Do you think America is making too big of a deal out of nudity?

Question

I'm a nudist so I don't see nudity the same way most people do. I can understand why we can't just run around naked everywhere, but I think we are going too far. I think we should at least be able to change into a swim suit at the beach or breast feed in public. In other countries people are allowed to go nude at a public swimming area or beach. Why are we so strict about nudity?

Answer 1

You CAN change into a swimsuit at the beach, only, please, use the bathroom or "cabana" provided to do so privately.  Breast feeding is not necessarily considered nudity, but it should also be done as "privately" as possible.  I cannot imagine why a mother would simply WHIP out a breast while she's busy with other activities.  I would think the mother would seek some quiet, calm place to feed her infant.

The key words to your statement is, "In other countries."  Fine... when in Rome... do as the ROMANS do.  But in America, our society frowns upon public nudity, and we have every right to have OUR society set up with the norms and mores that we choose.  Just because bullfighting is acceptable in Spain doesn't make it acceptable in America, or England, or France, or wherever.  And you wouldn't expect America to be forced to accept it simply because it's "acceptable" in Spain, right?

We are "strict" about nudity not because of how we view it personally, but because of how OTHERS in the society view, and react, to it.  Etiquette is really what it is all about.  Etiquette is not which FORK to use while eating your dinner, but it is, in fact, the set of rules/guidelines (just SHORT of LAWS) which help to grease the wheels of social interactions within each society.

Etiquette dictates that one should consider OTHERS... not necessarily FIRST or BEFORE oneself, but simply to CONSIDER another's feelings, reactions, etc.  It is the ultimate form of selflessness.  Since humans are social creatures, we must find a way to survive and interact peaceably, and etiquette does that for us.  Each society has different rules, and if you do not agree with those rules, then you should feel free to find a society that does "conform" to YOUR set of norms.

In American society, we have chosen to be stricter about nudity than in other societies.  If you don't like it, move!  NO one is holding a gun to your head and telling you that you MUST stay here!

Have a polite day.

Answer 2

yes americans freak too easily.  We all came out naked, we lie naked on the morticians slab.  In the hospital  emergency/surgery rooms the strip you naked, we shower naked.  Being naked is part of life.  In Europe nudity really is not a big deal at all , yes they monitor very young inquisitive minds around it , but there are no 40 something housewives screaming protests on tv.   But i guess im a little less sensitive because my grandmother was a pin-up girl , and we all saw her pictures , it never bothered anyone in our family , we are very oipen people.   Americans need to let go and accept it.  After all , no one is pushing your head in its direct peeling your eyes open , making you look.  

Answer 3

America is supposed to be all progressive and liberal, yet they freak out upon seeing a suckling infant.  I don't get it either.  I've visited countries where a woman would just expose her breast and feed her baby in a public park without giving it a second thought, and it was perfectly natural and beautiful.  Boobies don't kill people, people kill people.  It's socially accepted that the average American child sees a million acts of violence on TV before they're an adult, though.

Answer 4

who wants to see someone breast feed their child? anyway America makes a big deal about alot of things. just the way we are. Nudity doesnt bother me, but at the same time, i wouldnt want to see someone walking up to be fully nude. be a pretty awkward moment.

we're just behind, we should get up there. soon billboards will show naked kids playing in the sand.

Answer 5

How can someone see a mother feeding her baby think it is horrible? It's like they compare it to public urination. If you ever got to art museums, you best be prepared to see lots of paintings where Mother's are breast feeding their babies. It normal , it's natural and we are the only country that gets offended by it. I think we are way to up tight in this country when it comes to s*x and nudity.  

Answer 6

Our country is still considered very new.

We were originally supposed to be very religious.

That's very observant of you to notice other cultures.

No, I don't have a problem with nudity ~ it's beautiful

and natural.  What I do have a problem with, are the

few that either pervert or overly sensor nudity.

There's definitely a line between nudity and pornography.

I love your avatar, by the way!

Answer 7

Yes and nudity is so natural and beautiful, it's a real shame to have to cover it up all the time.

Answer 8

absolutely, i agree. I mean, its okay to wear 3 inches of a swimsuit, but its horribly wrong to not have those 3 inches of material wrapped around you... give me a break.