War on Male Nudity
The United States of America is greatly divided in many things. One subject of division is male nudity, and in all places, in the men's locker room. Only 40 years ago this was not a big issue. What I find surprising is that when I did research on this subject the issue on male nudity is divided between people of the same political parties, same religions or non-religions, same genders, same moral views, from the same regions (Rural and Urban), same generations, and living the same lifestyle. So what is it about male nudity that is causing a large division in the United States? You can't blame it on Politics, Religion, Lifestyle, Beliefs, or Locations. Right now the idea of generation differences and anti masculinity is being pushed in the public's eyes. Is that how the average American thinks? I don't personally believe the average American even cares.
I don't care for "war on" discussions to make privileged white middle class men like me feel victimized. Next someone will call for a government "nudity czar" to shake some pants off and return to the good ole days!
However, I note this trend and have many thoughts. Feminism has perhaps sexualized and demonized nudity and penises. As a result, mothers kept their millennial sons from the childhood trauma of public nudity, and now as fully functioning adult men, their public shame remains, drawing a very strong line with the older more sexist-prone older men whom their moms warned them about. I've been to a gym frequented by local gay porn stars, and they're as toweled, measured and squeaky clean in their image as everyone else! Not a pube in sight.
Now that I'm in my 50's and the boomers seem to be clearing out of the locker rooms for retirement homes and warmer climes, I consider it my duty to promote a healthier view of nudity which is more fitness and discretion friendly. It's an invitation to drop the towel and enjoy the steam without equating it with the fat old sexist man banter of my father's generation.
The "war on" is mostly internalized, people are scared. I personally think we should avoid such terms because it defines a conflict that's not really between us, but rather within us. We can all feel victimized, even as middle aged white men, and it all feeds into the prevalent "political correctness" mentioned. How do we show respect without losing our own sense of freedom and responsibility? How do we be honest, speak our truth and stand for our beliefs without being full of vitriol and insults? How do we lead as good examples in a civil society? And, specifically as a white man in my 50's, how do I recognize that people may have a reason to feel hurt from their past, and I can honor that and we can all move on in peace, understanding and goodwill towards all?
However, my understanding comes with the caveat of still claiming the right to step in a steam room buck naked because that's the best way to bathe, without textile interference, and the steam room is a bath. Should that right be denied in the safe space for nudity of a men's locker room? Then I believe that it's best for others to just stay in their own private bubble and avoid public contact. I honor if people were traumatized in the past and feel the need to be safe from their own thoughts and themselves. I will be a good example that they can move past their trauma into greater vitality and life. But I won't consider it a war with battles and winners and losers, or ways to build artificial walls between us as all fear mongering such as racism does.
Rather it's a process of understanding others' needs without denying my own. Fighting so called "political correctness" is a way to say I'm victimized myself, and I don't want to apply the same sensitivity and division to myself as others claim. I'd rather fight for vitality: that my life is affirming and your life should affirm your being as well! And I do that by example dropping the towel and inviting others to do too knowing the nudis veritas naked truth that all shall be well.
I love this... from the previous post.
Rather it's a process of understanding others' needs without denying my own. Fighting so called "political correctness" is a way to say I'm victimized myself, and I don't want to apply the same sensitivity and division to myself as others claim. I'd rather fight for vitality: that my life is affirming and your life should affirm your being as well! And I do that by example dropping the towel and inviting others to do too knowing the nudis veritas naked truth that all shall be well.
Today I saw a sign in my YMCA locker room. Respect=being discreet by wearing a towel. Respect is not shame. I wear my towel on my head.
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