Chapter 1: The Nudity Debate

In a recent conversation with one of my preferred writers on Medium, he expressed his fatigue over society's fixation on nudity. I humorously suggested he should take the reins and lead us all. He promptly declined, but I argued that his reluctance made him the ideal candidate.

I, too, share this weariness regarding nudity, which partly motivates my writing about breasts. I’m claiming this subject as a female domain. We should have the autonomy to discuss our own experiences with breasts — from health and judgment to disappointments, enhancements, and sexuality. These are our breasts, our narratives.

Perhaps one day I'll delve into vaginas, but for now, my focus is on breasts.

Being a part of society means embodying its messages, and what are those messages? Shame, concealment, sexuality, pornography, fear, safety, and objectification. The list goes on, but I have other responsibilities today beyond reflecting on the myriad words surrounding nudity.

One of my favorite writers tackles the subject of nude tennis — now that’s a dream. I grew up in the confines of traditional tennis attire. Looking back at old photos, I barely recognize myself in those white shorts and polos. Being nude might help reclaim my identity, free from the constraints of clothing designed for social acceptance. In essence, I wear a mask for my body.

Clothing is merely a performance, whether it's a flamboyant boa or simple khakis. It's unjust that women are often judged more harshly than men regarding nudity and are expected to cover more of themselves.

Deviating from these norms leads to fears of objectification, assault, and harsh judgment — and perhaps "harsh" should precede all those terms: brutally objectified, brutally attacked, brutally judged.

This morning at the lake, I observed two sisters attempting to change out of their swimsuits into hoodies and shorts. They contorted themselves, trying to shield their bodies from view, and one quipped, “I’m afraid I’m going to tip over.” It struck me as humorous, a comical image of a bare backside amidst our group.

Once, my mother spilled wine at my grandparents' house. As the daughter-in-law, she sought to appear composed, but my grandmother then spilled her own glass to ease my mother's embarrassment. Perhaps that’s the answer — maybe we should all embrace nudity and lift our backsides into the air.

But perhaps that’s pushing boundaries too quickly. Maybe we could start by changing on the beach without feeling the need to hide. Beneath our clothing, we all possess bodies. What are we so determined to conceal?

In this video, Feli from Germany humorously explores the cultural attitudes towards nudity in America, bringing insights into societal norms and personal experiences.

Chapter 2: Changing Perspectives

This engaging video chronicles the experience of someone who attempts to live as a nudist for a day, offering a candid look at the challenges and revelations of embracing nudity.