Naked swimming: confidence vs. modesty
Here's an interesting rather lengthy article about naked swimming in the YMCA and schools focused on primarily the first half of the 20th century in the US but in a global and historical perspective:
https://www.frank-answers.com/frank-answers-about-swimming-naked/
I like the article because it not only covers the practical aspects of this forgotten tradition, but also the motivations behind it. One point which makes me think deeper is the statement that boys were encouraged to be confident (getting over inhibtions as males among males, all with the same "equipment") whereas girls were taught modesty. Although there was a brief period in women's liberation where women also shed their underware, a modest approach to the body has taken over for men and women. The "Y" logo of the YMCA promotes a balance of body, mind and spirit, but this is now inhibitied with men feeling shame around other men.
To the author's credit, he does not romanticize public nudity nor bemoan its passing in a new reality. But he does give me permission to note that something is now missing, and to welcome the opportunity of balancing body, mind and spirit balls out and unhidden at least in all-male locker rooms, and it's all good.
What are your thoughts?
I was fortunate to grow up during the time when male nudity was the norm for school swim classes in Kenosha, Wisconsin. Also, our schools were integrated by choice and segregation was nonexistent in the city. Swimming and showering naked with boys of all races was normal. I guess that contributed to minimal outward expressions of prejudice.
There was no body shaming that I can recall and I'm sure it taught us all to be comfortable in your own skin. There was no unhealthy curiosity about our developing bodies as we could plainly see what we would grow to become. I feel so sorry for todays generation of men that seem to be ashamed of their body and think they have something to hide and go to such humorous (the towel dance) extremes to keep covered up. In my mind in the area of body acceptance we have taken a few giant steps backward.
I share your empathy for the shame men younger than I feel. From younger men I'm curious if you see this as a problem or just the way it is and something we should just get over. If you do feel shame, how can we help you or make things better?
I hear the younger guys at work talking about the old naked guys in the gym locker room. They do not understand. But the one is 28 years old and lives at home. And has a baby on the way to a girl who he is not going to marry. Things are different now
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