Should displays of public nudity (swimming, biking nude) be allowed?
Public Nudity should be allowed as it is being tolerated in a growing number of states and cities.
I believe public nudity should be allowed for a few reasons. The most pressing of reasons is that it is natural in the BIBLE. At least, until the devil disguised as a snake convinces Eve, mother of all, that it's wrong. Not only that, but San Francisco allows public nudity, New York allows women to go topless so it's only a matter of time, as well as other places. If you want my true opinion, I believe you should consider it this way. The cities that allow public nudity are saying: "you are you, perfect in every way and have no fear to be ashamed at showing who you are." The others: "Your body is offensive to many people here and we don't like seeing you showing any part of yourself, even if you're doing nothing sexual." And for goodness sake! To the NO argument about the bus seats: There would be state issued TOWELS for such people to sit on. That way, nudists can sit on the bus, and when they leave, throw out the towels in the nearest trash can. They can be replaced. The more I read of the NO arguments, the repetitive complaints I'm seeing to the point that it's just silly. I will post a link to a fictional pamphlet about school nudity in my next comment. While I say it is fictional, it houses some key points I believe everyone in the US should consider CAREFULLY. That is my reason on this matter
Posted by: PropublicnudismPublic Nudity a Great Thing
I was raised in a very modest family but I now support public nudity. My little brother had such a fear of anyone seeing his body he could not even participate in gym or school sports. As part of a therapy program he was introduced to public nudity and soon saw no one care how his body looked except him he was able to enjoy sports and be comfortable with himself. He is much happier now.
Posted by: AnonymousI oppose public nudity because I feel it is indecent. It would especially expose children to things they do not need to see. Also, I feel people who do not want to see it should not be exposed to this. Also, I believe it is against the law.
I believe people were not meant to be seen nude. As above I believe it is against the law or should be against the law to have nudity displayed in the open and expose people and/or children to something they should not be exposed to at all. There is not a place for this here.
Posted by: IucaIittI3Mere Nudity is not Offensive or Indecent, Merely Exposure
Everyone has genitals. Everyone knows everyone else has genitals, even children. No one can be genuinely surprised at visual proof of others' genitals. Offense is in the eye of the beholder, and if the eye is offended it can look away (paraphrased from Canadian case law). Offense in this circumstance comes from the inappropriate association of nudity with private sex, private urination, or private defecation while in the public arena. A nude person has no control over the inappropriate association by an observer, presuming she is not publicly having sex, publicly urinating, or publicly defecating. The said inappropriateness stems from insufficient exposure to nudity with no subsequent adverse consequences in the first place. Hence, mere nudity is not offensive or indecent, merely exposure.
Posted by: iffarmerIt's healthy!
There is nothing vulgar or perverted about the nude human body..in a proper setting. God created us with no textiles. Physical activity like swimming and biking, exercise and hiking should be allowed, at least in a designated area or beach. The body is free to breathe.
There is nothing worse than sand in a wet, soggy bathing suit, or sweaty gym clothes.Posted by: AnonymousIt is our legal right of choice.
There is to many other things we should be worried about then our own nudity. We were born nude so we should have the legal right to continue being that way. Nudity does not equal and sexual act. That comes from the minds of perverts.
Posted by: AnonymousTo teach younger generations not to judge and that everyone is beautiful
I am an 18 year old male from England and I personally love being nude, currently I have only been brave enough to do it alone because I do not like my body that much but being naked does help making me more acceptable. We are the only species that wear clothes and we feel ashamed of our bodies. But I understand if people do not want to see or be naked so maybe there should be more "nudist areas".
Posted by: AnonymousWe should support personal freedom and choice.
We should support personal freedom and choice. Providing individual actions are not physically threatening , sexual or otherwise, one should be free to choose, especially the recreational opportunities that promote an active healthy lifestyle. It's not for everyone, but if an individual is comfortable, why not? We live in a country that is supposed to encourage free expression! If you don't like it, don't look, or leave.
Posted by: AnonymousWe Can Handle It
I agree with the sentiment that nudity "promotes a healthy attitude towards bodies and sex." I think the main reason people object to public nudity is the psychological adjustment it would necessitate. Many people just don't want to have to change their conception of what is normal, because of the difficulty and distress of changing an long-held (indoctrinated) belief. However, the fact that it is ILLEGAL to be in your natural form in public causes psychological disturbance and confusion in itself. It is harmful to cause people to be ashamed of being naked and, in turn, be ashamed and confused by their own bodies. I have even felt uncomfortable walking back from the beach, through town, in a one-piece bathing suit because people were gawking at me. I think there needs to be a shift because prudishness is harmful, not nudity.
Posted by: AnonymousFree Choice
Human societies develop workable compromises between individual freedoms and group cooperation. Typically these compromises are meant to insure that we get the benefits of both. Individual freedoms help us gain a strong sense of self-responsibility. That helps in the group cooperation, where self-responsibility meets the needs for protection of the weakest members of a society, including infants, children, the aged, the infirm, etc. In my view, clothing can easily belong in the first category: individual choice. The compromise of mandating certain types of clothing seems like a type of societal control of individual choice, but a control mechanism that does little to insure group protection of the most vulnerable.
Posted by: AnonymousWhy shouldn't it be must be the question.
Its only a matter of time before people will find this to be intolerable. IMO it's a perfectly natural way to feel good about yourself. I'm sure god didn't intend it to be this way. Understandable we (humans) are on top of the chain be it in intelligence, adaptability so on. This is uncommon among other living beings so they wander around butt naked. Also their skin has undergone evolution over thousands of years has to protect themselves from harsh conditions of nature. But what I'm trying to say is we are no superior to all other life forms in terms of right to live and die one day. That reminds me to mention the life span of turtles. They live for a minimum of 300-400 years. We are so not so frickin blessed. Period.
Posted by: AnonymousThe nude human body is what we really are
Humans since its origins had a body. We all humans know very well how a nude body looks like. Therefore I expose my question: what is the big deal? Children? they are the first to be joyful to be naked and they really do not care much about the nude bodies of adults. I am all for public nudity, a big YES!
Posted by: AnonymousI'm looking at the outcomes of what would happen if it was legal.
In the future from now, if it becomes legal, I think it will be part of the mainstream and nobody will even think about it. It would probably be regular thing to be naked around the pools, beaches, and maybe local parks. Other then that, nudity would probably go ignored or become relatively unimportant. Furthermore, I can see equality becoming mutual between males and females.
The next thing I would like to illustrate is that people will be very conscious about their bodies. Unwanted pregnancies will go decrease. Divorce would most likely decrease. Males would have to learn self control over their sexual desires. I think it's something we should have allowed along time ago. Even some individuals in US history were known to be in the nude; such as Benjamin Franklin and Kennedy. You'll find there was many famous people throughout history that were known to get naked once in a while.Posted by: AnonymousFreedom, less stress, and nothing to be ashamed of.
Human nudity is natural. We all should be able to enjoy our nudity and freedom, its relaxing. We would probably take better care of our bodies if it was legal to be nude anytime and anywhere. To think that people should have to cover up and feel ashamed of there bodies is shameful.
Posted by: AnonymousFreedom:
"Congress shall make no law...abridging the freedom of speech." Subject to limitations: libel, slander, obscenity etc.
Public nudity should be handled in the same way. Nudity is a form of physical expression analogous to speech. It should be allowed as long as no "measurable harm" to others is inflicted.
In the context of nude swimming, biking etc, there is nothing sexually obscene about it. Nobody is harmed by seeing it. If someone sees it and is offended that is not form of measurable harm. These are natural activities harmonious with the innate human rights a person deserves.Posted by: AnonymousThrow off American Puritanical Restraints
I believe it was Gods idea all along for us to be nude! It was not until we (Adam & Eve) messed it up for all of us when they acquired the knowledge of good and evil and thus acquired "shame". I feel we should have Clothing Optional status throughout any voting region, just like the sale of alcohol. Totally nude thats fine, want to wear short shorts thats fine, topless fine, skirts that stop at the mons pubis fine, men in just a tie fine, there should be a law for shoes but that's safety, now if you want to let the nude plumber into your house thats left up to you. We would not care. My grandchildren would still watch him work and would not ask one question about nudity but how he was fixing the plumbing. I believe it is a healthier view on life than trying to keep it a secret and hiding under layers of clothing out of shame. If the 36-24-36 receptionist came to work totally nude every day even a dog of a man would get tired of it and finally get back to work. There would be no surprise in a low cut blouse if you have already seen her breast totally nude the day before. Sure this would take a while to get use to but I would guess under a year. Now you can raise the temperature on the A/C saving $ if you get hot take your clothes off, no one cares. Really No One Cares.
Posted by: AnonymousI support legalizing displays of public nudity, because I believe seeing nude bodies promotes healthy attitudes towards bodies and sex.
Our prudish attitude towards public nudity causes many problems in our society. The only bodies we see naked, in our society, are the airbrushed, made-up bodies of actors, models and porn stars in magazines and movies. This leads to average people feeling uncomfortable in their own skin, which, in turn, contributes to insecurity, low self-esteem and eating disorders.
Posted by: YummyIke50Why must we wear clothes?
Clothing for protection and sanitation reasons is good. But other than that what good is it? In all honesty, with what little females wear to the beach sometimes, they would be considerably less arousing with nothing on! And there wouldn't be as much curiosity about the opposite gender if it was all just out there to see. Anything forbidden has always generated results opposite the intentions.
Posted by: AnonymousPublic Nudity should be allowed
There are so many nudist and nudist clubs, and nudist people who belong to clubs, or associations or home nudist. I believe nudist and society could live together and allow nudity in public as long as it is not sexual, or in sexual in nature. Imagine going on a bus or going into the local downtown mall nude and seeing other nudist doing the same or going to restaurants or public rec centers to use the swimming pool or changing in the same dressing rooms openly and not being ashamed or embarrassed about the nude body. Just my own opinion.
Posted by: AnonymousNutity doesn't equal sex
God Made Adam and Eve completely nude. In fact they didn't even know they were naked until after the eating of the forbidden fruit. If God had wanted us to cover up, he would have introduced man to clothing in the first place. Nudity does not always equal sex which is what we have been taught to believe. It's natural and nothing private about it.
Posted by: AnonymousNo harm done.
Protecting children: my children have seen both parents naked without any apparent emotional scars (we don't lock the bathroom door while showering in case one of them needs the toilet). I remember at age 4 being terrified of what turned out to be my grand mother getting changed under a beach robe. I reckon if she had changed without it I would not have been scared. Hygiene: no one is forcing you to put your bare bum where someone else's bare bum has been. You can wear clothes to separate yourself from the seat if you prefer. Do you not use public restrooms? All sorts of bare bums have been on that toilet seat you are using. Offence: while I don't go out of my way to offend people, if my freedom of expression offends you then the problem is yours, and not mine. I should not have to adjust my harmless behavior for the sake of your sensibilities.
Posted by: AnonymousThere should be no law forcing people to observe the custom of clothing.
There should not be a law against a human being remaining in their natural born state. Nudity in the absence of sexual harassment or deliberate vulgarity should be an individual's personal choice and no other group should have the authority over a person's personal choice of clothing or lack thereof.
Posted by: Wynn354I think that public displays of nudity should be allowed,because it will demystify the naked human body, and remind us all of what we really are, which is human.
In my opinion, public displays of nudity should be allowed. This will help people to appreciate their bodies more, instead of being so ashamed of them. Humans would rather wear clothes than go naked anyway. Also, cold weather makes it necessary for humans to wear clothes. But by making public nudity illegal, we are actually making the natural human body illegal. There should definitely be public places where humans are allowed to be naked. Because, if it's illegal to go without clothes now, and we don't change something, then very soon, it may be illegal to go outside without socks or shoes.
Posted by: Issac McCarthyPublic displays of nudity should be allowed, because it is natural and should not be hidden from sight.
Public nudity has always been an issue in the United States, due to our Puritanical roots. But, there is no reason to outlaw nudity. Public nudity is natural and should not be considered offensive, as it does not hurt anyone. Children and young adults should learn to be comfortable with their own naked bodies, as well as other people's. This would likely lead to fewer sexually related problems, such as rape and voyeurism, if nakedness was not so taboo. Besides, we would all save money on clothes.
Posted by: VampireShuNudity is Natural
Nudity is the natural state of mankind. Clothing is only needed for protection against the environment and warmth. In addition, it is unreasonable to demand that others conform to your idea of "acceptable" behavior whenever they have harmed no one. The control freaks in society need to take a chill people and realize that they don't have the right to be a little dictator every time people engage in nonviolent, harmless behavior that they don't happen to approve of.
Posted by: AnonymousI believe public nudity should be allowed, there to much shame associated with the body.
Body image is a serious issue and one that touches many lives. Through shame and intimidation we get people to believe in a fictional rendition of the human body. One that leaves little room for it's variety and robustness. Allowing public nudity forces that issue to be confronted and makes us reevaluate our inherent beliefs about taboos.
Posted by: R0II4IcyNudity is GOOD for Children.
The most common argument (which is fallacious) against nudity is, “But what about the children!” Research and study has shown overwhelmingly that children are not adversely affected by nudity. In fact, it is a positive effect. The damage that is done to children is the by the adults that irrationally overreact to nudity, thereby scaring the children. The cultural mores that body phobic people force on the children and us all, sickens our society and it is time for a change.
In most areas in the country the majority is statistically not offended by mere nudity. It is just weird or unusual at the greatest discomfort. Weird or unusual is healthy for a society and generally not illegal. A little education and exposure to nature would be good for us all and would produce social change.
The mentally sick people are the ones making these unjustified laws against body freedom and health.Posted by: jbeegoodeThere is nothing wrong with the human body in its natural state.
People who desire to walk around nude aren't hurting anyone. There is nothing wrong with the unclothed human body. People shouldn't be ashamed of the way their bodies look without clothing. We were all naked when we were born. If someone's actions have no negative effect on those around them there is no reason to prevent that action.
Posted by: RanseYouhavePersonal freedoms are more important than moralistic values.
Nudity in public is only considered wrong because we grow up in a highly materialistic culture. Why is it that it is acceptable to wear as little clothing as possible, providing it covers something, yet when people get rid of them altogether in a public setting, everybody loses their minds? The only way to reverse this attitude and create a more libertarian culture is to normalise public nudity, and the only way to really do that, is to embrace it as much as we can. Although I will grant that clothes are good for some circumstances.
Posted by: AnonymousBut why not ?
People have never been stopped from doing something because of a ban. Designated areas for people of different preferences would be a more ideal solution. Why should only one side of the argument be allowed to use public facilities ? The government takes from everyone , but those who would prefer to swim and enjoy the sun without tan lines are discriminated against when it comes to accessing public facilities to do so.
Posted by: LibertyisAmericanWhat is the actual harm in it?
There really is no reason that it should be banned except that some people find it offensive and that is not reason enough to ban something.
Posted by: BennyWFreedoms should be protected.
In our country we have many freedoms. We have free speech, can speak up against our government, choose our own religion but currently we are not allowed to be nude. If it is true that we are created in the divine image in god's plan then what is wrong with public nudity. We should not be ashamed of our bodies, we should be able to be nude while swimming, biking or anywhere where we want too. If nudity was a not so shameful then maybe it would not be such a taboo in our country and we as a society would not be so ashamed of our bodies.
Posted by: M Albert 103Displays of public nudity should be allowed because their is nothing harmful about the naked human form and no one is being hurt or forced to be naked.
Displays of public nudity should be allowed because their is nothing harmful about the naked human form and no one is being hurt or forced to be naked. The naked human form is complex and beautiful image. Although their are many different varieties of body types most people can safely say that their is nothing wrong with being comfortable in your own body, after all we all are born naked. What prevents public nudity nowadays is nothing but a social stigma that assumes public nudity would create more sexual crimes and be embarrassing to many who would see another human being in their pure form. Social norms should not define the law.
Posted by: 53r3n3PiersWhat is wrong with it?
What is wrong with people being nude in public? There is nobody that has not seen a nude person in real life, male or female. Anyone who has had children must have seen both sexes in the nude, and, when you come down to it, what is the difference between two naked bodies? If there was anything really weird, or unique, it would probably be being shown off for the novlty. Since one body is like the next, and everyone has seen it all, what is wrong with alowing to be seen in public?
Posted by: SuperD543Displays of pubic nudity should be allowed because it's just a body.
Displays of pubic nudity should be allowed because it's just a body. Nudity is not appropriate or sanitary in all circumstances, but people in the United States are a little too uptight. Reasonable nudity without sexual connotation is innocent and natural and should not be treated as much of a big deal as it is.
Posted by: H0bi3InvaderYes, because nudity, in and of itself, is a very natural thing.
We are all born that way. Those who desire the freedom from being clothed should be allowed to do so, as long as everyone in their community is in agreement. Many of the clothes people wear these days leave little to the imagination anyway. Perhaps it would encourage people to take better care of their bodies, if they knew people would see them nude.
Posted by: TownWettIt must be acceptable
Since we are born then what's the problem in remaining nude in front of everybody. We all have the same parts. Human are also animals but animals don't wear anything. We also don't need anything until it's very cold or hot. Humans are very narrow minded. We just need clothing to protect us only from the environment.
Posted by: AnonymousSocial nudity All the way
Nothing wrong with social nudity, it's only the prudes that can't accept their own bodies when looking in the mirror.
Posted by: Anonymous
Public nudity is not acceptable.
I really don't think public nudity should be allowed. Parents have a hard enough time answering the sometimes embarrassing questions asked by young children. And young children have a way of blurting out things which are better left unsaid. Seeing a nude elderly gentleman pedaling down the street on his bicycle could be a little mystifying to a busload of elementary school students. Observing a neighbor naked on a riding mower could be very confusing to children. It's bad enough seeing some people walking around in thongs.
Posted by: PinkMychFor sanitary reasons mainly.
I would not like to sit where someone has had their naked butt. I am not bothered by the nudity itself, but by the lack of hygiene it involves. I am not stating nudists have poor hygiene, only that the cleanest of backsides still retain a certain residue that I am not interested in having on my bus seat.
Posted by: Ia2CistNo, because there are children in the public that are not prepared for the emotions and sensations that this will create in them.
Would you ever want your child to witness your neighbor doing anything without clothing on? Of course not, because nakedness of the human body is a private thing, and not a public thing. The same protection that we afford children from being abused as objects of child pornography should also protect them from being exposed to pornography of any kind, whether public or private.
Posted by: MariaRAllowing for this type of display in public places should never be allowed.
Underwear ads have already gotten to a point where they are pushing what is acceptable by many Americans. If we were a nation of only adults, whose minds where not corrupt, then maybe this would be okay. Parents should not have to explain this type of thing to their children until a time when they feel it is appropriate. It could also become a focus of attention to people with mental disorders and other afflictions.
Posted by: 5h035BowIt's not unreasonable
to place restrictions on what people can and can't do in a public area. If you say displays of public nudity should be allowed, then you should have no issues with things like someone sitting down next to you nude and masturbating furiously, yet I think even most of the people who answered yes for this would find that offensive. If people find something gravely offensive or injurious, there is no need to require it be allowed on public property. Now, public nudity on your own property is something else entirely.
Posted by: AlwaysMoreThanYouI do not believe public displays of nudity should be tolerated because it can create problems with public safety.
Public displays of nudity affect not only the here and now but the future too. It not only can cause the inattention of drivers and create adult situations that children should not be exposed to it also creates an atmosphere that encourages the disrespect of others and the willingness to devalue sexual situations.
Posted by: 54b3rRyonNo, for several reasons.
The hygiene factor has been well covered, so I won't add to that one. Another reason is that nothing should be allowed in public that would shock the sensibilities of the majority of people that may see it. Since the majority of folks in the US would prefer to not have to see other people naked, it is not valid for public display. The third reason is Biblical - God made clothes from animal skins for them to wear. That by itself should make it clear enough whether we should be naked in public.
Posted by: AnonymousDisplays of public nudity are unnecessary and unpleasant.
There is no need for public nudity, and for the most part it is not very aesthetically pleasing. Usually the people who feel they need to exert their rights to expose themselves, are not the type of people that one would care to look at. Also, western culture is such that public nudity is not the norm, and many young children are uncomfortable when they are exposed to people who go around with no clothes on.
Posted by: TaintedHamelI am opposed to allowing displays of public nudity because for health considerations.
I am opposed to allowing displays of public nudity for health reasons. First, sufficient undergarments and clothing does provide a necessary shield from possible disease or other affectations that can be carried on someone's skin and then transferred to a common use piece of property. For example, if public nudity was allowed, and people were sitting on park benches, the ability to catch germs or something worse is heightened because there is no shield (e.g. clothing) to ward off the spread of such germs. The second reason I am opposed to public nudity for health reasons is because it is easier to catch germs from nature and other animals without the protective barrier of clothing.
Posted by: SandDariNo, displays of public nudity should not be allowed, because this would increase the risk of pedophiles exposing themselves to children.
Allowing public displays of nudity would increase the risk of pedophiles exposing themselves to children. Although there would most likely be laws against indecent exposure, allowing public nudity would make it much harder to prosecute offenders. It would also make it easier for pedophiles to talk children into exposing themselves. If children are accustomed to seeing nude adults in public places, they will assume that it is acceptable for them to do the same and may, therefore, be less inclined to report an incident of an adult asking them to expose themselves.
Posted by: GrandioseFrank59I don't believe that public nudity should be allowed, out of respect for other people.
While I fully appreciate the human form, I think it's pretty tactless to display it in public. If our society normally lived nude, on a daily basis, I suppose that it wouldn't matter. But that is not the case. We are used to wearing clothes, and seeing someone nude is going to generate a number of responses, the two basic ones being (1)sexual desire or (2) total disgust. And what happens if you take your children to the beach or for a walk in your neighborhood and they see this? I don't think that viewing naked people is good for a child's mind. It brings up things that they shouldn't even be thinking about, at that age. While I do believe in freedom of expression, I think that people who enjoy nudity should do it around other people who feel the same way, and not infringe on the beliefs of the majority.
Posted by: KimbeBeatPublic displays of nudity should not be allowed because many people are offended by them.
There are plenty of places for people who want to engage in nudity to go without exposing themselves to the public. First, it is offensive because children are a part of the public and I do not believe that this behavior is appropriate in front of children. Many people have bodies that definitely do not need to be exposed in public! I believe that public nudity is immoral and against good common sense. If people want to go nude, there are groups that they can join who are like-minded and they can enjoy this practice without offending the general public where many people are opposed to public nudity. Many places also have private beaches for those who want to experience the beach with no clothes!
Posted by: R0d0FerdyPublic displays of nudity should not be allowed in order to protect people who may be offended.
While we covet our right to express ourselves, the larger issue here is consideration for the people around us. The practices of people while on private property is their private business. However, while in public, people must be considerate of those around them, including children. I would also assume that an increase in sexual attacks might be the result of public nudity.
Posted by: MainBenPublic displays of nudity should be banned because they are the actions of the majority wishes.
Displays of public nudity should be banned simply because they are not in line with the morality standards of the majority of society. It is not an acceptable practice for children and others with certain sensibilities to be subject to the nudity of others for the sake of freedom of expression. People with nudist beliefs have the opportunity to practice their chosen lifestyle at private outdoor clubs.
Posted by: ThegaXenPublic displays of nudity should not be allowed because it can offend too many groups of people.
No one should be allowed to be in public in anything indecent, let alone nude. Most importantly, there are children who are out and about in most public places who do not need to be subjected to something like that. If people want to be au natural, then they need to do it in the privacy of their own homes, or at least in a private area where only those who want to see it have access.
Posted by: Z FryePublic nudity should not be allowed, there are too many people who would be offended.
If you are trying to raise your child correctly then you wouldn't really want them to see people walking around nude. This isn't something that you are supposed to do according to God. It would be unfair to subject people to others nudity if they didn't want to see it when they went out in public it would be hard to avoid.
Posted by: B3rkIffyI don't want to see other peoples privacies.
For health reasons, and out of respect for others, people should keep their clothes on in public. I shudder at the thought of sitting in a chair after a female with a barely there skirt sat in it. I definitely don't want to be exposed to peoples naked bodies and natural juices. It's not even safe to shake someone's hands these days. And, even though, body types of all kinds are beautiful in their natural state, there's no need to assault unsuspecting people - especially children - with your nude presence. It's totally not necessary. There are good reasons why you can't walk into a store shoeless or shirtless. Imagine snagging that on something, turning a sharp corner and bumping this or having someone bump into your .... GROSS!
Posted by: MohaI0v35