Are we deviant or mentally ill? — Anything Else on True Nudists

CabotCheeseOriginal Poster

Apr 30, 2011

Doing some research on the psychological motivation to being a nudist. Came across a book that discusses nudism as an example of deviant behaviour.
http://bit.ly/kl5qbX
Do I consider myself to be deviant. If I define my nudist impulses and behaviour as 'different' to the main stream then yes I am deviant. Does this make me mentally ill? Not so sure about that one, I prefer to think of myself as 'special' :-)
So do you agree we are deviant?
Are we mentally ill or just 'special'?
What do you think drives us to be naked either when in our own homes and/or in a social situation. How about the desire to be naked in public rather than in a private gathering of nudusts?
Just trying to figure out what drives me.

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Replies

OP
openrange
Apr 30, 2011
I put the "FUN" in dysfunctional (i like that one). Are we depraved ? Not at all !
We just live in a very conservative place. Don't stress undress.
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SP
spideymann66
Apr 30, 2011
HAHAHAHAHA!!! I don't think you can anything nowadays without being labeled a deviant or mentally ill!!!!! ;) Love life and not care what other people think about nudism!
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CO
Curt, or Cowboy
Apr 30, 2011
Technically, we are "deviant" only because we do deviate from the "norm."
I have a girl friend who likes to remind me that "normal" is but a setting on a washing machine, so .....
Personally, I prefer being described as eccentric.
Now, where did I leave my medication ?
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BU
Bud
Apr 30, 2011
I am "Wierd in a good way"
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CD
Cheri Donna Dawson
Apr 30, 2011
In Sociology, deviant means outside the norm. Since being nude is not the typical norm, nudism/naturism in that context is deviant. BUT even within nudism/naturism, there are deviants such as those who are here for the wrong reasons.
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OP
openrange
Apr 30, 2011
very well stated....GOOD CALL !
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CO
Curt, or Cowboy
Apr 30, 2011
[quote]In Sociology, deviant means outside the norm. Since being nude is not the typical norm, nudism/naturism in that context is deviant. BUT even within nudism/naturism, there are deviants such as those who are here for the wrong reasons.[/quote] Somehow, a "deviant deviant" doesn't sound as bad as it probably should...... :)
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ME
Member
Apr 30, 2011
[quote][quote]In Sociology, deviant means outside the norm. Since being nude is not the typical norm, nudism/naturism in that context is deviant. BUT even within nudism/naturism, there are deviants such as those who are here for the wrong reasons.[/quote] Somehow, a "deviant deviant" doesn't sound as bad as it probably should...... :)[/quote] Hmmmm, a deviant deviant, like math? a negative negative is a positive? OMG! So deviant, I am normal! Thanks guys!
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ME
Member
Apr 30, 2011
This is a good example of where you have to be careful in your
reading. The article was actually looking at labeling/deviant theory.
It looked to nudism and the mentally ill for examples. It also went on
to stress the importance of defining the population/culture to
understand Normal. Deviant behavior is the differing from a norm or from the accepted standards of a society,
the word "a" being critical. Thus in puritanical societies, nudism
would be deviant. In certain tribes in South America, being textile
would be deviant. Unfortunately, the majority in a society have a tendency to codify normal. And there is always value-judgment in devia.
No where in the article did it equate nudism and mental illness.
In conclusion: me thinks everyone is deviant but me and thee, and lately, I've had me doubts about thee.
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RE
RedGater
Apr 30, 2011
I don't care who you are, if you do some world travel, I guarentee you will feel like a deviant somewhere... no matter how normal you may think you are. How did mentally ill creep into this anyways?
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KE
kenoHick
Apr 30, 2011
Nudists give the finger to 5,000 years of civilization which is bad, which is good.
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CA
CabotCheeseOriginal Poster
Apr 30, 2011
[quote] "Deviant behavior is the differing from a norm or from the accepted standards of a society, the word "a" being critical. Thus in puritanical societies, nudism would be deviant. In certain tribes in South America, being textile would be deviant. Unfortunately, the majority in a society have a tendency to codify normal. And there is always value-judgment in devia." [/quote] Closer to home a fully clothed individual at a nudist resort could be considered deviant, and asked to leave if he/she didn't take their clothes off. No different to being naked at church, they'd ask you to leave also :-) It's all relative. I agree with you that societies often label individuals, unfortunatley right behind labels comes judgemental attitudes. The word deviant itself is often used as a derogatory term such is the nature of labels and those who like to use them.
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CA
CabotCheeseOriginal Poster
Apr 30, 2011
[quote]Technically, we are "deviant" only because we do deviate from the "norm." I have a girl friend who likes to remind me that "normal" is but a setting on a washing machine, so ..... Personally, I prefer being described as eccentric. Now, where did I leave my medication ?[/quote] I find it interesting that 'normal' is assumed to be and is promoted as good. But if everyone were all normal (ie the same) then how boring would the world be? I like what the French say, "Vive La Difference!!". Normal folks can thank us for making them feel more normal :-)
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