god intended us to be like this, etc) In a sauna essential for comfort. Swimming at a beach avoids the need to sit in wet swimwear. 3. Do you travel far and to many different places to go to nudist colonies? (out of state, out of country) No, though will visit spas when abroad. 4. Are there conventions or “get togethers” that you attend? Where? How do u find out? None. 5. How do you see people who come to nudist resorts and don’t get nude at all, or only half nude? Not something I have experienced. 6. Do you think nudist with good bodies are often praised while nudist with lesser bodies are looked down upon or laughed at? Do people with “lesser” bodies feel embarrassed ? Commenting is frowned upon usually. 7. Is there any lingo nudist use? Like people who shave, or do have tan lines, or different nudist places that have different rules? The word 'textile' for non-nudist is the only one I have come across. 8. Is there a lot of sexual tension in nudist camps? Are there camps or resorts that encourage hooking up? Are there rules against this or that support this? Do people often break these rules? Places for sexual activity are not nudist camps. 9. Do you guys have social activities like volleyball, BBQs, modeling shows? No. 10. How is your life outside these nudist colonies? Whats your job? Do you do this around your house? No different from most people. 11. Do you think nudist are misunderstood, that some people don’t understand what you are really about? Yes I think there will always be the assumption it is sexual. 12. Do you think by attending nudist camps that people will change their general way of life, in more ways than just being nude. (ie, like feeling better about themselves, or enjoying nature more, more confidence). I think that it probably helps mental health.
