I fear that fragmentation and separation into ever-increasing numbers of boutique groups is not something specific to naturism. It is something that groups all over the world are dealing with. We live in an increasingly connected world, which allows people to find their tribe in increasingly niche groups. Many of us are easily triggered or offended by the slightest things, and head off to look for a group that satisfies our particular outlook on life. I believe the biggest threat to society is intolerance. We need to accept and welcome differences and variety, otherwise we will continue to isolate ourselves into increasingly irrelevant groups. We need to celebrate what we have in common, rather than focus on our differences.
I agree whole heartedly with you Bob. Suspect it is a characteristic of the post modern maybe even post post modern times. IMO we are devolving away from being a society to being individuals who coalesce on occasion to interact. The impact will hit already fragmented groups harder and with greater consequence. I believe the nudist/naturist community at least in the US is one such group. So I am concerned for its continue or ability to launch any effort to expand.
Thanks for this insightful comment. It isn’t the existence of sub groups that is the problem it is the character of some those group that looks down on those that do not belong that is problematic. As another comment or noted this has been emerging in western society for sometime. It is also present in the nudist community particularly but not exclusively online. We seem to be barreling towards a highly individualistic view where only those who same my exact views are worthy of engaging. That kind of individuality is toxic to the growth of the naturist community and the development of a naturist movement. Two things necessary for the survival of naturism on a societal level in the face of current existential threats, particularly in the US
This is a product of social media. Today it is possible to clique up with a group of people who think exactly like you do. Humans are not normally identical in all respects and many people report changing their views in order to fit in better with their chosen group. Generally these internet bubbles are started and run by "influencers" who then have an exaggerated level of control over group thought.
It doesn't take long before a social bubble can devolve into a quasi-religion, complete with dogma and canon. "Influencers" are much like cult leaders.
The rise of the internet bubble has made "identity politics" ever more dominant.
Freud called it "the pathology of small differences." Two groups will agree on 99% of all questions but instead focus intensely on the !% where they have differences in order to maintain their separateness.
I long ago gave up on nudism and naturism as useful descriptors. I still use them because they are so common - but they don't mean much. Everyone has a narrow interpretation and if you don't fit, you don't belong. I like to say I'm a "nudie" because it covers a broad spectrum of nude expression and hasn't been co-opted yet.
Agree with you assessment here. The concern that is at the heart of the article when it was written and currently is this. How can the movement grow if it is owned defined and controlled by a small group of people online. Have not received any real responses to that question. Instead folks double down on the individual influence. Do you have any thoughts?
The future of American nudism is going to be determined by individuals and local nonlanded organizations. Some clubs will prosper; some will not because they don't want change. They don't want young people doing the things young people like to do or children running around or babies crying. They are old and they want to keep things old until they die and the camp is sold and turned into a housing development. There is nothing to be done for that.
Which brings up the issue of real estate prices. Land is becoming too expensive in many areas to allow clubs on large tracts of land. That means people will have to travel farther and farther to get there. Prices must go up to keep up with property taxes. Owners will always tend to use their property in its most profitable manner, so once the nudist owner dies, the heirs sell. New clubs do not get started to replace them. Hence, free-range nudies, nonlanded clubs and Meetup groups are the future.
If I were running a national umbrella organization, I would focus on those areas that are already legally nude friendly and have some demonstrated tolerance. There are a few such places and they need love and support.
The fundamental problem with nudism in the US is that there are too few nudies to matter. Focusing on anything other than bringing new blood into nudism is a waste of effort and money. Everything has to be viewed through the lens of "How does this bring more people into a broad coalition of practicing nudies and nude friendly textiles?" Secondarily, "How do we stem the loss of young people?" We ought to be actively recruiting on college campuses, even forming college nudie clubs.
Nude accepting textiles HAVE to be a part of it. Maybe more important than nudies themselves. Without them, we fail.
I'd also expand the definition of nudism/naturism into a larger nudity acceptance movement. I'd make common cause with other movements that are not explicitly nudist but may share some interests. That includes the LGBTQIA+ community. That includes part of the feminist movement. (Free the nipple!) We ought to be a part of the larger body positivity movement. As long as they agree that simple nudity is not a problem, I don't care what their other positions are.
But that isn't going to happen. Most nudists are completely happy in their nudist ghettos and see no reason to rock any boats.
How serious is this issue in the whole scheme of things? The article is nearly 10 years old. YNA has been defunct for some time. There are (perhaps) still gay naturist groups or religious naturist groups, though I see little about either. Is not the problem that the umbrella naturist organizations in this country, and their regional sub-organizations, are simply too feeble to actually promote naturism to a wider audience than that of current (usually older) naturists?
It would seem that if strong special-interest naturist groups actually existed that would be a plus. Especially in the case of younger people, who are needed for the continued existence of naturism in the future. And if a reasonably strong naturist organization for women actually existed, wouldn't that actually be good?
Any healthy society naturally comprises many distinct special interests. People like to associate with others with whom they have much in common. People potentially interested in naturism would look first for others who also share another interest or characteristic, such as gender, hobbies, philosophy of life, generation affinity, etc. As long as these subgroups also support naturism in general - which is in their own best interest - isn't promoting (hypothetical) things like "Hiking and Camping Naturists" a good idea? Shouldn't the umbrella national and regional organizations make this an important part of their strategy?
That is, if they actually had any reasonable strategy...
Yes Charles this substack shares past articles from our site. However the point is still relevant given that the phenomenon that YNA was symptomatic of has accelerated over the pas ten years. Thanks for sharing your thoughts
Well, Earl, the problem is that the article seems to imply that YNA and other special interest naturist organizations (women-only, gay, religious, or whatever) are the cause of the problem instead of a symptom (and probably a casualty) of the malaise affecting naturism. So which is it? Personally, I'm in favor of such organizations and don't see them as "hiving" off. If that's actually what they've done, I think it's BECAUSE the official naturist organizations haven't nurtured the special-interest ones. The purpose of an umbrella is to protect, not remonstrate, those it protects.
I see you've promoted this "hive" thing on Medium too. Successful organizations in most spheres PROMOTE Special Interest Groups. Even TNS has SIGs (10 of them!), even though probably hardly any members use them. But that's a problem that TNS should address. Just a couple of weeks ago there was an article in your newsletter about "achieving diversity". Wouldn't the best way to achieve that be to actively WELCOME rather than criticize diverse interests? If those interests don't find a significant benefit from the organization, then understandably they'll tend to depart.
Charles not sure what your gripe is for how and what we share and where but we clearly are operating from different points of view. I have a both and approach where the choice is not between having groups hive off or not and having interest groups or not. I believe we need both and also other expressions of naturism to coalesce into a movement I order to keep naturism alive and have it thrive.
I understand that you my see it differently but don’t understand why my opinion is such a problem for you. At the time that the article in question was written there was read conflict between YNA and the AANR. This was reported in the media on our website. It was eventually resolved and a more inclusive partnership developed. I know this because I spoke directly with the leader of YNA about it. I share this only because it may cause you less angst about what we share if you enquirer about context and intention. You need to agree with me but could be less certain and more curious about what I share.
"not sure what your gripe is for how and what we share and where but we clearly are operating from a different point of view. I have a both and approach where the choice is not between having groups hive off or not and having interest groups or not. I believe we need both and also other expressions of naturism to coalesce into a movement I order to keep naturism alive and have it thrive."
Earl, my concern was with the whole thing about "hiving off". Now you seem to be saying "we need both". What do you mean by that? Is "hiving off" OK or isn't it? You also want everyone to "coalesce". I want that too, of course. But the question is: how to bring that about.
My perspective is that there are certain types of people who could enjoy nonsexual social nudity but are reluctant to "coalesce". Much of the problem is general social attitudes we have virtually no control over. But the remainder of the problem is probably with organized naturism in the U.S. as it exists today. It's clearly not making progress - quite the opposite.
The existence of people who could enjoy social nudity yet hold back is obvious. This includes especially women and young people, but also other groups, such as LGBTQ+ and people of color. Some of the reasons for non-participation are fairly obvious, but there may be non-obvious reasons too. However that is, lots of creative thinking is needed to deal with the problem, but I see little of that happening. Sure, we want more young people and women to participate, but WHAT should organized naturism do to accomplish that? What are the obstacles to overcome?
In earlier newsletters I've discussed ideas for what to do, and I'll be writing much more about that. The title of my newsletter should make the intent clear. I'll be glad to read your ideas toward the same objective.
Charles - just think we have different intentions for our respective Substack efforts. I feel your passion for what you do but I am not trying to accomplish the same with my newsletter. Finally interest groups are much different in my mind than the kind of separate groups for separate demographics that the recent post was referring to. Best wishes in your endeavors.
Long ago and far away I was a member of Mensa. Back in those days there was a Greater Los Angeles Young Mensa SIG and a Naturist SIG. Membership between the two had a lot of overlap.
Mensa has shrunk, and for many of the same reasons that organized nudism has shrunk. They got old and rested on what they'd accomplished and were comfortable with the group they had. They all grew old together. Now there is no longer either a Young Mensa SIG locally nor is there a Naturists SIG even nationally that I can find.
Suppose we had a national nudist group. I would encourage people to form their own SIGs based on their own interests. You'd have a Family SIG and a Singles SIG and a Youth SIG. Maybe an Anime SIG, a Firearms SIG, a Scrabble SIG, a Hiking SIG, a Sailing SIG. There could be a Gay SIG or maybe a different SIG for every letter in the LGBTQIA+ community.
I don't know what a + SIG would be for. (Swingers, maybe?) But if someone wanted it, more power to them. Everything would be under the "nudies who (fill in the blank)" umbrella.
I see SIGs enhancing the greater umbrella organization by combining interests with the fundamental interest of wanting to do it naked.
There are no national umbrella organizations. AANR was never a nudist organization, it is a nudist resort organization. It also appears to be in financial trouble.
TNS tries but have started to tear itself apart over office politics. NAC is the most useful part nowadays. Couldn't even keep YNA alive.
Neither offers auditable membership numbers. But for various reasons I think memberships are way down. Perhaps it is because of extreme timidity. A little bit of will and a whole lot of won't. Contrast this to BN and other European groups.
Sometimes they will promote for a specific cause, like saving a super popular beach, but if it doesn't fit a narrow portfolio, it doesn't happen. What are they doing to bring new nudies into the fold and to expand the movement? All the action - if any - is at the local and individual level nowadays and is not pushed by the traditional players..
Insightful. Yet no one seems to want to admit the truth of what you describe. We have taken a beating in backlash when we point out that naturism continues to grow in U.K. and Europe where there are credible national entities. The same people then cherry pick situations to suggest the naturists outside of the U.S. aren’t doing a better job all while trying to export the individualist influencer approach to other countries. All seems very self interested.
Fred, I agree, mostly, with your comment. There are numerous reasons to be discouraged by both AANR and TNS. But what is to be done about it? Do rank-and-file naturists have concrete proposals for dealing with this situation?
What, for example, could AANR do to actually promote naturism? I've though of a number of things, and I'll be writing more about them in this newsletter - as soon as I have enough free time to do so. Just for example, AANR could develop a program for training local naturists how to educate people in their communities about naturism. Even if AANR's primary focus is on clubs, recruiting more people to naturism should mean more members to join or visit clubs. Existing non-landed clubs could do something similar, and grow their own membership. That would be a win for naturism in general, not just parts of it.
And what are individual naturists THEMSELVES doing to promote naturism? Why should existing organizations do much more if current naturists aren't participating in the effort? Isn't there too much of a "Let George do it" attitude at all levels? Of course, we know that most naturists are too reluctant to "come out" as naturists, for fear of what others might think. But wouldn't it be worth it to find potential naturist friends, even at the risk of alienating a few current friends? (Most people don't have jobs where their employment might be in danger. Is an auto mechanic or electrician likely to be at risk?)
Regarding NAC, in particular: Do you read their (almost) monthly newsletter? Why the heck is it entitled "Pages of History"? Now, NAC is sort of joined at the hip with the Naturist Education Foundation (NEF), which has a legitimate interest in the history of naturism. But what does that have to do with ACTION? And why does the (now separate) TNSF put out a quarterly magazine (of good quality though it is) where about half of each issue is devoted to history? Could it have to do with the fact that so many leaders in these organizations (as well as most members) are of the older generation and seem mainly interested in recalling the naturism of their youth?
NAC is the only group I know of who engages in legal activism on behalf of open nudity. Over the last few years their activity level has declined. Part of a broader decline in the functionality of national institutions.
The difference between the US and Europe took place two centuries ago and beyond. The Puritans and other extreme fundamentalist groups fled Europe and Britain in particular for freedom of religion in America. France started down the road of secularization with their revolution. This left America with a fundamentalist protestant tinge that persists to this day. In many states they have a heck of a voting bloc.
Nudists do not come out of their closets because their closets are warm and comfy. Nudism is a hobby for occasional weekends and maybe around the house. They spend it at the park/reservation and return home after the holiday. It is a guilty hobby the rest of their world wouldn't understand. Then they can fit into their textile lifestyle the rest of the week. They don't experience the kind of oppression that gays or blacks have experienced, so they don't see it as a civil rights issue.
Never underestimate the power of people's desire for social conformity. Even if on weekends they may go on vacation to conform to a different social standard.
Right now the entire country is in flux. Powerful currents surge around us and most people just want to stay afloat. Old hippies like me are ageing out of our active years. I don't think I have any control to exert over the future and nobody of importance wants to hear what I have to say, anyhow. I do have faith in the political cycle and the tide always flows back again.
<<This left America with a fundamentalist protestant tinge that persists to this day. In many states they have a heck of a voting bloc.>>
Yes, there's no question that U.S. society is badly fucked up, and religious fundamentalism and social conformity are parts of the problem. It's not quite so bad here as in countries like Iran, Afghanistan, Saudi Arabia, etc. But it's pretty bad. However, naturism got started in this country in the 1930s, and despite the problems, it slowly but steadily grew into into the last few years of the past century. TNS itself didn't get organized until 1980, and grew for perhaps 20 years, with much credit to Lee Baxandall. But he had to quit due to health issues. And religious fundamentalism has been strong the whole time. So what's the excuse for the steady decline since 2000?
<<Nudism is a hobby for occasional weekends and maybe around the house. They spend it at the park/reservation and return home after the holiday.>>
Naturists come in all degrees of enthusiasm for the pleasure of not wearing clothes. Many who don't even consider themselves naturists enjoy that pleasure to a greater or lesser degree. For a large number it's more than just "occasional weekends and maybe around the house". But we know very little about what the actual numbers are for different levels of enthusiasm. Because there's so much stigma attached to nudity in a large part of the population. All kinds of severe mental hang-ups are prevalent in our society. Fear of nudity is just one of them.
There's a chicken/egg problem here. Naturist organizations and clubs can't thrive if there aren't enough naturists. But without enough clubs and organizations, people who could enjoy social nudity cannot - because there aren't enough clubs and organizations. It's a vicious circle. Sure, it's possible to enjoy nudity outdoors in very carefully chosen places, but not everyone is satisfied with that as the main option (besides the home) for enjoying naturist nudity.
There are a number of things that can be done about this situation, and I'll be writing about them in my newsletter. Will anyone really listen? Who knows. But "I'm not dead yet".
What happened since the 80s? That's a helluava question. Someone could write a whole library of books on the topic. We are tossed about in a stormy sea with neither an anchor, a rudder, nor a motor.
The 80s was when the Boomers started moving into positions of power. I'd have been 24 in 1980. But boomers got older and most forgot about the ideals of their youth. They became their parents. They elected Ronald Reagan, after all.
The children of the Boomers did not share their parents idealism either. Every generation rejects what the previous generation stood for. It's a rule.
It all comes down to demographic, psychographic, economic, and technological shifts. Today was pretty much set in stone by processes emerging decades ago..
You can't influence the storm but you can paddle the raft.
I fear that fragmentation and separation into ever-increasing numbers of boutique groups is not something specific to naturism. It is something that groups all over the world are dealing with. We live in an increasingly connected world, which allows people to find their tribe in increasingly niche groups. Many of us are easily triggered or offended by the slightest things, and head off to look for a group that satisfies our particular outlook on life. I believe the biggest threat to society is intolerance. We need to accept and welcome differences and variety, otherwise we will continue to isolate ourselves into increasingly irrelevant groups. We need to celebrate what we have in common, rather than focus on our differences.
I agree whole heartedly with you Bob. Suspect it is a characteristic of the post modern maybe even post post modern times. IMO we are devolving away from being a society to being individuals who coalesce on occasion to interact. The impact will hit already fragmented groups harder and with greater consequence. I believe the nudist/naturist community at least in the US is one such group. So I am concerned for its continue or ability to launch any effort to expand.
Thanks for this insightful comment. It isn’t the existence of sub groups that is the problem it is the character of some those group that looks down on those that do not belong that is problematic. As another comment or noted this has been emerging in western society for sometime. It is also present in the nudist community particularly but not exclusively online. We seem to be barreling towards a highly individualistic view where only those who same my exact views are worthy of engaging. That kind of individuality is toxic to the growth of the naturist community and the development of a naturist movement. Two things necessary for the survival of naturism on a societal level in the face of current existential threats, particularly in the US
This is a product of social media. Today it is possible to clique up with a group of people who think exactly like you do. Humans are not normally identical in all respects and many people report changing their views in order to fit in better with their chosen group. Generally these internet bubbles are started and run by "influencers" who then have an exaggerated level of control over group thought.
It doesn't take long before a social bubble can devolve into a quasi-religion, complete with dogma and canon. "Influencers" are much like cult leaders.
The rise of the internet bubble has made "identity politics" ever more dominant.
Freud called it "the pathology of small differences." Two groups will agree on 99% of all questions but instead focus intensely on the !% where they have differences in order to maintain their separateness.
I long ago gave up on nudism and naturism as useful descriptors. I still use them because they are so common - but they don't mean much. Everyone has a narrow interpretation and if you don't fit, you don't belong. I like to say I'm a "nudie" because it covers a broad spectrum of nude expression and hasn't been co-opted yet.
Agree with you assessment here. The concern that is at the heart of the article when it was written and currently is this. How can the movement grow if it is owned defined and controlled by a small group of people online. Have not received any real responses to that question. Instead folks double down on the individual influence. Do you have any thoughts?
The future of American nudism is going to be determined by individuals and local nonlanded organizations. Some clubs will prosper; some will not because they don't want change. They don't want young people doing the things young people like to do or children running around or babies crying. They are old and they want to keep things old until they die and the camp is sold and turned into a housing development. There is nothing to be done for that.
Which brings up the issue of real estate prices. Land is becoming too expensive in many areas to allow clubs on large tracts of land. That means people will have to travel farther and farther to get there. Prices must go up to keep up with property taxes. Owners will always tend to use their property in its most profitable manner, so once the nudist owner dies, the heirs sell. New clubs do not get started to replace them. Hence, free-range nudies, nonlanded clubs and Meetup groups are the future.
If I were running a national umbrella organization, I would focus on those areas that are already legally nude friendly and have some demonstrated tolerance. There are a few such places and they need love and support.
The fundamental problem with nudism in the US is that there are too few nudies to matter. Focusing on anything other than bringing new blood into nudism is a waste of effort and money. Everything has to be viewed through the lens of "How does this bring more people into a broad coalition of practicing nudies and nude friendly textiles?" Secondarily, "How do we stem the loss of young people?" We ought to be actively recruiting on college campuses, even forming college nudie clubs.
Nude accepting textiles HAVE to be a part of it. Maybe more important than nudies themselves. Without them, we fail.
I'd also expand the definition of nudism/naturism into a larger nudity acceptance movement. I'd make common cause with other movements that are not explicitly nudist but may share some interests. That includes the LGBTQIA+ community. That includes part of the feminist movement. (Free the nipple!) We ought to be a part of the larger body positivity movement. As long as they agree that simple nudity is not a problem, I don't care what their other positions are.
But that isn't going to happen. Most nudists are completely happy in their nudist ghettos and see no reason to rock any boats.
How serious is this issue in the whole scheme of things? The article is nearly 10 years old. YNA has been defunct for some time. There are (perhaps) still gay naturist groups or religious naturist groups, though I see little about either. Is not the problem that the umbrella naturist organizations in this country, and their regional sub-organizations, are simply too feeble to actually promote naturism to a wider audience than that of current (usually older) naturists?
It would seem that if strong special-interest naturist groups actually existed that would be a plus. Especially in the case of younger people, who are needed for the continued existence of naturism in the future. And if a reasonably strong naturist organization for women actually existed, wouldn't that actually be good?
Any healthy society naturally comprises many distinct special interests. People like to associate with others with whom they have much in common. People potentially interested in naturism would look first for others who also share another interest or characteristic, such as gender, hobbies, philosophy of life, generation affinity, etc. As long as these subgroups also support naturism in general - which is in their own best interest - isn't promoting (hypothetical) things like "Hiking and Camping Naturists" a good idea? Shouldn't the umbrella national and regional organizations make this an important part of their strategy?
That is, if they actually had any reasonable strategy...
Yes Charles this substack shares past articles from our site. However the point is still relevant given that the phenomenon that YNA was symptomatic of has accelerated over the pas ten years. Thanks for sharing your thoughts
Well, Earl, the problem is that the article seems to imply that YNA and other special interest naturist organizations (women-only, gay, religious, or whatever) are the cause of the problem instead of a symptom (and probably a casualty) of the malaise affecting naturism. So which is it? Personally, I'm in favor of such organizations and don't see them as "hiving" off. If that's actually what they've done, I think it's BECAUSE the official naturist organizations haven't nurtured the special-interest ones. The purpose of an umbrella is to protect, not remonstrate, those it protects.
I see you've promoted this "hive" thing on Medium too. Successful organizations in most spheres PROMOTE Special Interest Groups. Even TNS has SIGs (10 of them!), even though probably hardly any members use them. But that's a problem that TNS should address. Just a couple of weeks ago there was an article in your newsletter about "achieving diversity". Wouldn't the best way to achieve that be to actively WELCOME rather than criticize diverse interests? If those interests don't find a significant benefit from the organization, then understandably they'll tend to depart.
Charles not sure what your gripe is for how and what we share and where but we clearly are operating from different points of view. I have a both and approach where the choice is not between having groups hive off or not and having interest groups or not. I believe we need both and also other expressions of naturism to coalesce into a movement I order to keep naturism alive and have it thrive.
I understand that you my see it differently but don’t understand why my opinion is such a problem for you. At the time that the article in question was written there was read conflict between YNA and the AANR. This was reported in the media on our website. It was eventually resolved and a more inclusive partnership developed. I know this because I spoke directly with the leader of YNA about it. I share this only because it may cause you less angst about what we share if you enquirer about context and intention. You need to agree with me but could be less certain and more curious about what I share.
"not sure what your gripe is for how and what we share and where but we clearly are operating from a different point of view. I have a both and approach where the choice is not between having groups hive off or not and having interest groups or not. I believe we need both and also other expressions of naturism to coalesce into a movement I order to keep naturism alive and have it thrive."
Earl, my concern was with the whole thing about "hiving off". Now you seem to be saying "we need both". What do you mean by that? Is "hiving off" OK or isn't it? You also want everyone to "coalesce". I want that too, of course. But the question is: how to bring that about.
My perspective is that there are certain types of people who could enjoy nonsexual social nudity but are reluctant to "coalesce". Much of the problem is general social attitudes we have virtually no control over. But the remainder of the problem is probably with organized naturism in the U.S. as it exists today. It's clearly not making progress - quite the opposite.
The existence of people who could enjoy social nudity yet hold back is obvious. This includes especially women and young people, but also other groups, such as LGBTQ+ and people of color. Some of the reasons for non-participation are fairly obvious, but there may be non-obvious reasons too. However that is, lots of creative thinking is needed to deal with the problem, but I see little of that happening. Sure, we want more young people and women to participate, but WHAT should organized naturism do to accomplish that? What are the obstacles to overcome?
In earlier newsletters I've discussed ideas for what to do, and I'll be writing much more about that. The title of my newsletter should make the intent clear. I'll be glad to read your ideas toward the same objective.
Charles - just think we have different intentions for our respective Substack efforts. I feel your passion for what you do but I am not trying to accomplish the same with my newsletter. Finally interest groups are much different in my mind than the kind of separate groups for separate demographics that the recent post was referring to. Best wishes in your endeavors.
Long ago and far away I was a member of Mensa. Back in those days there was a Greater Los Angeles Young Mensa SIG and a Naturist SIG. Membership between the two had a lot of overlap.
Mensa has shrunk, and for many of the same reasons that organized nudism has shrunk. They got old and rested on what they'd accomplished and were comfortable with the group they had. They all grew old together. Now there is no longer either a Young Mensa SIG locally nor is there a Naturists SIG even nationally that I can find.
Suppose we had a national nudist group. I would encourage people to form their own SIGs based on their own interests. You'd have a Family SIG and a Singles SIG and a Youth SIG. Maybe an Anime SIG, a Firearms SIG, a Scrabble SIG, a Hiking SIG, a Sailing SIG. There could be a Gay SIG or maybe a different SIG for every letter in the LGBTQIA+ community.
I don't know what a + SIG would be for. (Swingers, maybe?) But if someone wanted it, more power to them. Everything would be under the "nudies who (fill in the blank)" umbrella.
I see SIGs enhancing the greater umbrella organization by combining interests with the fundamental interest of wanting to do it naked.
There are no national umbrella organizations. AANR was never a nudist organization, it is a nudist resort organization. It also appears to be in financial trouble.
TNS tries but have started to tear itself apart over office politics. NAC is the most useful part nowadays. Couldn't even keep YNA alive.
Neither offers auditable membership numbers. But for various reasons I think memberships are way down. Perhaps it is because of extreme timidity. A little bit of will and a whole lot of won't. Contrast this to BN and other European groups.
Sometimes they will promote for a specific cause, like saving a super popular beach, but if it doesn't fit a narrow portfolio, it doesn't happen. What are they doing to bring new nudies into the fold and to expand the movement? All the action - if any - is at the local and individual level nowadays and is not pushed by the traditional players..
Insightful. Yet no one seems to want to admit the truth of what you describe. We have taken a beating in backlash when we point out that naturism continues to grow in U.K. and Europe where there are credible national entities. The same people then cherry pick situations to suggest the naturists outside of the U.S. aren’t doing a better job all while trying to export the individualist influencer approach to other countries. All seems very self interested.
Fred, I agree, mostly, with your comment. There are numerous reasons to be discouraged by both AANR and TNS. But what is to be done about it? Do rank-and-file naturists have concrete proposals for dealing with this situation?
What, for example, could AANR do to actually promote naturism? I've though of a number of things, and I'll be writing more about them in this newsletter - as soon as I have enough free time to do so. Just for example, AANR could develop a program for training local naturists how to educate people in their communities about naturism. Even if AANR's primary focus is on clubs, recruiting more people to naturism should mean more members to join or visit clubs. Existing non-landed clubs could do something similar, and grow their own membership. That would be a win for naturism in general, not just parts of it.
And what are individual naturists THEMSELVES doing to promote naturism? Why should existing organizations do much more if current naturists aren't participating in the effort? Isn't there too much of a "Let George do it" attitude at all levels? Of course, we know that most naturists are too reluctant to "come out" as naturists, for fear of what others might think. But wouldn't it be worth it to find potential naturist friends, even at the risk of alienating a few current friends? (Most people don't have jobs where their employment might be in danger. Is an auto mechanic or electrician likely to be at risk?)
Regarding NAC, in particular: Do you read their (almost) monthly newsletter? Why the heck is it entitled "Pages of History"? Now, NAC is sort of joined at the hip with the Naturist Education Foundation (NEF), which has a legitimate interest in the history of naturism. But what does that have to do with ACTION? And why does the (now separate) TNSF put out a quarterly magazine (of good quality though it is) where about half of each issue is devoted to history? Could it have to do with the fact that so many leaders in these organizations (as well as most members) are of the older generation and seem mainly interested in recalling the naturism of their youth?
NAC is the only group I know of who engages in legal activism on behalf of open nudity. Over the last few years their activity level has declined. Part of a broader decline in the functionality of national institutions.
The difference between the US and Europe took place two centuries ago and beyond. The Puritans and other extreme fundamentalist groups fled Europe and Britain in particular for freedom of religion in America. France started down the road of secularization with their revolution. This left America with a fundamentalist protestant tinge that persists to this day. In many states they have a heck of a voting bloc.
Nudists do not come out of their closets because their closets are warm and comfy. Nudism is a hobby for occasional weekends and maybe around the house. They spend it at the park/reservation and return home after the holiday. It is a guilty hobby the rest of their world wouldn't understand. Then they can fit into their textile lifestyle the rest of the week. They don't experience the kind of oppression that gays or blacks have experienced, so they don't see it as a civil rights issue.
Never underestimate the power of people's desire for social conformity. Even if on weekends they may go on vacation to conform to a different social standard.
Right now the entire country is in flux. Powerful currents surge around us and most people just want to stay afloat. Old hippies like me are ageing out of our active years. I don't think I have any control to exert over the future and nobody of importance wants to hear what I have to say, anyhow. I do have faith in the political cycle and the tide always flows back again.
<<This left America with a fundamentalist protestant tinge that persists to this day. In many states they have a heck of a voting bloc.>>
Yes, there's no question that U.S. society is badly fucked up, and religious fundamentalism and social conformity are parts of the problem. It's not quite so bad here as in countries like Iran, Afghanistan, Saudi Arabia, etc. But it's pretty bad. However, naturism got started in this country in the 1930s, and despite the problems, it slowly but steadily grew into into the last few years of the past century. TNS itself didn't get organized until 1980, and grew for perhaps 20 years, with much credit to Lee Baxandall. But he had to quit due to health issues. And religious fundamentalism has been strong the whole time. So what's the excuse for the steady decline since 2000?
<<Nudism is a hobby for occasional weekends and maybe around the house. They spend it at the park/reservation and return home after the holiday.>>
Naturists come in all degrees of enthusiasm for the pleasure of not wearing clothes. Many who don't even consider themselves naturists enjoy that pleasure to a greater or lesser degree. For a large number it's more than just "occasional weekends and maybe around the house". But we know very little about what the actual numbers are for different levels of enthusiasm. Because there's so much stigma attached to nudity in a large part of the population. All kinds of severe mental hang-ups are prevalent in our society. Fear of nudity is just one of them.
There's a chicken/egg problem here. Naturist organizations and clubs can't thrive if there aren't enough naturists. But without enough clubs and organizations, people who could enjoy social nudity cannot - because there aren't enough clubs and organizations. It's a vicious circle. Sure, it's possible to enjoy nudity outdoors in very carefully chosen places, but not everyone is satisfied with that as the main option (besides the home) for enjoying naturist nudity.
There are a number of things that can be done about this situation, and I'll be writing about them in my newsletter. Will anyone really listen? Who knows. But "I'm not dead yet".
What happened since the 80s? That's a helluava question. Someone could write a whole library of books on the topic. We are tossed about in a stormy sea with neither an anchor, a rudder, nor a motor.
The 80s was when the Boomers started moving into positions of power. I'd have been 24 in 1980. But boomers got older and most forgot about the ideals of their youth. They became their parents. They elected Ronald Reagan, after all.
The children of the Boomers did not share their parents idealism either. Every generation rejects what the previous generation stood for. It's a rule.
It all comes down to demographic, psychographic, economic, and technological shifts. Today was pretty much set in stone by processes emerging decades ago..
You can't influence the storm but you can paddle the raft.