Recommended website

[jbeegoode]

I stumbled upon this tumblr website called:
 http://thenakedtao.tumblr.com

It is a collection of wonderful nudism photos with these signs peppered in. Each sign is a dab of naturist wisdom. Just good healthy wholesome nakedism. I spent hours flipping through it and each time I was left with a sense that people are goofy about clothes and we are more sane and natural.

If the textiles spent enough time there, we would win them over.
Jbee

[John P]

I've responded to this in the "Links" section.

[nuduke]

I came across this site some time ago and I recall (but perhaps not) commenting in TSNS on the fact that it seems to be 90% depictions of attractive younger women with good physique.  Bona fide naturists they may be and portrayed in bona fide naturist circumstances as they may be, the selection seems to me to be pruriently sexist and perhaps unrepresentative of naturism in general.  However, freedom of expression allowed....on both sides!

John

[eyesup]

I had not noticed that so many of the photos were attributed to other sources when I checked the site from the other post. Looking at the bottom of the frames you see more than one source listed on occasion.

The fact all the pictures are of 20 something le femmes would, I hope, be an indicator that the person putting the collection up is from that age group. I agree that such a preponderance of lithe and strikingly pretty young ladies is suspect. Does that mean that no one around you ages? Or that there is a prohibition on males?

I seldom visit these type of sites unless a link is provided from someone else. It's like calendar collection of photos.

At any rate I would have more of an issue with the pilfering of other images than the perceived exclusive presence of pretty ladies. A smattering of older and of the other gender would go far to lend more authenticity to the intent of a site like that. Nature and naturism is for everyone.

But then again, maybe they are a newbie, it's the their 1st try and it will get better . . .

Yes?
Duane

[jbeegoode]

It is a guy in his mid fifties, who just wants to express and promote naturism. His material is pilfered from the net, which has a bias. There are many photos which look more "authentic" peppered into it.

The act of naturism as an advertisement scheme, might be better sold with younger women, like anything else. Women would want to be that, men would want to be with that, and they see naturism as that...give 'er a try. These young women are seen enjoying the sensuality, joy, and freedom. Most appear less posed and more captured.

It does mislead, any social context of naturism, one would think that it is mostly young girls that do it. It does negate the principle, or experience of social nudity, that makes body acceptance in all forms and "flaws" comfortable, but then again, get them through the door and let them sort out the reality inside the trap. Most activity is not group social context.

I can look at some of this as artsy, too, enjoying it that way, but it is not an art site. It is supposed to be a "Hey everybody, let's get naked, clothes are nuts" site.
Jbee

[nudewalker]

All those sites seem to have the same things in common; young twenty something young women or beach pictures that are from Europe. I guess it depends on the audience but for any hope that we have on becomming mainstream then an appeal has to be made to the common people. How can there be any hope of converting reluctant spouses if the ideal is seen as no less than a Victorias Secret model? There needs to be the middle ages cellulite, strech marks, pot bellied but confident naturist enjoying life and doing everyday things.

[jbeegoode]

But, is that selling the dream? Middle age woman wants to feel like that and that's what naturism offers. It sells on an emotional need level. It is glamor and that's what so many people buy, but into and work their butts off for everyday.
Jbee

[nudewalker]

Your preaching to the choir here Jbee. My point is how many people would say they're not going to a nude beach because they don't look "good" enough?

[JOhnGw]

If we are selling naturism to women we should look at the variety of stereotypes used by advertisers and their apparent market - especially for fashion products.
I'm not sure what we will find as i tend to ignore these as a matter of course but taking our cue from the professionals would seem to be a good idea.

[eyesup]

A good advertiser can sell anything. All they need is a description of the product and the target market. My guess is they are completely neutral. Just tell them what you want and retain final approval and get out of  their way.

The only reason fashion is so huge doesn't have anything to do with the advertising, it has to do with the consumer.

Duane

[John P]

You can advertise a product directly, by simply saying that it's a good item and everyone should buy it. But often the message is more subtle, implying that the customer will join a group of attractive and admired people. So they'll show a picture and encourage the customer to think "Buy this product and you can be this person", and that's often how fashion and cosmetic products are sold to women. If the product is advertised to men, they may use an image of an attractive woman and imply "Buy this product and you can possess this person". Automobiles were often advertised this way, with seductive (to some people) women hanging over them, but lately this kind of image has become less blatant.

When it comes to naturism, it's difficult to see how an image of an attractive young woman might appeal to a woman who isn't young and may worry about her appearance. In fact it's likely to have the opposite effect: there's no product suggesting instant glamour, but rather the lack of any concealment of flaws, real or imagined. On the other hand, men might respond to such advertising, if we're foolish enough to fall for such a lure. (Or "such allure".) If naturism advertises, I'd have thought its best approach would be to say "It doesn't matter who you are or what you look like, everyone is equally welcome". I'm not saying put the fat people front & center in an ad, but somehow make it clear that nobody's being selected as fit to be seen or better hidden away.

That "possess this person" thing makes me think of how tribespeople allegedly responded to explorers with cameras. You know, "The white man will take away my soul in his box with the glass eye". Is there some feeling that "What I own a picture of becomes mine"? So a middle-aged man makes a collection of images of naked young women, and he puts them up on Tumblr, and they're his trophies. Even if others just like him steal the pictures just the way he stole them, he still has a sense that he was the one in control of those women. Could it be something like that? It sure as hell isn't naturism, anyway.

[eyesup]

"Buy this product and you can be this person", and that's often how fashion and cosmetic products are sold to women.

If the product is advertised to men, they may use an image of an attractive woman and imply "Buy this product and you can possess this person".

Interesting viewpoint and well stated. I have criticized that industry before and have never had good luck at it. My issue in trying to describe my dislike of the cosmetic industry (for women and yes, men) was trying to clearly state what you just did without implying, especially to women, that they don't need to make themselves 'pretty'. They certainly have a right to, they just don't need to. I find 'em naturally pretty.

Each gender can be attractive without the expensive obsessions of trying to improve what we already have.

Or "such allure"

Ahh, ha ha ha! Love it!

So a middle-aged man makes a collection of images of naked young women, and he puts them up on Tumblr, and they're his trophies.

I understand what you are saying here and I don't disagree, but not all philatelists or numismatists are weirdos. Sometimes a collection is just a celebration of variety or diversity. Just like not all those that visit a CO resort are pervs. That doesn't mean that it doesn't happen, you merely recognize that it's a possibility.

Could it be something like that? It sure as hell isn't naturism, anyway.

I think, like you, that it's not my naturism, but then I am not the arbiter of what is and isn't naturism. I am certainly relieved that I am not.

Duane

[jbeegoode]

I sat in with a group discussion last summer of naturist women at the Naturist Gathering in So. Cal. Each enjoyed themselves as perfect. There was a variety of body types and ages. They explained what attracted them to naturism. These were a dozen, or more as I remember, a workshop kind of discussion. I couldn't imagine them getting jealous of these youths, turned off by these youths, intimidated by them, or attracted to them for their looks. Participation in social naturism creates this freedom and confidence. It is one refuge where one can be a human being.

I have noticed the unique qualities of body types through the years. I have noticed the rarity of the perfect playboy, Barbie or whatever image the media has people aspiring to. "Flaws" abound. Any fantasy that I was ever given has been shattered. Physically attractive may be good when it gets to bed, but it gets down to individual tastes and conditioning, not necessarily media conditioning. I'm not looking to bed every female I meet, or consider that for various reasons, anymore. I meet people and they are curious inside and outside. The outside gets to be known territory, familiar, but the inside is vast fun. These days, what physically attracts me is a natural all over tan, health and hair that is natural and not doctored. The rest is about the individual. God is the best fashion designer. I tend to focus on people's positives, instead of negatives. The world is a more beautiful comfortable place that way.

Youth connotes health, energy, durability, all good mating attributes. Desmond Morris tells us that has something to do with a universal attraction. Also, studies have shown that world wide there is a proportionate ratio of measurement in women that is universally considered beautiful. That's as far as it goes, apparently. Guys have other attractive criteria. So, a good advertisement for naturism might be, one after another, one of these "attractive" women is shown and confesses her "flaws" or a "flaw" an insecurity. "My butt is too small,""I don't like the way this breast hangs," "There is a crease on my hip,""other people's skin is smoother, better tanned, shinier," "I want to be shorter,""My lips are too small." Then every so often someone who is naked and natural and obviously a majority beauty, is set in there and says "I'm perfect." 

The majority of guys are bonded to women who have the majority look, not trophy wives. That might be exploited. Just look around, ladies. Who gets the guy and how and what keeps him? Many charming attributes are being covered up with fears.

Then, there's Opra, telling them bigger is okay, too. Then she promotes clothes to hide and "enhance."

Phooey!

The boobs are sagging, there's more roll around the midsection that is harder to control, the butt is less, and it is less firm, the hair isn't as luxurious and shows grey here and there, but as long as health is optimized, and there is inwardly peace, it is perfect today. But, I can only speak of myself. 
Jbee

   

[eyesup]

Jbee, I see both yours and JohnP's points. Both are valid for each.

When I was in high school I began to develop an interest in classical music. At the start I listened to the music that was most popular by the public at large. As I continued to listen I began to select lesser known and more innovative pieces of music. I still enjoy the old faves but anyone with a deep appreciation of their musical interest will continue to listen to more challenging compositions.

This is precisely the same path I took when I discovered jazz. I began with the mostly pop stuff then moved on to other forms that were different and required more attention to appreciate what the musician or composer was doing.

The same thing is going on here. Yeah, the pictures of the pretty and sexy women are pleasing to the eye, but if you are genuinely interested in this path back to a more meaningful life by choosing a less stressful lifestyle, it begins with small beginner steps.

A genuine naturist doesn't spring forth fully formed from the forehead of Zeus. It takes time, persistence and experience to, hopefully, make it. Gorgeous women and manly hunks can also be naturists.

To me these photos represent beginner steps. Would I get tired of seeing them constantly? Yes. I like variety. If I understand Jbee correctly, he is saying that there is more to attraction than just the physical. I agree. I become more attracted if I know more about the woman and it is in line with what I value in a person.

I don't see deviation from the desired form as a flaw. That could only be a flaw if it was somehow detrimental to a natural function of a human being, citizen and in my case what God expects from me.

God does not reject us for these things, why should we?

Duane

[jbeegoode]

As a side, Eyesup. I can remember getting less excited relatively quickly at a Follies Bergiere show in Vegas years ago. All of those nude perfect women began to look redundant and inhuman. I suppose that it saved the costume cost and tailoring, and sold tickets, but I discovered that I preferred human beings.
Jbee