Public Nudity in the Summertime

My self-righteousness rears its ugly head

Scorching hot, sweaty weather... you have to admit, you just wanna run around naked. Sometimes I wish it was OK to do that. I mean, hey, we all have the same stuff under our clothes, barring some essential differences between males & females. We're all aware of it. So why not run around naked?

Here in Germany there are many nudist places: at the community pools, at beaches, lakes, spa resorts. Of course there is private partitioning to respect those who may not be in the mood for an eyeful of skin. Europeans don't treat nudity as a taboo like Westerners do, but the culture still respects the fact that nudity has its proper time & place, as does modesty.

I think everyone, even men, can be taken off guard and be unwelcomely distracted when they see a bit too much skin...even on the most beautiful person. Women who are less-than-physically-perfect who see gorgeous women baring all but everything...may feel indignant, maybe a little envious, or even a little miffed. The women who dress immodestly surely must not mind the attention they're drawing to themselves. They're beautiful and they know it.

So let's tally up these effects: Fertile girls, fueled by summer heat and vanity, show a bit too much of themselves to the public. Men get distracted and perhaps form crude thoughts in their minds; Innocent women may feel envious and miffed. What good can come of these effects? I can name only one good effect that comes from young women baring their all: These girls have the luxury of feeling the breeze on their skin. As for the underlying mating purposes of scantily clad dressing, these women may very well be missing out on the company of the classiest men who instinctively avert their eyes when faced with immodesty. The classiest men are too respectful and decent to ogle, much less approach an immodest woman.

Wouldn't it be nice if women opted to wear light, white dresses as the summer heat becomes uncomfortable...Then we'd all see angels going about their day in white, cool dresses. Wouldn't that be a simple, lovely thing to see on a regular basis? Like little white butterflies. No one is ashamed to watch a beautiful, white butterfly. And I'm sure that the little white butterflies feel no shame either. Just freedom.

I say to the fat people, the skinny people, the beautiful and the homely alike: cover it up. This ain't an orgy. This is our world; we share this as our home. Let's try to keep world corruption to a minimum.

I may sound like I'm writing from the perspective of an old, curmudgeony, fat, unattractive woman, but I'm not. I'm one of few ladies in my child-bearing years who tries really hard to dress modestly, and it takes a special effort in the summertime. Sometimes I feel tempted to give in to the mainstream; after all, who will notice my body among all the hundreds of other scantily-clad girls? Well, I know as an innocent observer that no one goes unnoticed. It's intrusive to one's decency to be affronted with unsolicited immodesty.

Nudity is natural, but modesty is what separates us from animals.
11,764 views 35 replies
Reply #1 Top
modesty is what separates us from animals


sho nuff

Reply #2 Top
What an excellent example of a socially-advanced ....er...primate.
Reply #3 Top

Having lived in Germany for several years, I was at first very shocked to see their attitude towards nudity (I was very hormonal in those days).  But after a couple of times, you got use to it, and then could look without gawking or ogling. 

And I noticed, at least in my neck of the woods, that those who decided to go sans attire (there were no divided areas, it was just one big beach) shouldn't have, while those who probably had something to show off, did not.

It became boring.  To this day I also laugh at the American (I would not say western as Germany, along with Western Europe, is generally regarded as Western) treatment of nudes.  I guess that big pond does shelter us a bit from the old Europe.  To me, it machts nichts.  To most it matters a lot.

Reply #4 Top
I spent some time in Germany and southern France too...and their attitude to nudity isn't one that's sexually fuelled. They regard it as a natural thing....which is probably why those who should have covered up didn't!

America's attitude to nudity IS sexually fuelled, though. We're much more...umm...agressive about showing skin here.

To me, nudity isn't really that big of a deal. I'm not about to go naked on the beach or anything, but I have no problem going to the pool in a bikini. It's just your body...everyone has one.
Reply #5 Top
Hrm.

Okay, I'm totally pulling this out of my ass, but I was trying to come up with a contrarian interpretation of European attitudes towards nudity. This is the best I could do. I do not for a moment pretend it is the truth.


Could it be that the European attitude towards nudity is sexually fueled after all? Or rather, that European men, being culturally patriarchal and therefore misogynistic, worked to set up a society where women thought it was okay to run around naked, and men were free to ogle without having to worry about getting slapped by uppity female prudes?

In this scenario, Americans are more aggressive about nudity because Americans are more honest about the social tradeoffs of a nude-friendly culture.
Reply #6 Top
Either that, or Americans are uppity prudes, which appears to be how Europeans view us anyway. Which is kind of ironic, since the Muslim world seems to view us as depraved and decadent wastrels.
Reply #7 Top
mm gets his bag of candy out just in case a nude woman walks by, heh heh heh
Reply #8 Top
mm gets his bag of candy out just in case a nude woman walks by, heh heh heh

mm is a clever guy

I like nudity and practice it everyday... IN MY SHOWER! There aint no way i'll show off my bits and tits to the whole wide world, nu-uh... Sorry to disappoint but i'll only pose nude for MY guy, when i find him that is.
Reply #9 Top
Awwww... you changed the title. As a perverted American I liked that one better...

Regarding nudity, I have mixed feelings. I would like to believe that humans can overcome their primal instincts and appreciate the human form for what it is, beautiful. On the other hand I have to see it like vegeterianism and all the other lofty goals of thinking, though dismally biological, creatures.

Maybe Europeans do separate the two, and maybe they just mask their "appreciation" a bit more. I wonder. Women say they appreciate that separation, but if a statuesque, European Venus walked up to you naked on the beach to ask for change for the Coke machine, mightn't she be the slightest bit put off if you didn't react a bit more... biologically?

For all the wanting to not be seen as sex objects, women pour billions into cosmetics, fashions, and plastic surgery to cater to just that thing. Just a thought.
Reply #10 Top
Sorry, I don't buy the whole, "European people don't see nudity as sexual" crap! Yes, nudity is more commonplace there, but I don't see softcore porn vendors going out of business in Europe. I also see a lot more nudity in ads there than here, which means, it must still work, even on the more "enlightened" mind.

For me though, I hope there are no societies that regard the human form as unexciting. Wouldn't it an sad life to just look at whatever sex you happen to look at and yawn. We all have our tastes and yes, there are women I could see naked and not feel a thing, but if the day ever comes that I can look at women in general and shrug it off, just kill me!! ;~D

That being said, there are situations where nudity means nothing. As I pointed out in my article about Princess Puke, she probably cleans up great, but no one is hot while wallowing in puke.

and with that lovely thought, I leave the rest of you to talking about nudity!! ;~D
Reply #11 Top
This whole article and discussion I had a picture of a beautiful nude women in my mind and then ParaTed2k came along and ruined it
Reply #12 Top
Could it be that the European attitude towards nudity is sexually fueled after all? Or rather, that European men, being culturally patriarchal and therefore misogynistic, worked to set up a society where women thought it was okay to run around naked, and men were free to ogle without having to worry about getting slapped by uppity female prudes?In this scenario, Americans are more aggressive about nudity because Americans are more honest about the social tradeoffs of a nude-friendly culture.


Hey Stutefis, for pulling this out of your ass, per say, this is one astute way of thinking!


mm gets his bag of candy out just in case a nude woman walks by, heh heh heh


Elie, you old lecher (said w/much affection btw!), put the candy away! You might just get some free oggling....with the way these young women dress these days....you don't need candy!






I'm also mentally/sexually deviant in some regards.. (Though.. yes, I'm still a virgin.. which could be the cause of the Intense appreciation of the female form ) I'm not ashamed of sexual deviancy and applaud it Public nudity is mild, but it's a start


Helix you pervert! I can tell you where there's a nude beach....but you have to buy a plane ticket to get there!!!


For all the wanting to not be seen as sex objects, women pour billions into cosmetics, fashions, and plastic surgery to cater to just that thing. Just a thought.


Baker, remember we women do it for you guys....


Wouldn't it an sad life to just look at whatever sex you happen to look at and yawn.


Oh boy, say it ain't so!


We all have our tastes and yes, there are women I could see naked and not feel a thing, but if the day ever comes that I can look at women in general and shrug it off, just kill me!!


Looks like it will be hunting season at this point......I'm sure there will be some happy to put you out of your misery.....hee, hee


And Ted...thanks for leaving the taste of puke in my mind...blech!


This whole article and discussion I had a picture of a beautiful nude women in my mind and then ParaTed2k came along and ruined it


! Exactomo!!! I'm about to hurl.....


Great article Angela.
Reply #13 Top

Sorry, I don't buy the whole, "European people don't see nudity as sexual" crap! Yes, nudity is more commonplace there, but I don't see softcore porn vendors going out of business in Europe. I also see a lot more nudity in ads there than here, which means, it must still work, even on the more "enlightened" mind.

What are you basing that on?  Personal experience?  That's what I'm basing my opinion on.  I lived in Europe until I was 20 and spent a fair amount of time on the beaches of southern france (and the UK, and northern France too).  I'm not saying that Europeans are completely unaffected sexually by nudity, but I am saying that it's simply not as big a deal to them as it is to Americans.  I think that it being more commonplace has a lot to do with it.

Americans are, in my experience, more uptight about nudity and the exposure of body parts in general.  When I first came the to US I saw women breastfeeding in the corners and even in the restrooms of public places, with blankets covering their shoulders, chests, and even their infants, and I couldn't figure out why.  I was slightly amused when Janet Jackson flashed her metal clad nipple at the superbowl halftime show and people became enraged and disgusted...because to me, it's just a boob and not THAT big of a deal.  I grew up in country that has topless chicks daily in one of it's biggest selling newspapers (The Sun and the Page Three girl), so, like I said, it's not as disgusting to me as it is to a lot of other people.

Angela, I'd like for you to define 'immodest women'.  What exactly does an immodest woman wear to the pool or beach?  I think that I might be immodest by your standards.....I wear a low rise string bikini.  But, just because I wear that, doesn't mean that I have no morals or modesty.

Reply #15 Top
It wasnt that big of a boob, either.


Hahaha! No, compared to a lot of boobs, that one was on the small side, huh?!
Reply #16 Top
Angela, I'd like for you to define 'immodest women'. What exactly does an immodest woman wear to the pool or beach? I think that I might be immodest by your standards.....I wear a low rise string bikini. But, just because I wear that, doesn't mean that I have no morals or modesty.


Do I think that your low-rise string bikini is immodest? Yes. But by society's standards such fashions have become the norm, people are desensitized to immodesty. My definition of immodesty is no different than the dictionary definition; people who feel that they are not immodest (but are by definition) probably aren't concerned with modesty to begin with. It doesn't make them inherently bad people; they're just doing what everyone else is doing, learning from Hollywood, MTV, and mainstream advertising that it's acceptable and desirable to show all-but-everything. Indeed, it is desirable to view the beauty of the human form, but sexuality has become so perverted that we hardly appreciate sexuality for what it's meant to be.

My bathing suit is a tankini...the bottoms are shorts; not tight. It's the most modest bathing suit I've ever owned, but it's still really cute. As a teenager growing up in Huntington Beach, CA I lived in bikinis all summer long. I attracted the worst guys I'd ever known, when I wasn't even trying to attract anyone. I was just dressing like the women in my dad's SI magazines, and like everyone else on the beach. In my early 20's though I experienced a spiritual awakening, and I began to see everything in life a lot differently. Looking back, I can't believe my parents let me wear things like that! Now when I see young beautiful women in barely-there bikinis I honestly feel embarrassed for them, but admittedly I feel a bit envious of their ignorance.

I believe that baring it all is best sanctified for the woman's husband in the bedroom. Can you imagine how much different society would be if we all kept our bodies sacred and if women reserved sharing their beautiful bodies with just one person who cherishes them most? Society would be filled with a lot more respect and awe at such sacred beauty. Instead, the woman's beautiful form is exploited and mis-represented, leading to a loss of respect for such a beautiful thing.

I know, my views may seem idealistic. But I'm sure I'm not waging this battle alone. I know that there are others who understand the importance of modesty.

By the way, another one of my idealistic fantasies is to live in a guileless world where it really is all right to run around naked if we want to, as innocent as babies. I wish that people could be innocent. That really is my wish. With that said, I really would LOVE to frequent some of the nudist places around here...but I know that I wouldn't feel safe because adults simply aren't innocent.
Reply #17 Top
I believe that baring it all is best sanctified for the woman's husband in the bedroom. Can you imagine how much different society would be if we all kept our bodies sacred and if women reserved sharing their beautiful bodies with just one person who cherishes them most? Society would be filled with a lot more respect and awe at such sacred beauty. Instead, the woman's beautiful form is exploited and mis-represented, leading to a loss of respect for such a beautiful thing.


You are describing the Islamic culture/viewpoint.

Personally, I feel that modesty is purely a respect for the comfort levels of the people around you.

The human body isn't something dirty and disgusting that we must be protected from, but we must also guard against creating a society where the body can only be appreciated as a sexual object.

Ultimately, it comes down to personal choice. We must each clothe ourselves in a manner that we feel is appropriate and comfortable, which means bikinis for some and shorts and a tank top for others.

Interesting blog.
Reply #18 Top
My definition of immodesty is no different than the dictionary definition.


Well, Webster's definition of immodest is:

Etymology: Latin immodestus, from in- + modestus modest
: not modest; specifically : not conforming to the sexual mores of a particular time or place

To me, wearing a thong bikini to a church dinner would be immodest.

I've also found over the years that it's not necessarily the clothes (or lack of) that can attract the 'wrong' type of guy...it's the location that the clothes are being worn at and the attitude and demeanor of the wearer.

As for women sharing their bodies with just one person....well, I do that already. I don't need clothes to do that. My body IS sacred, and the only person I share that with is my husband.
Reply #19 Top
Women can restrict access to their beauty as a sacred thing, and as an assertion of their authority and equality in society.

Men can also restrict access to a woman's beauty as degradation of the woman's authority and equality in society.

The two things are very different. I don't think AngelMarie is wishing for a world in which men use a perversion of "modesty" as a tool to oppress women. Rather, I think she's describing a world in which women use modesty as a tool for their own emancipation, an expression of their power.

The proper exercise of modesty is a good and uplifting thing. There's no need to go so far out of your way in trying to associate it exclusively with evil ideologies. Good people can promote modesty too, you know.
Reply #20 Top
My question to those who dress "immodestly":

Britney Spears and Christina Aguilara dress that way to sell concert tickes and CDs....

Prostitutes dress that way to sell sex...

So, what are you selling when you dress that way? (and please don't asnwer with "nothing, I'm just dressing like that to avoid sweat", because it sounded just as stupid when Britney thought we'd believe it! ;~D

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Dharma, what I'm basing my opinion of the whole "Europeans are more enlighted when it comes to nudity" thing is...

In Europe there is nudity in ads, if it was all so "ho hum" the advertizers wouldn't bother with it. Soft core porn sells just as much in Europe as it does in the U.S., so guys are still willing to shell out money to see it.

I do think that some Americans are too uptight about things like Breastfeeding in public and even pelvic exams. While I would rather the woman keep covered while she is breastfeeding, I see no reason to banish her and her baby to the women's restroom.

As for women who want to stay exposed while breastfeeding, if you're going to share it with everyone, don't get uptight if you see guys staring, kids snickering, or even someone pulling out a camera to "capture" the moment". If you don't respect your own privacy, don't expect anyone else to. ;~D
Reply #21 Top
While I would rather the woman keep covered while she is breastfeeding, I see no reason to banish her and her baby to the women's restroom.


Breastfeeding is a big issue for me. I breastfed wherever I happened to be (heck, I even learned how to breastfeed while walking around the house at home). When I first started, I was not as confident, so I covered myself with a blanket, which actually made breastfeeding more difficult. Eventually I got to where I could slip my baby under my shirt, his body covered anything exposed beneath my breast, and my shirt covered my breast.

It's not too difficult to breastfeed modestly.

However, I'd much rather see a bit of breast or a flash of nipple as a baby latches on to nurse than the blatantly sexual context in which I'm normally subjected to "boob action." Breastfeeding is good for mothers, babies, and society, and its benefits far outweigh a passerby's discomfort at seeing a sliver of pink nipple.

Yay for boobs.
Reply #22 Top
Having lived in Germany for several years, I was at first very shocked to see their attitude towards nudity (I was very hormonal in those days). But after a couple of times, you got use to it, and then could look without gawking or ogling.


--I know what you mean...the first time i went to a "beach" in germany....*COUGHS LOUDLY*....well, lets just say i had quite a bad case of whip lash.....it was definantly a first for me..... (it was in 1994, was 13 then...'what a wonderful time to have that happen' (note: comment was sarcastic...)

see ya, doc b
Reply #23 Top

--I know what you mean...the first time i went to a "beach" in germany....*COUGHS LOUDLY*....well, lets just say i had quite a bad case of whip lash.....it was definantly a first for me..... (it was in 1994, was 13 then...'what a wonderful time to have that happen' (note: comment was sarcastic...)

I was 4 years older, and it was 20 years earlier!  Guess not much has changed.

Reply #24 Top
"You are describing the Islamic culture/viewpoint."


Eh, I think that is an exaggeration. I don't think the author here is saying you should be covered head to toe, rather that if you are going to make yourself a sex object, perhaps it is best to limit it to the person you have sex with.
Reply #25 Top
Yep I hate to admit it but Bakyboy is right with respect modesty in the muslim world.