Nudists courting young people to avoid extinction
By Ray RahmanMay 3rd, 2011, 8:30 amComments (4)
For one subset of Americans, a way of life is under siege. The Wall Street Journal reports that nudists, who as a demographic have steadily increased in age, are ramping up efforts to recruit younger members. Without a significant infusion of new blood (flesh?), the paper reports, nudism could become a thing of the past. And nothing terrifies baby boomers more than cultural irrelevance.
One high-ranking nudist handily sums up the issue like so:
"The whole lifestyle will just disappear unless we attract a younger crowd," said Nicky Hoffman, head of the Naturist Society, one of the two big organizations of U.S. nudists. "The problem is, most of these resorts aren't geared to young people. They've become like retirement homes; they've sort of calcified."
So to persuade the stubbornly clothed youth of today that hanging out naked is totally cool, desperate nudists have turned to new methods: Facebook groups, a nude "Spring Break Bash" exclusively for young adults, and music festivals with clever names ending in "-palooza" and "-stock," the two most popular suffixes among people under thirty.
Membership in the two big nudist umbrella groups has been flat or declining for years, prompting a youth-recruitment effort that includes reverse-strip-poker nights, volleyball tournaments, naked 5K road races and music festivals like Nudepalooza and Nudestock.
One new group, Young Nudists and Naturists of America, this month is having a naked dinner party in a loft in New York's financial district to recruit members.
Peeping Toms in lower Manhattan, adjust your telescopes accordingly. The rest of you, respect your elders and get naked.
Commentarium (4 Comments)
"And nothing terrifies baby boomers more than cultural irrelevance." - Ain't that the truth, and if this scene has got any chance of hanging on, they're targeting the right generation but for the fact that the under 30s represent an almost perfect sublimation of self to brand identity and consumerism so trotting about without clothes on and nowhere to stow an iPhone would seem a bum wrap (as opposed to a wrapped one).
Nothing terrifies me more than a bunch of old nudists trying to recruit young people. Actually, the terrifying part is just the bunch of old nudists.
Nudist resorts have, to an extent, brought it upon themselves, judging by the draconian bylaws of some of these places, prohibiting ANY public display of affection, even hugging! Bylaws written, no doubt, by the legal depts. of ladder manufacturers (you know, warning us against stepping any higher than the 1st step). I guess they won't risk any public perception that they are havens for perverts or other sex-havers!
To wit: I attended the last "Nudestock" music festival, which was well-attended by hundreds of teens and 20-somethings, held at the nudist resort Fraternity Snoqualmie, outside Seattle, Washington. On a subsequent visit to F.S. a few years later, I asked about them hosting a repeat. They told me "never again;" it had been too wild & out of control. Jeez, I felt like I was talking to Churchlady from Sat. Night Live! That day I met a young-middle-age couple (regular members there) that took me into the woods, off the beaten path, to their secret spot where we had & filmed an afternoon mini-fuckfest. Did an old man's heart some good (even tho I was 2 hrs. late getting back to work in Oregon Mon. morning)! I realize they can't officially condone THATt sort of behaviour, but really, "No hugging."? Won't fly with the demographic they're aiming for. Not even most Christian Camp conservative kids would feel right about that.
But then, it's not just nudist resorts to blame, seems the whole society in general has gotten extremely skittish about nudity & sex (while on the other hand, generously portraying it in advertising & entertainment -- just don't let it come off screen and happen in the 3-D, real world!). If a woman has a fully functioning libido, she's labelled sexually compulsive, an obvious abuse victim. If a motorist stops to pee on the shoulder of the interstate, he's a "sex offender." Really? Give me a break! Improper, maybe gross, depending on how far off the road he is, but "sex offender"? What have we come to? What are we protecting or avoiding? And, at what cost?
well said.