Getting back to being honest with people about our naturism I have this thought:

We don't just talk about naturism to others to encourage them to try naturism themselves, we talk about it to increase awareness and also because we should treat it as something we are not ashamed of. Finding a balance between forcing an idea on others and hiding it. Talking about it naturally, as you would any other part of you life. That is part of the idea behind Get Real! https://www.anaturistworld.com/article/46456/get-real 

We don't go around shoving our ideas and lifestyles down peoples throats - our religion, politics, eating choices, sexual orientation etc etc - (or at least we shouldn't - as it only upsets people more and works against the positive promoting) but we also shouldn't hide our beliefs and life from people - breeding guilt, fear and shame.  We should take opportunities to be honest and open when we can, when the time is right, when the conversation fits. We need to be real about who we are and what we like and want in life, and that includes naturism. We need to Get Real!

So for example, going back to the start of this topic, if you are looking to buy a house and want "naturist privacy," or want to be near a naturist beach or club then why not mention it? If you wanted to be near a gym, a forest or a school you would mention it - so you should be free and comfortable to mention naturism. 
 

I think Anna has put her finger on it, the subject is not one to be ashamed of but I am appalled with you might call "militant naturists" who think it is right to be controversial and seem to relish being offensive towards "textiles" (a term they sometimes use to denigrate clothed individuals).  Surely the philosophy must be "Live and let live", respect is two-way.  I was gobsmacked to read one blog where a naturist was boasting about his girlfriend leading him among clothed beachgoers by his ***** just to watch the reaction they caused.  How on earth would this help the cause?  Just blatant exhibitionism at its very worst. 

We have come across the sort of thing you mention above Pip, images and behaviour on social media and blogs that are either not part of how naturists would and do behave (the behaviour above is a great example - no naturist would ever drag another naturist around by their penis, this couple are either sexualising naturism, trying to attract attention or simply lying to appear cool to the non-naturist readers out there). Sadly it makes naturists think, well is there any harm in it, which in the bigger picture of the world there isn't. If life was accepting of naturism and nudity then seeing someone do that would simply have people think, look at those silly people after attention. But we do not live in that world, and the fact that this couple are not only doing that in the world that we are given, but also highlighting it on the internet is dangerous and damaging. 

But this is another big part of the problem on the internet. People opting to share things that don't need and shouldn't be shared. There are lots of examples of people sharing things that may be real but don't need to be shared. The internet world is getting a like that and not just in naturism. Things that should be of no interest to others and should be private are pushed onto the public. Everytime I go on facebook to promote ANW I keep seeing videos recommended by facebook of people eating the most disgusting and huge things that do not look fit to eat. I keep deleting them from my time line but more return the next time. Why? I have no interest in this and never had, but why would anyone want to see people cramming disgusting (and unrecognisable) food down their throats? If for some bizarre reason I grabbed Steve by the penis and dragged him across a beach why share it with others? Even without the idea that it could damage naturism, why share it? There has to be a point? 

Why do people, for example, share hundreds of images of stranger on naturist beaches? It isn't to promote and help naturism. It is to either gain followers or to get kicks. There are people out there that are obviously being attention seeking with their "naturism" - wanting people to notice them, like them, comment, praise and pay them. Behaviour that is purely exhibitionist in intent. One of the things I worry about is that the behaviour is so common that some really genuine and well meaning naturists copy this thinking that this is the way to go. We become oblivious to the meaning and simply follow the behaviour. Somewhere along the lines habits form and a new normaility is created, but an effect of that is that real naturism is lost in the process. How do we get that back? How do we fights against bad habits? How do we change growing misconceptions? That is why honesty is so important. That is why we have created Get Real! Part of being honest, is being honest with ourselves about why we are doing things and what we should be doing. At the moment there is so much fakery around why people are doing things on the internet that it is damaging many aspects of society. Naturism is just one victim. Too many ulterior motives are in play, which effect even the best of intentions, we need to Get Real! If we want to help naturism then honestly and sensibly help it. If we just want to get attention, get money, get kicks - then be honest about that and stop hiding behind other words and ideas. It isn't just in naturism, but I am seeing a lot of fakery in naturism at the moment and naturism to me is the complete opposite to fake - natural and nature.  

Anna, what can I say?  This is exactly the reason I joined ANW!  It is the only truly rational UK naturist forum and a comprehensive reply like yours is so refreshing - I am also amazed that you find the time to respond so thoughtfully and at such length to so many threads and posts.  It is much appreciated and I am sure that is the opinion of all who meet here.

Yes, the internet has encouraged the "look at me" exhibitionists and I grow tired os how many SM posts are all about the poster rather than anything meaningful, your rash of food posts are a case in point, why on earth do people feel obliged to share every meal on SM?  I have no wish to shove my naturist choices down anyone's throat in much the same way as I am not inetrested in most of the garbage that appears on SM, it's simply not interesting!  On a dedicated site like this we know that sharing our views is valuable because we are talking to an audience who are generally of like mind and there is a fair chance that we will read, absorb and interact with each other in a meaningful way.

Thank you both for persevering with the cause and continuing to promote it, we are all behind you!

Pip.

I find myself in complete agreement with the insightful perspectives shared by Anna, Pip, and R&R on the nuanced topic of seeking attention. It's a universal aspect of human nature that we all, in some way, seek attention. The key, as eloquently pointed out, lies in the ethical and respectful manner in which we navigate this inherent human trait.

In the realm of naturism, where honesty and respect are foundational, the approach to attention-seeking takes on a unique significance. Especially when sharing naturist pictures for instance or behaving in naturist environments, like beaches or resorts, it becomes crucial to ensure that the pursuit of attention aligns with the ethos of ethical naturism.

One fundamental principle to uphold is the emphasis on authenticity over showmanship. Instead of showcasing or impressing, the focus should be on sharing genuine moments that authentically reflect the naturist lifestyle. This approach not only fosters a sense of honesty but also contributes to a more meaningful and respectful engagement within the community.

Additionally, the presentation of naturist content should be approached with utmost respect. It's essential to be mindful of the boundaries of decency and avoid explicit or sensational displays that might be perceived as exhibitionist rather than naturist.

Context plays a pivotal role in this discourse. Sharing naturist pictures within dedicated naturist platforms or like-minded communities like ANW ensures that the content is received within an appropriate and understanding context. Exercise discretion on mainstream platforms to prevent potential misconceptions or discomfort among a broader audience.

Lastly, consider leveraging platforms, including ANW, as an educational tool. Accompanying shared content with informative captions or context can help promote a deeper understanding and appreciation of naturism. By actively dispelling myths and misconceptions, we contribute to the broader goal of fostering a community that values honesty, respect, and a genuine love for the naturist lifestyle.

In essence, the discussion around ethical naturist attention-seeking is a reminder that seeking attention is a natural human inclination. By navigating this pursuit with mindfulness and respect, we collectively contribute to a more positive and authentic naturist community.