Conference moira::naturism

    Au Contraire!  Mexico is vehemently anti-nudity!  (I believe there are
    other notes in this conference to this extent.)  Japan is also against
    nude beaches, but public baths are okay.  China is anti-nudity.  Europe, 
    Australia, New Zealand, and pasrt of Africa are positive.  The U.S. is
    about in the middle, I believe.
    
    Jack

  I think a lot has to do with the influence of religion on each country.

  The south and midwest of the US are very much influenced by religion,
  especially fundamental christianity, which is apposed to public nudity.
  The north east and west of the US tend to be more progressive thinking,
  such as parts of Europe.  I think there is a correllation between this
  and the number of nude beaches in each area. (lakes included)

  If we wish to make the US more progressive thinking, than we have to 
  keep church and state seperate.    Unfortunately, thats not happening.

  O well, ... I'm just glad I don't live in the south or midwest!

  paul

>  ...The south and midwest of the US are very much influenced by religion,
>  especially fundamental christianity, which is apposed to public nudity.
>  The north east and west of the US tend to be more progressive thinking,
>  such as parts of Europe.


We should also be careful with any generalizations.  Depending on who you
ask, the 'midwest' can cover a wide area.  Minnesotans might not wear as much
in the sauna as the Ohioans do.  And there's a wide variation between
city to contryside and as well as neighbor to neighbor.

In more rural areas, it depends on the terminology.

I you ask someone, "How do you feel about public nudity?", they are might
to respond with that it is immoral.

If you ask them, "Have you ever gone skinny-dipping?", many would respond,
"Sure, who hasn't?".

    I believe the obsession with condeming nudity in the U.S. is partially
    encouraged by institutional reinforcement of our individual levels of 
    insecurity.  The traditional Christian institutions have played a hist-
    oric role in molding these anti-natural attitudes in people.  Many
    people in this society not only consider nudism as evil, but also any-
    thing that comes from nature without an institutional blessing.  I have
    often wondered how people can learn to appreciate other people when
    they harbor such deep-rooted biases against the natural essence of
    things.  I do not mean to single out institutional Christian organiz-
    ations, I use them as an example based upon personal experiences.  I
    have found that people who are not as upset by nudity or other natural
    phenomena, are generally more willing to get to the root of a problem
    and resolve it on the basis of its own merit.  I have found, generally
    speaking again, that the institutional types tend to look for a quick
    fix across the board solutions to complex problems,  without con-
    sidering the consequences.  I believe that one must face this issue
    within himself before they decide to rush to the bandwagon of the
    general public, if they want to honestly handle nudity issues.  I also
    believe that many individuals have not learned to evaluate an issue
    without some kind of public or institutional approval.
    
    Dougie
    (Of course, I may be wrong, but right now that's the way I see it)
       

    My wife and I took a Carribean (sp?) cruise for our honeymoon. There
    were several women who were topless at the pool and no one seemed
    offended or bothered. I think it is a matter of location versus
    practice. In other words, I have no problem with someone sunning
    on the deck, but I don't want to see any buffs bumping up against me at
    the buffet table. 
    
    Tom