Why can't we have nudity in society?

Okay, it might be difficult if your trying to take someone serious while they are walking around in the buff, but why is nudity so shunned?

Mainly it is because we were told that it was taboo, secondary I think it is because one person's body might seem offending to another person's body in a society where bigger is better and a proportioned figure is envied.

And last it would upset a economy where clothing apparel is big business.

orichalcum said:

Okay, it might be difficult if your trying to take someone serious while they are walking around in the buff, but why is nudity so shunned?

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Well, body odor for one, is not a pleasent thing. This would definitely become a problem for those who do not take showers at least every other day. Second, you definitely don't want to go down in a crowded elevator where someone might bump into ya. Third, there are things that were meant to be concealed.

People connect nudity with lasciviousness or promiscuity in women; satyriasis in men. It's odd, though, that clothing fashions, in women especially, emphasize sexuality, essentially advertize sexual availability, yet they're considered acceptable.

Spend a year in Canada , and then ask that question .

But seriously , there are many reasons . Everything from social statis , to cultural restrictions and customs . As well as religious overtures . And the fact that clothing is practical in most cases .

Besides , most people do look better clothed ... I know that I do , and it ain't nice to scare small children ....

After the fascination wore off, (a very short time) there wouldn't be a lot of lascivious thoughts. Nudism is not sexy. It's the clothes, bikinis, thongs, etc. that make a body look sexy. The question is, "Why can't we have nudity in society?" Since we already have nudity in designated places in society, orichalcum, it may have been better to ask why we can't display nudity as a whole?(No pun intended)

The bible is clear about nudity --

"But Shem and Japheth took a garment and laid it across their shoulders; then they walked in backward and covered their father's nakedness. Their faces were turned the other way so that they would not see their father's nakedness." Genesis 9:23 (New International Version)

"Behind your doors and your doorposts
you have put your pagan symbols.
Forsaking me, you uncovered your bed,
you climbed into it and opened it wide;
you made a pact with those whose beds you love,
and you looked on their nakedness." Isaiah 57:8 (New International Version)

"The nakedness of thy father, or the nakedness of thy mother, shalt thou not uncover: she is thy mother; thou shalt not uncover her nakedness." Leviticus 18:7 (King James Version)

"Thou shalt not uncover the nakedness of a woman and her daughter, neither shalt thou take her son's daughter, or her daughter's daughter, to uncover her nakedness; for they are her near kinswomen: it is wickedness." Leviticus 18:17 (King James Version)

Now, personally, I would love nudity...at least in the Summer. ;>)

We can and we do. but perhaps not in the street.
There are hundreds of nudist beaches and camps all over the world, where the law allows it.
Terry
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Amen! Truly I say to you: Gather in my name. I am with you.

Nudity is not practical nor sensible in modern day society. I don't say this because of what I consider the foolish irrationality of societies standards but simply because of the weakening ozone layer, the high risk of sun cancer and the harsh climate of most of the world.

Having said that I don't think it should be made illegal. Its a persons choice whether they want to take the above risks, I just think that these risks need to be emphasised so people can make an informed decision before endangering themselves.

Culture, tradition, the fact that in some countries we need clothes to keep us warm - whilst in others to protect our skin from U.V rays.

An interesting point though - relating to semi-nudity;

It is fine for a woman or a man to wear what amounts to no more than underwear on the beach, at a swimming pool - but why is it so wrong elsewhere?

Fluffy said:

Nudity is not practical nor sensible in modern day society. I don't say this because of what I consider the foolish irrationality of societies standards but simply because of the weakening ozone layer, the high risk of sun cancer and the harsh climate of most of the world.

Having said that I don't think it should be made illegal. Its a persons choice whether they want to take the above risks, I just think that these risks need to be emphasised so people can make an informed decision before endangering themselves.

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In fact, Nudist are dealing with this problem even as we speak. They are some of the most prolific sunscreen users on the planet.

michel said:

Culture, tradition, the fact that in some countries we need clothes to keep us warm - whilst in others to protect our skin from U.V rays.

An interesting point though - relating to semi-nudity;

It is fine for a woman or a man to wear what amounts to no more than underwear on the beach, at a swimming pool - but why is it so wrong elsewhere?

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Good point Michel. In the same way, some are comfortable with the barest of suit, while others insist on almost complete coverage. Does it depend on how comfortable a person is with their body?

Two words......

Sunburn and Frostbite. :biglaugh:

I agree with the rest of you that there are some reasons to wear clothing (sunburn and frostbite indeed), but in situations where wearing clothing is actually a hindrance and an annoyance (humid Minnesota Julys for example) I think that it comes down to society being scared of sexuality. What is so wrong with the human body after all that it can't be shown?

This always reminds me of the part in Gulliver's Travels where he's on the island with the Hwinnims and the Yahoos.

I have no problem with nudity. Just imagine though if your daughter was walking around in public butt naked, though. You would have a different stance on the matter at hand!

Stormygale said:

I have no problem with nudity. Just imagine though if your daughter was walking around in public butt naked, though. You would have a different stance on the matter at hand!

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Not really, if everyone else was naked also.

In fact, Nudist are dealing with this problem even as we speak. They are some of the most prolific sunscreen users on the planet.

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I agree. However, I cannot see a single logical argument for why nudity is better than going clothed. I am totally for allowing people to choose no matter the situation they are in but this is far different from the kind of arguments you get when going onto a naturist site and viewing all of their arguments as to why going nude is best.

As a side note, I find it weird that we have not had the argument yet that nudity is not suitable for some areas of society such as business meetings, weddings etc. Afterall, this is a common argument against removing the social unease about swearing so it is a surprise to not see it applied to what is almost an indentical scenario in terms of why society has a problem with it.

Umm....I don't think you'd want that.

how many people want to watch the queen of england give her christmas day speech in the nude? who wants to see maggie thatcher going on her infrequent visits to the tory HQ in the nuddy? i personally wouldn't

these are all british examples so im sorry for those who dont know

our queen is old and maggie thatcher - well, the less said about her nude the better

although .... if william become king ------- maybe nude speeches should be allowed

how many people want to watch the queen of england give her christmas day speech in the nude? who wants to see maggie thatcher going on her infrequent visits to the tory HQ in the nuddy? i personally wouldn't

these are all british examples so im sorry for those who dont know

our queen is old and maggie thatcher - well, the less said about her nude the better

although .... if william become king ------- maybe nude speeches should be allowed

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Spend 5 minutes looking at "mature" pornography. The disgust will wear off within 1 for the most part. It will never entirely go away for SOME people but its perfectly dealable with. Anyone born into such a society will experience zero disgust.