Clothing Optional
Some nudist resorts and clubs have the "undress code" of full nudity at all times (with exceptions, such as cold weather, a woman experiencing menstruation, or certain days or hours for new visitors). Most have that policy only for the swimming pool, sauna, Jacuzzi, hot tub bath, etc., with clothing optional elsewhere. Full nudity requirements at beaches are not common, though a few in France and Brazil are known to exist.
It is debatable which policy is best. Those advocating full nudity maintain it provides a better sense of equality when everyone is without clothing. First-timers to the resort may be uncomfortable with other clothed people around and feel "naked." Since naturism is most emphatically not a spectator sport, anyone not already nude would be disallowed entry (except the periphery for undressing). As the French social psychologist Marc-Alain Descamps wrote (translated): The reciprocal visual sight of complete nudity defuses the exhibitionist—voyeur relationship.
Others feel it is better to welcome everyone whether dressed or nude (subject to rules and requirements). A married couple might have one spouse who is comfortable being fully nude (usually the husband), while the other spouse is not. If a full nudity policy were in place, such a family would have to split up for the day, or find an alternative activity. A few resorts attempt a compromise by being clothing optional for females, but not males.
See also: List of obligatory nude recreation sites
Read more about this topic: Issues In Social Nudity
Famous quotes containing the words clothing and/or optional:
“Now John wore clothing of camel’s hair with a leather belt around his waist, and his food was locusts and wild honey.”
—Bible: New Testament, Matthew 3:4.
“Our father presents an optional set of rhythms and responses for us to connect to. As a second home base, he makes it safer to roam. With him as an ally—a love—it is safer, too, to show that we’re mad when we’re mad at our mother. We can hate and not be abandoned, hate and still love.”
—Judith Viorst (20th century)