One of the most common general misconceptions about nudism is that nudists are just voyeurs and/or exhibitionists. Nudism is not equivalent to voyeurism or exhibitionism. Naturists/nudists are people who simply enjoy being nude. They are not primarily interested in seeing others naked (voyeurism) or being seen naked by others (exhibitionism).
Both voyeurism and exhibitionism are defined as paraphilias and are listed in the American Psychiatric Association, Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. Paraphilias are recurrent, intense, sexually arousing fantasies, urges, or behaviors that can be distressing or disabling and that involve inanimate objects, children or other non-consenting adults. Paraphilias include sexual behaviors that society may view as distasteful, unusual or abnormal. People with a paraphilia often have an impaired or nonexistent capacity for affectionate, reciprocal emotional and sexual intimacy with a consenting partner. The sexual arousal and gratification of persons who suffer from paraphilias are dependent on fantasizing about and engaging in sexual behavior that is atypical and extreme. Most paraphilias are far more common in men than in women.
Voyeurism is achievement of sexual arousal by observing people who are naked, disrobing, or engaging in sexual activity. Desire to watch others in sexual situations is common and not in itself abnormal but when individuals spend inordinate amounts of effort and time seeking out viewing opportunities and their observations are of non-consenting, unsuspecting people with the intent of achieving arousal and sexual gratification, then the behavior is recognized as voyeurism and considered both abnormal and a psychiatric disorder.
Exhibitionism is characterized by achievement of sexual excitement through genital exposure, most usually to an unsuspecting stranger. It may also refer to a strong desire to be observed by other people during sexual activity. Exhibitionists (usually male) may masturbate while exposing or fantasizing about exposing themselves. They manifest the need to surprise, shock, or impress the unwilling observer. Usually, the behavior has a furtive quality. The exposure happens quickly and sometimes is even staged to appear done in a seemingly accidental manner. Some exhibitionists (“flashers”) are more provocative or threatening in their behavior, stepping in front of another person in public and exposing themselves, waiting for a reaction. In many cases, it is the reaction that the exhibitionist seeks.
As you can see, the focus of voyeurism and exhibitionism is not on simple nudity but on sexual arousal and gratification. Also persons with these disorders are heavily dependent on situations involving unsuspecting and non-consenting persons. In a nudist social setting these factors are not present as all are nude and mutually exhibiting themselves by choice and their presence in the setting operates as effective consent for others present to view their nudity. There is no atmosphere of non-consent or any opportunity for anyone to be surprised, shocked or impressed by anyone’s exposure. Thus it is difficult to imagine that a voyeur or exhibitionist would find a nudist gathering an attractive venue for plying their behavior. Generally the only voyeurs that can be found around nudists are in situations involving nude beaches and the voyeurs are generally clothed and identified by the sunlight glinting off camera or binocular lenses.
While the behavior may appear similar, exhibitionists and nudists are worlds apart. A nudist or naturist is an individual who enjoys living as much as possible in the nude. It is the sensuality, not the sexuality of being nude that nudists celebrate; the feel of the sun and elements on bare skin. Nudists do not gain sexual gratification from being nude; it is simply their most comfortable state. Nudists do not impose their bareness on others but choose venues such as naturist resorts or nude beaches where they can enjoy being nude without being observed by those who might be offended by nudity.
Replies
- RO
RoosterockDec 12, 2009I think Canoodler hit it on the head. I think most people are exactly like he said weather they would like to admit it
ReactReply - CD
Cheri Donna DawsonDec 30, 2009[quote][quote][quote]Nuderuner, like all of your posts, this is VERY well said. Are you in politics or with some...what's the word I'm looking for...those people who go after politicians trying to....lobbiest! Hehe...don't mind my brain, anyways, would you be anything like that by chance? Because you should consider it. There are not many people online who can express thier views as clearly and eloquently than what I've seen from you. Aaanyways, don't stop too suddenly or you might get my nose up your butt. lol....Back to the original post, I don't think there's too much that I can add, you've kind of said it all. I do think that it will take many years of constant advising to the general public about our way of life in order to wipe out generations of anti-nude sentiment. I think we are getting there slowly but surely, however with people like you representing our community it will go even quicker I'm sure![/quote] Nuderunr, considering the posts on the NRA, this one and all of the others, we would like you to be our unofficial lobbyist for nudism.[/quote] Well thank you so much for your kind words! Actually I have become so convinced of the value of wholesome social nudity and nude recreation: mentally, socially and health wise that I actually am contemplating how I might do more to serve as a positive advocate for it.
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You can always run for public office. We can always use more nudists in government. OR....if you're a member of AANR, you can always run for a position at the national or regional level.
:) CheriReactReply - VS
Violet Sun GoddessFeb 18, 2010I think it is natural for everyone to want to see the differences in other peoples bodies. The human body is facinating and no two are 100% the same. In a way we are all scientists who want to study the wold around us so I see nothing wrong with wanting to see other humans as well. I don't think that is called voyerism. That is a term that is suposed to only be applied to folks who get aroused or get off on the sneakyness or hiding, or unawearness of the whole thing. I think it a better idea to have permission to look and if you are in a social nude setting i believe permission to look is implied since we all should know that it is natural to look at a human being as opposed to the background since our eyes are naturally drawn to living or moving things. That much we are so we will want to look. Don't you all think the human body is facinating or beautiful? If we didn't look where would we be in medical advances anyway? In some cases we can't see ourselves and need help like for a PAP smear or a bad bug bite on our backs or something. If i had a bee on my head you all better tell me! Those little suckers could kill me.
The world does need to know the difference between us and the people who get off on bothering others in one way or another for whatever sexual pleasure. Nudists are also human and sexual beings but that is not always why we like to be nude. Being nude may make certian activities easier between couples or easier to swim or sweat in a steam room but really we are nude just to be nude for whatever reason we want to be. Their is a certian level of happines that can be gained by being seen by others nude, it can boost our self esteme if they see us and are not repulsed by the sight. I think that is healthy but it doesn't make us exhibitionist. That word is for those who are rude to others by trying to get aroused by the shock value of their exposure.It is great to be close to nature and feel the sun and not have to wear a stupid bathing suit in the pool. Those things are as bad as heals and panty hose.
I am tired, I hope i made my point well anyway. You all have many great things to say on the subject. This is a great debate and I actually agree with almost all of you. The origional post i will be sharing with a new friend of mine as well as a few other points made that point out the flip side of the issue. Both are good points to be made and I can see two good topic issues that came from all this chat of ours so thank you to all of you.ReactReply - OC
ocmickFeb 22, 2010[quote]I think it is natural for everyone to want to see the differences in other peoples bodies. The human body is facinating and no two are 100% the same. In a way we are all scientists who want to study the wold around us so I see nothing wrong with wanting to see other humans as well. I don't think that is called voyerism. That is a term that is suposed to only be applied to folks who get aroused or get off on the sneakyness or hiding, or unawearness of the whole thing. I think it a better idea to have permission to look and if you are in a social nude setting i believe permission to look is implied since we all should know that it is natural to look at a human being as opposed to the background since our eyes are naturally drawn to living or moving things. That much we are so we will want to look. Don't you all think the human body is facinating or beautiful? If we didn't look where would we be in medical advances anyway? In some cases we can't see ourselves and need help like for a PAP smear or a bad bug bite on our backs or something. If i had a bee on my head you all better tell me! Those little suckers could kill me. The world does need to know the difference between us and the people who get off on bothering others in one way or another for whatever sexual pleasure. Nudists are also human and sexual beings but that is not always why we like to be nude. Being nude may make certian activities easier between couples or easier to swim or sweat in a steam room but really we are nude just to be nude for whatever reason we want to be. Their is a certian level of happines that can be gained by being seen by others nude, it can boost our self esteme if they see us and are not repulsed by the sight. I think that is healthy but it doesn't make us exhibitionist. That word is for those who are rude to others by trying to get aroused by the shock value of their exposure.It is great to be close to nature and feel the sun and not have to wear a stupid bathing suit in the pool. Those things are as bad as heals and panty hose. I am tired, I hope i made my point well anyway. You all have many great things to say on the subject. This is a great debate and I actually agree with almost all of you. The origional post i will be sharing with a new friend of mine as well as a few other points made that point out the flip side of the issue. Both are good points to be made and I can see two good topic issues that came from all this chat of ours so thank you to all of you.[/quote] Well put. ThanksReactReply - SLSlowhandJackApr 8, 2010
Being new to the 'lifestyle' I feel like I need to chime in here...So far I have managed to embarass myself and my girlfriend at a nude beach and I am still shy with 'public nudity', guess sometime in the future I will get over that, but we all came into this world naked and it seems only right that we as responsible adults should have the right to exercise that aspect of our inherent natures.
The anti-nudity sentiment I believe comes from the hammering of puritanical religions and maniacally moronic lawmakers and we as a collective group are either shunned or overlooked in the grand scheme of things and that is just wrong!
While it is true that there is a small segment of the population OUT THERE that are nothing more than degenerates, and THOSE degenerates seem to have sway over the law just because of their 'proclivities' then we as a collective group have to suffer and that is just wrong.
Frankly, I appreciate the human body in ALL of it's forms...regardless...and while nudity may be the first step to love making,(ostensibly so)ALL of us need to be mindful and very circumspect in our ACTIONS and our words at all times IF we are to be accepted and respected for our 'lifestyle'. IF ALL of us were REALLY honest we would admit to certain miniscule thrill when seeing or being seen and miniscule is the OPERATIVE word there.
I know that I have probably opened a can of worms here, but those are just my thoughts...have a GREAT Day everybody!ReactReply - PH
PhilfreeeukApr 11, 2010Bump!
ReactReply - SA
sarasotaguyApr 11, 2010like any "body" of people, there will always be the exception that can do more harm than so many more who are just. The vast majority of nudists fit this eloquent discription but all we need is one "pervert" affecting one new nudist and we've lost them. Look at priests, look at the very rare homosexual "boy scout leader".
ReactReply - DA
damaj125Sep 8, 2010PERFECTLY SAID NUDERUNR.
ReactReply - MU
muskate16May 2, 2011I totally agree, I am fairly new to nudism, although aways loved the feeling of no clothes, especially while swimming. I think this topic can get tricky, I have found that even in a textile situation, voyuresim and or exhibitionism, is still happenening, but society sees it in a different light. when you tell someone you are a nudist, they automatically think, omg what a freak! However i do believe that some of us as nudists just enjoy the human body, as long as it isnt crossing any lines in a sexual manner. But stop and think about going into a textile bar, arent there couples how are dancing errotically or making out and touching each other, who can honestly say they have not seen that? But as soon as the word nudism comes into play most uneducated people will assume it is a dirty and sexual. I have always been a little on the "wild" side if you will, however i am talking in a textile environment, or a nude environment. I do not cross any sexual boundries textile or not! I think those of us who are educated on nudism are less judgmental, and just truly enjot the freedom of nudism.
ReactReply - DE
DesertRatMay 11, 2011The answer is NO! Speaking for myself (and who else can I speak for?) I am a nudist! That is, I love being nude. I also love being with people who don't mind that I'm not wearing any clothes. If they are also nude, that's fine too. I am not an exhibitionist because I do not cavort nude in front of people who may be offended by my nudity. Nor I am not a voyeur because I do not receive any sexual gratification from seeing other nudists' bodies. Making general, blanket statements can be very risky. I have just proved that ALL naturists/nudists ARE NOT voyeurs and/or exibitionists.
ReactReply - CA
CanoodlerMay 14, 2011The crux of this question is the definition of those two words. I like to see others at a nude beach or whatnot and the female body is intrinsically beautiful to see. But I don't stare and I don't have to turn over with an awkward erection. Nudity, per se, is not necessarily erotic. I have NO issues with body piercings, wherever. I have no issues with kissing a friend goodbye at a nudist venue. (I was told to behave when just saying a simple goodbye to a female friend in a Tampa resort. We were, of course, NOT open mouthed or enjoying prolonged kissing.) I have no problems with a clothed couple smooching on the dance floor either, as long as it doesn't get out of hand. As said a couple of posts back, we need to be tolerant and relax among ourselves as to regular human behaviour. Gawking and leering and public self pleasuring are for losers (who I am astonished want to proclaim their losership to the world) and at Brighton or anywhere else should be loudly outed and chased off. Similarly, I like to be seen but only because it helps me to know I am really okay with it, relaxed and part of a community. It would be interesting if there were some blind nudists here who could chime in. I'd like to hear their thoughts on nudity and being part of a social nude gathering.
ReactReply - BB
bbtradMay 14, 2011Canoodler makes a lot of sense in his comments. Though this is meaningless for people with deeply-held quasi-religious beliefs. Puritanical nudists see evil and vice everywhere, yet have no sense of human nature. An old story with different characters.
ReactReply - KR
Kristoffer R MillerNov 18, 2011I really like ur post nuderunr
ReactReply - TU
TulsanudecoupleNov 24, 2011Being new to lifestyle, my wife and I got great advice from a friend and owner of a local resort. He said, "people who are interested in nudist activities enjoy seeing others nude, being seen nude, or both." It's ok to enjoy the beauty in nudity and friendships that is unique among nudist.
ReactReply - IN
intuneNov 24, 2011this is a good read this post
ReactReply - CH
ChuckJan 14, 2012I believe that there is some voyeur and exhibitionist in all of us!! I think the curiosity is a natural emotion in all people!! Curiosity doesn't make you an evil person or bad nudist!! I have been a curious person my whole life, But I don't make it a practice to stare at others that I may be nude or clothed with. That is just plain rude.
ReactReply - MA
ManOfWicklowFeb 20, 2012[quote]Different strokes for different folks![/quote]That depends on who and what you're stroking.ReactReply - GR
GrantApr 11, 2012Being a Naturist / Nudist, I'm always delighted in meeting nudists, so automatically this makes me a voyeur and showing up naked, does make me an exhibitionist. As wonderfully and eloquent this article started, there is some good points about it, but also some points,I do not agree with. I love to socialize naked with other naked people and go along to naturist/nudist events, which feels different to be wrapped up in textile.ReactReply - MEMemberApr 17, 2012
I'm glad this has finally been addressed, but unfortunately the negative preconceptions have already been set in place and will be hard to shake.
ReactReply - AN
AndzMay 15, 2012[quote]I think it is natural for everyone to want to see the differences in other peoples bodies. The human body is fascinating and no two are 100% the same. In a way we are all scientists who want to study the world around us so I see nothing wrong with wanting to see other humans as well. I don't think that is called voyeurism. That is a term that is supposed to only be applied to folks who get aroused or get off on the sneakyness or hiding, or unawareness of the whole thing. I think it a better idea to have permission to look and if you are in a social nude setting i believe permission to look is implied since we all should know that it is natural to look at a human being as opposed to the background since our eyes are naturally drawn to living or moving things. That much we are so we will want to look. Don't you all think the human body is fascinating or beautiful? If we didn't look where would we be in medical advances anyway? In some cases we can't see ourselves and need help like for a PAP smear or a bad bug bite on our backs or something. If i had a bee on my head you all better tell me! Those little suckers could kill me.
The world does need to know the difference between us and the people who get off on bothering others in one way or another for whatever sexual pleasure. Nudists are also human and sexual beings but that is not always why we like to be nude. Being nude may make certain activities easier between couples or easier to swim or sweat in a steam room but really we are nude just to be nude for whatever reason we want to be. Their is a certain level of happiness that can be gained by being seen by others nude, it can boost our self esteem if they see us and are not repulsed by the sight. I think that is healthy but it doesn't make us exhibitionist. That word is for those who are rude to others by trying to get aroused by the shock value of their exposure.It is great to be close to nature and feel the sun and not have to wear a stupid bathing suit in the pool. Those things are as bad as heals and panty hose....
[/quote]I doubt I could have said any of this better myself. Thank u very much, Violet! We both think alike on this topic down to the letter!ReactReply