Nudity and Body Image
OK, so what is it about the human body that is soo damned taboo?
Not that I'm an exhibitionist or even really completely comfortable with my body compared to others who have been raised in this puritanical culture, but intellectually, I don't see why it's such a big deal that people try to protect their kids from nudity.
And then of course, there's this strange idea that only people who have a certain body shape should be allowed to expose their bodies and everyone else is "ugly" - which is so preposterous and harmful. And that's all because of the double-standard that it's ok if they're models or actors but not if you're average.
I don't know if this is a really extreme example, but I've been told by a close family member that she can't even take a shower without crying because she is so disgusted by her body because of the weight she gained as a result of steroids she had to take because her chronic pain was unbearable. Her body is so hideous to her that she really hates to shower at all.
I don't think the example is all that extreme, really, because this culture really does teach us that you have to have a certain appearance in order to be of value. And that's such bull!
Yes, there are people who admire each different type of body. Some are more popular than others. And places like Starwood where nudity is everywhere and practiced by people of great diversity, it's no big deal. It's ok that there are kids and teens and adults. I find it amazing and wonderful that it's ok.
But then there is the "real" world where everyone is terrified of exposing children to nudity because they assume it's associated with loose sexual boundaries leading to child molestation etc. This makes me sad and confused.
I am definitely not saying it's ok to have sex w/ kids. But is it really the same thing? Of course not!
Not that I'm an exhibitionist or even really completely comfortable with my body compared to others who have been raised in this puritanical culture, but intellectually, I don't see why it's such a big deal that people try to protect their kids from nudity.
And then of course, there's this strange idea that only people who have a certain body shape should be allowed to expose their bodies and everyone else is "ugly" - which is so preposterous and harmful. And that's all because of the double-standard that it's ok if they're models or actors but not if you're average.
I don't know if this is a really extreme example, but I've been told by a close family member that she can't even take a shower without crying because she is so disgusted by her body because of the weight she gained as a result of steroids she had to take because her chronic pain was unbearable. Her body is so hideous to her that she really hates to shower at all.
I don't think the example is all that extreme, really, because this culture really does teach us that you have to have a certain appearance in order to be of value. And that's such bull!
Yes, there are people who admire each different type of body. Some are more popular than others. And places like Starwood where nudity is everywhere and practiced by people of great diversity, it's no big deal. It's ok that there are kids and teens and adults. I find it amazing and wonderful that it's ok.
But then there is the "real" world where everyone is terrified of exposing children to nudity because they assume it's associated with loose sexual boundaries leading to child molestation etc. This makes me sad and confused.
I am definitely not saying it's ok to have sex w/ kids. But is it really the same thing? Of course not!