by Desert Hiker » Fri Jun 02, 2006 4:14 pm
To a lot of people, nudity and children are about as compatible as oil and water--they just can't be mixed together without making a mess of things. I certainly can understand why some folks would naturally feel this way, especially given most people's perception of nudity--that is; nudity=sex. As good parents, we naturally want to protect our children from anything that would increase the risk of abuse, or danger of any kind. So, while many people will not bat an eye to learn that someone they know is a card carrying member of a nudist club, they are ready to call the cops when they learn that whole families are in attendance--including kids of all ages. It seems it is "okay" for us adults to frolic in the altogether, as long as we "leave the kids at home, with the sitter".
As strange as it may seem, statistics show us that the kids are actually in greater danger of being abused by the sitter, than at any nudist venue, or in most homes where nudity is treated as normal, and natural. Dr. Lee Salk, who's work with families and children is legendary, has stated as much in his own publications that pertain to this subject. Several other studies, and statistics also lend their support to this. So, it would appear that the "knee jerk" reaction to ban nudity in front of the children is not the answer we might have thought it to be. This is not to say that ALL nudity is good, obviously it is not. Pornography, and sexually explicit behavior is certainly not acceptable for children--that is something we all can agree upon. On the other hand, wholesome, non-sexualized nudity, like that found at most naturist clubs, and as practiced by naturist families has been found to be of great benefit overall.
Of course, the debate rages on. Especially now, with the public's eyes being opened to the rampant abuse of children prevalent in places that were previously thought of as "safe". It is good that we are more aware of the possibility of abuse in ALL places where kids are present--especially our churches, and schools. We should not adapt a cavalier attitude towards abuse, and bury our heads in the sand--and live on the "banks of denial". We must remain vigilant in catching those predators in our midst, and protect our children from harm. However, let us not rush to judgment, and criminalize the innocent. Simple, wholesome, and natural nudity has its place in our lives.
Throughout human history, and in cultures around the world, when nudity was "outlawed" it resulted in an exponential increase in sexual and violent crimes--the correlation is unmistakable. I am not saying that naturism, or nudism is a panacea--a "cure all" for all that ails society. A world where nudity was more normal would still have many problems--their would still be "evil amongst us". None the less, I do contend that many of our societal, and behavior problems would be greatly reduced.
In this forum we will explore all the pluses and minuses, problems, and delicate matters pertaining to parenting children in a way of life that includes wholesome naturism. All comments, observations, and helpful advice in dealing with our children are welcome here.
Last edited by
Desert Hiker on Mon Jun 05, 2006 1:10 am, edited 1 time in total.
Peace In Christ, Sam
Naked I came from my mother's womb, and naked I will depart...--Job