The Phoenomea of Nudism

What would it be like to go about your day to day activities without having to worry about clothing? That is the idea put forth by proponents of the practice of Nudism. Public nudity is seen, especially in Europe, at clothes-free beaches and other public venues. To get a taste of this type of alternative lifestyle, many people in the United States visit websites such as bang bros, Porno Tube or YouPorn, but in other parts of the world the examples of nudism are much more commonplace. What are the themes and issues of nudism, and why is nudism growing in popularity?

Nudism does have some cultural aspects to its practice. In the United States going minus clothing is called social nudity or nudism, and proponents are called nudists, but in Europe it is often called naturism, and practitioners are called naturists. One theme is that common to both is the idea of nudism in a non-sexual and family friendly environment, and in a mixed social setting. There are individuals who participate in nudism, and there are also organizations that promote nudism.

There are special environments where the practice of nudism is encouraged. They include resorts, clubs and other facilities, including beaches. Various places practice a spectrum of nudity, ranging from some clothing worn to complete nudity.

There are some arguments among nudists when it comes to the use of clothing. Some think that if you are at a nudist resort, for example, where some clothing can be worn, that it sets the nudists apart and makes them feel uncomfortable, which might not be the case if all were participating fully nude. Others practitioners of nudity believe that enforcing rules of strict nudity is just as constraining as enforcing rules to make people wear clothing, so there is a range of thought concerning the use of clothing at a nudist facility. Some venues are labeled as nude optional or clothing optional, which refers to the fact that you have a choice of wearing clothing or not, because both are permitted.

In Europe, and especially in Germany, people who practice nudism, or naturism in Europe, often belong to the free body culture. The abbreviation for free body culture in German is FKK, and you will often see signs with this label showing the way to nudist beaches, for example.

People can, and often do, also practice sports in the nude. Going for a canoe ride in the nude is called canuding. Going for a hike in the nude out in the wilds is known as free hiking. Beaches might also offer a clothing-free option as well.
There are cultures in New Guinea, Africa and the Amazon where people groups wear little to no clothing as a general practice. Over time, however, many groups have been culturally assimilated into mainstream cultures where wearing clothing was the norm, and have had to adapt in order to fit in.

For those who participate in nudism or naturism, they find that they feel more at one with humanity, and that class and wealth play less a part in their interactions.