overall, four out of five Americans don't object to nude sunbathing on beaches as long as

there are signs satisfactorily exhibited, notifying the people the beach is clothing optional.

However, men still approve nude beaches more readily than girls do, even though

support for nude sunbathing and skinny dipping among girls has grown from 65% in

1983, to 75% in 2000.

Americans, has engaged in skinny-dipping or some other form of nude recreation in blended

Firm. While this study is only one of its kind, the complete results suggest that Americans

are slowly coming around and are becoming more receptive toward nudism in social

settings.(NEF Roper Poll 2000). The membership at The American Association for Nude

Recreation (AANR) was 40,000, in 1992 an increase of 15,000 members in merely five years

and by the late nineties its membership exceeded 50,000.1 Another study conducted by the

Trade Association for Nude Recreation signifies that involvement in social nudism is

currently growing at the rate of20% each year. 2

founder and president of T.N.S., to discuss the problems of nudism in America. When asked

more clearly understood and more widely taken by Americans, in addition to nudists and

non-nudists, and that state and national legislators in addition to local politicians are now

beginning to see the fiscal benefits to communities. She especially cites two cases: the

approval of making Haulover County Strand in Miami, Florida, clothing optional; and

Authorities approval for the growth of a nude resort at Desert Shadows Inn of Palm

Springs, California. In both events the cities worked closely with the Naturists, creating

positive communities. Zoroya went on to inquire Baxandall about the trajectory of public

Approaches toward nudism. Baxandall answered that Americans are generally quite receptive these

days to many different things, including nude recreation. She stated the variety of naked

Shores continues to climb throughout the United States, and currently there departs over 100

private fkk resorts across the country. In northern states such as Michigan and

Minnesota, the fkk resorts remain open year round.

rinks and bowling alleys accommodating Naturist groups also.

Zoroya also asked Baxandall if young people were interested in the Naturist

lifestyle. Baxandall answered that total, Nudism is growing in acceptance at all age levels.

However, she admits the adolescent years through early adulthood lacks behind

other age groups most likely due to problems concerning their bodies. Baxandall additionally says

that even though nudism is becoming more popular in the USA, the lifestyle

remains far below the degree of acceptance that Europeans keep.

there is a strong correlation between social nudism and lower prevalence of teen pregnancies

and sex crimes in Europe compared to the U. S, and cannot understand why Americans

who disfavor nudism fail to see the link.

Baxandall mentions how the Naturist Society and the American Association for

Nude Recreation continues to attract new members and joined, total over 75,000

Folks. Yet, she goes on to say that this number by no means represents the total number

of folks participating in nude recreation today.

Zoroya's closing question pertains to what's the biggest "danger" Naturists face today.

In answering that question, Baxandall answers, " It (nudism), is no different than the hazard

to any of our independence. It lies in giving to the little, vocal minorities that would impose

their principles and beliefs on us. naturist cannot permit these groups to order just one right way

to live. It is our apathy that enables the intolerance to win over favorable or harmless private

freedoms ." 3

Chapter V

Individuals Who Participate in Nudism/Naturism

What kinds of folks participate in Nudism/Nudism? The answer to this question is

Quite simple.

bankers, teachers, attorneys, postal workers etc.), appreciate social nudism.

well-educated, registered voters and have strong religious perspectives.

share the common beliefs that the human body is dignified and worthy of reverence, the

Advantages of nudism changes from person to person. For some, nudism is a kind of relaxation

and pressure relief in a natural state in an all-natural surrounding enabling for a deeper link

with the earth. Others experience development in self esteem and body image and discover

that social relationships are more important since they're based on character instead of

wealth, social status, or physical look. Whatever the reasons for becoming a nudist,