It is funny really; we often hear about how people are offended by nudity. Recently we came across a lot of videos on You Tube of the World Naked Bike Ride in London. It is a curious thing to sit and watch, especially, as we did, the reaction of the public as hundreds of naked riders rode past.

What we saw, were smiles, hi fives, and a lot of waving and cheering from the public, and on those moments where the riders had to stop for traffic, the public were happy to talk to the riders, without a care. It was fun, pleasant and respectful. This experience of watching prompted us to ask the question, if so many members of the public can see hundreds of naked people riding along the street and not be offended, why is naturisum not gaining more traction with acceptance. It certainly appeared to us, that if London can happily accept hundreds of naked people in one place during a charity event, why can they not accept it on a more regular basis?

It is very evident from the film footage; people are not really offended at all. This begs us to question, are the public really offended, or is it our perception? Have we as naturists allowed the odd incidents where a person voices their opposition become the narrative, as in the tail wagging the dog?

It is certainly clear from the growth of the bike rides, that a lot of people are happy to disrobe and cycle round the capital city, many of whom are doing it for the first time, so the ride is bringing in a lot of new people and giving them a taste of social nudity.

Looking at the acceptance of the public in London, one would certainly be given the impression that an area as big as Hyde Park, could most certainly tolerate a naked sunbathing section throughout the summer months. We are quite sure should if such an area existed, and was well sign posted, it would be used, and would encourage others to try it. It would be wonderful to see a naked optional section in a large park, and could pave the way for far more acceptance, maybe we have been too preoccupied with beaches, and need to think of more urban public spaces. Maybe the Naked Bike Ride should throw a picnic after the ride and everyone can hang around and enjoy the day more, for clothed and none clothed? It would certainly be interesting to see the response.

Share your thoughts.

Hi thanks for raising this topic. I think your thoughts are quite correct. I think most people don't care about nudity one iota and are not shocked by it, and are extremely tolerant. We have spent many times on beaches were there are a few naturist and loads of non-naturists and we just play in among them and they don't really care. The occasional person will see some nudity and turn away from the beach. Their choice and there loss. It is when they get on a high horse that the problems start. But if the law is on our side and nudity is common in the area and the naturists are behaving what right have they to complain. 

Trouble can be stirred by a minority protesting about  real or imagined issues, or protesting because they like to fight. These protest get in the media and it does us no favours, but still most people on seeing innocent nudity are not upset. Most people are sensible enough to understand real threat and danger when they see it. There is also a world of difference between a solo exhibitionist in a park or dunes than the behaviour of the average naturist.  I would like to see more naturists getting involved in reporting the bad behaviour and staying out of dunes themselves and showing that naturism is on the right side. Most people who misbehave are not naturists and misbehave anywhere when they get the chance.  

I think beaches tend to be the main port of call because of the water and the existing link to lack of clothing. Strictly speaking though we should be supported by law to be naked in parks, woods etc, and the reason we don't tends to be that not enough people try it and you don't want to be alone. Many out door areas in Germany have traditionally supplied a naturist section and there is at least one on Paris. Steve first saw naturist families having Sunday lunches around a large lake in Berlin. Multigenerational and super acceptable. London and other big cities should have such areas. As you say if a sign is put up no one needs to complain and those that are not interested can just by pass the area, but those who are interested will know they are safe to do so. Much nicer than taking a risk in a park and having someone complain about you. I don't think many people would mind if all big town had a naturist area, The problem is that the few people who do complain are often taken too seriously. It is like modern society want to take every complaint seriously, but the result is that everything that makes people happy is taken away.

I think the truth is that most people enjoy the idea of being naked but many are troubled by it. What will people think? Is my body god enough? Will I get into trouble? We have had loads of people over the years approach us (with children we appear safe and sensible) and ask "Is it OK to be naked on this beach?" When we answer yes the people will go near by, chat a little, then merrily strip off. WNBRs offer an excuse to be naked without worrying about the law and also with the excuse of supporting a cause. "What you went naked in public?" "Yes but it was for a good cause!" Like raising money by sitting naked in a bath of cold baked beans - as people used to do when I was a child. People know they want to be naked and aren't sure why but if they have an excuse then that really helps. 

We should have more spaces and I would imagine that most councils would find that people would say OK to the idea as long as they were assured it remained safe. I think that as the ANW community grow we should start collecting members in various areas to petition to local councils to supply a place. once the ball is rolling on one we could use the same technique to start similar projects in countries all over the world. Make our voices heard and our numbers count.

I agree that the issue of people seeing and complaining about nakedness is much less a problem than naturists believe;  hiding nakedness is usually what causes people to get upset, not appearing naked.  People are mostly offended because they are surprised.  If they come to expect nakedness, they aren't surprised and usually don't care.  I've freehiked past many people who have never reacted negatively.  The most common reaction seems to be "to each his or her own."  So, naturists need to own their nakedness.  If naturists get and stay naked, people will get used to it and understand.  Negative reactions to nakedness result from naturists own fear of negative reactions.

I agree with you all. It revolves around three important ideas:

1. We nudists have preconceived ideas on how others will perceive nudity. One hundred meters away, or more, people will not even realize we are naked. Others' perception of our nudity starts in our mind. Forgetting about the fact we are naked is the first step in realizing we are not doing anything wrong.
2. In most cases, people will be indifferent as long as our behaviour is respectful. If they are surprised, our behaviour should not be to try to hide as if we were doing something wrong, but smile, apologize for causing surprise and ask if the other party is unease with our nudity. We may then make a decision to respectfully cover and leave or enter a discussion. it will depends on the circumstances, but sometimes it's safer to cover and leave.
3. All it takes is one angry individual to sour the situation. You cannot convince a fearless opponent with rational arguments. If law is on your side, you may decide to stay naked, if you've doubt, just let go.

Of course, this is mostly tainted by culture. There are places/countries where nudity will never be accepted due to strong cultural or religious beliefs. This is even more prevalent today with religious fanatism and radicalism. In some countries, being naked on a beach or in nature may lead you directly in jail. Something no nudist would want.

It is true the law changes from country to country as do the cultures and beliefs and the interpretation of naturism and nudity.  If we just look at the way people on you-tube have reacted to our videos, we are not surprised by reacts from some countries where the religion encourages strong views about the human body and nudity, but the most and worst negative behavioiur has always come from the USA where that attitude of some is fear simply because it isn't what they do and it often results in bad language, threats, telling us we are no better than animals and hoping we one day suffer a painful death. I hasten to add that this is not indicative of all Americans, many of whom are brilliant members of ANW. The second worse country for attitude towards our videos has always been Russia who act like naturism is a reflection of how crazy and decadent the people are in the west. Those that leave messages from countries that have strong religious feelings about nudity tend to send scripture quotes and remind us that eternal damnation of some form is waiting for us specifically or possibly the whole of society.  

But ignoring these people I believe that as long as people don't feel threatened most people really don't care. The average person will be more likely to consider innocent nudity as something that is rather harmless. The best that we can do as naturists is to encourage that idea. Don't be agressive, don't act like we are doing something wrong and distance ourselves from those that are sexual or attempt to be shocking. People are more understanding when they don't feel challenged, people will only defend themselves if they feel that they are being undermined. 

A big part of naturism in countries like the UK is having people understand that it is lawful and should be accepted. Having officially sanctioned areas would help give official backing, which in turn will encourage others to try it, which in turn will have more people trying naturism in non-official but suitable places, like country walks and beaches.