I have often wondered why North Americans in particular seem to have so many hang-ups about nudity. I'm not a nudist and I don't advocate people randomly waltzing around the streets à poil, but most North Americans in the US and Canada are highly uncomfortable with their own and other people's nudity.

Why do you think nudity is so sexualised? It's like, if a man and woman see each other naked, it is presumed to be something sexual. And if two men see each other naked, there is the whole 'gay thing'. It doesn't make any sense. People these days are totally freaked by having to disrobe in front of others, when in most countries this attitude would be considered a mental illness.

For example, there are more and more people who will NOT help themselves to communal showering facilities at gyms and pools etc... And for many, this seems totally normal. But in a world where water is a precious and scarce resource for most, what could make so many people think they are above having to wash with others? Showering itself is a luxury many people will never know. And we seem to think we have the inalienable right to not only shower, but to do it all alone, all the time.

Even though this is the society I have moved through since birth, I still see this obsession as completely illogical. And this attitude has only gotten more prevalent over the years. And save for nudists and such, no one seems to be saying to everyone else that this is an unhealthy attitude to have toward one's body. It's important for society that nudity itself not be seen as sexual. It's just human beings temporarily without clothing. It happens. Get over it.

Any thoughts?

Why do you think nudity is so sexualised? It's like, if a man and woman see each other naked, it is presumed to be something sexual. And if two men see each other naked, there is the whole 'gay thing'. It doesn't make any sense. People these days are totally freaked by having to disrobe in front of others, when in most countries this attitude would be considered a mental illness.

For example, there are more and more people who will NOT help themselves to communal showering facilities at gyms and pools etc... And for many, this seems totally normal. But in a world where
Any thoughts?


Eve gave Adam a bite of the forbidden fruit... we have been made to be embarassed about our bodies ever since... perhaps the Garden of Eden actualy New Jersey.... sorry I'm just punchy..

actually- I don't know it does seem like we were taught to be discreet at a young age it translates to shame tho...be ashamed of your body...don't let anyone see it..its a tough thing to get over.. I dont' even want to take a shower let alone let someone else see me naked......  :-[

I don't like bathing in those communal settings because too many people pee in the shower.  8-P

Any thoughts?


The US is pretty hosed up when it comes to nudity. So many double standards and inconsistencies that it's not funny.

Nudity is so sexualized here because about the only time you see completely naked people is in pornography.

I'm not hung up over my own body. I'd lay out naked and get a tan, except 1) I'd burn instead of tan and 2) Invariably I would be arrested for indecent exposure or some other similar crap and probably wind up a "sex offender".  ::)

I do frequently walk out of the house in just boxer shorts - I've cut the grass wearing just them.

Community showers are okay - I'd much rather take a shower in public than use a public toilet.

Ant

This answer is fairly easy, The Religious Right. The so called Moral Majority has spent years brainwashing people
into thinking nudity and sex is sinful, an idea they got from the Puritans who first settled here. They twisted the
minds of so many people that now the thought of public nudity is repulsive. For the first few years of a child's life
women expose a breast for the child's nourishment, then they spend the rest of their lives trying to shield them
from the indecency of nakedness. These people have to realize, the only reason we wear clothes is because our
ancestors were cold.

Most of the attitudes we have on sex and nudity come from the Puritans.  Also, much of Catholic and Protestant dogma is really hung up on these things as well.

As loki said, the Religious Right is also to blame.

As I walk around, the number of people I'd like to see naked are WAY outnumbered by the ones I'd pay to keep their clothes on.

You should meet my younger sister and my aunt. Two people I am sure that would give you nightmares if you saw them nude.

Most of the attitudes we have on sex and nudity come from the Puritans.  Also, much of Catholic and Protestant dogma is really hung up on these things as well.

As loki said, the Religious Right is also to blame.


This is spot on. Religion has ingrained into us that nudity is wrong because it encourages lust, among other things. This is why it's difficult for many people to understand that naturists don't attach sexual desire to being naked or seeing others naked. The reason people started wearing clothes was to protect our hairless bodies from the ravages of the weather. It had nothing to do with sexuality. If people were naked all the time, there would be no mystique or taboo associated with nudity. Nudity can be erotic, but it can also be far from it. :) People need to be able to disengage their thinking from their conditioning.

I don't think is religion at all. I'm in one of the most religious countries in the world and everyone is close to naked all the time. It's more about what McDonald was talking about, the all individualist thing,my body is for myself or something silly like that...or capitalism lol to see me naked you should have to pay,blah blah blah.

Plus people are really offended by every little thing overthere,you take "my freedom ends when yours begin" too seriously sometimes.

Really what's the problem with naked bodies? We all have one,everything is better when you do it naked 8)

Personally, I am far to self conscious to allow people to see me nude. I look too good in clothes, but not in them is a different story.

Personally, I am far to self conscious to allow people to see me nude. I look too good in clothes, but not in them is a different story.


Fair enough for a North American, but if you had been born anywhere else, for example, this would not excuse you from obligatory communal showering policies in schools, gyms, saunas, pools etc...

I was a very self-conscious adolescent for a time, until I was put into a situation (sports) where I had no choice but to bear all in front of everyone. At first it was weird, but after the first few times it became second nature. You realise that you have nothing to hide because everyone looks basically the same. Humans are a species.

These days, most of my friends have seen me naked and vice-versa.

Fair enough for a North American, but if you had been born anywhere else, for example, this would not excuse you from obligatory communal showering policies in schools, gyms, saunas, pools etc...

I was a very self-conscious adolescent for a time, until I was put into a situation (sports) where I had no choice but to bear all in front of everyone. At first it was weird, but after the first few times it became second nature. You realise that you have nothing to hide because everyone looks basically the same. Humans are a species.

These days, most of my friends have seen me naked and vice-versa.


Very good points.  Europe and parts of East Asia are generally less concerned about nudity than we are, whereas the Middle East is even more uptight than we are.

Community showers are okay - I'd much rather take a shower in public than use a public toilet.

Ant


Unfortunately some people manage to combine these two activities.  8-P

Thus I am one of those who does not do communal showers.

The above posts sum it up:

A. America is still hung up on Puritanism.
b. The shame-based attitudes inject anger into sexuality; anger is the dominant emotion in pornography.*
c. Sex sells.  What sells better than sex?  More, more, more sex!  Thus, sexuality has become a commodity rather than a natural part of human life.
d. Once again the shame-based attitudes render only a few body types acceptable.  If you're fine the way your are, corporations can't sell you sh*t.

I will add the hysteria over children and sexuality is more dangerous to a free society than pedophilia.  The shame-based attitudes also fuel pedophiliac and ephebophiliac tendancies.  It is practically illegal to photograph your own child in the buff.  Remember those embarrassing photos our parents took of us in the tub when we were three?  You know, the ones your mom thinks is fun to show your fiance?  Well, today those will get you arrested.  I'm serious.  Parents need to be extremely careful.  
 :o

Then we go and sexualize children and young teens ad nauseam.  We've discussed this topic numerous times.  That young woman who was just murdered in Kansas, Emily Sander, set up her own Internet porn site under the name "Zoey Zane" as soon as she turned 18.  BTW, her murder does not appear to be related to her new career as a porn model.    This phenomenon is legion.  Young women learn there greatest asset is their sexuality, an attitude bolstered by the "sex positive" feminists they encounter as soon as they get to campus.  I think we haven't figured out how dangerous and destructive the whole thing is.

Anyway, I'm get pigeon-holed as a Christian Right Republican just for suggesting 18 year olds shouldn't shake booty on the Internet.  My friend Kate said, "If you had a daughter, you'd chain her to the furnace 'till she was 21!"  This was the same woman who was crying a blue streak about date rape and sexual assault a few moments before.

Yeah, our attitudes towards sex are pretty twisted.

* It is.  Hardcore pornography is about anger, frustration, and revenge.  I'm not suggesting any further ramifications here, that's just whan I have observed.  

Unfortunately some people manage to combine these two activities.  8-P

Thus I am one of those who does not do communal showers.

Just keep yourself on this side of the prison walls.  If you get yourself in trouble and get locked up, you WILL do communal showers and a lot of other stuff too!
:o

Anyway, I'm get pigeon-holed as a Christian Right Republican just for suggesting 18 year olds shouldn't shake booty on the Internet.

You're not a hardcore Christian Right Republican for suggesting that, unless you're suggesting that a law should ban it.  In other words, expressing disapproval for something is very different from supporting a ban.

For example, I think abortion is a disgusting and horrid practice, but I still think people should have the right to make that decision for themselves.

I have often wondered why North Americans in particular seem to have so many hang-ups about nudity. I'm not a nudist and I don't advocate people randomly waltzing around the streets à poil, but most North Americans in the US and Canada are highly uncomfortable with their own and other people's nudity.

Why do you think nudity is so sexualised? It's like, if a man and woman see each other naked, it is presumed to be something sexual. And if two men see each other naked, there is the whole 'gay thing'. It doesn't make any sense. People these days are totally freaked by having to disrobe in front of others, when in most countries this attitude would be considered a mental illness.

For example, there are more and more people who will NOT help themselves to communal showering facilities at gyms and pools etc... And for many, this seems totally normal. But in a world where water is a precious and scarce resource for most, what could make so many people think they are above having to wash with others? Showering itself is a luxury many people will never know. And we seem to think we have the inalienable right to not only shower, but to do it all alone, all the time.

Even though this is the society I have moved through since birth, I still see this obsession as completely illogical. And this attitude has only gotten more prevalent over the years. And save for nudists and such, no one seems to be saying to everyone else that this is an unhealthy attitude to have toward one's body. It's important for society that nudity itself not be seen as sexual. It's just human beings temporarily without clothing. It happens. Get over it.

Any thoughts?


  It comes down to traditions, IMO...

  There are no actual reasons for traditions, unless you count fear.  A great many people fear the unknown and subsequently change, so they do the same things over and over to alleviate fear, be they good ideas or bad ones.  Those ant trails quickly become known as tradition, and eventually culture.  To break a tradition (or, to fundamentalists, to so much as change it to increase it's relevancy in a changing environment) is feared not only because it is a change to the unknown (assuming the tradition has integrated into culture, people will be born not knowing alternatives), but also because it is a direct threat to authorities that support the tradition, a loss of which would cause enormous change into the unknown...

  Can you see what I mean..?

  Also I think there's a difference between "nude" and "naked".  You are nude until confronted by someone fully dressed, then you're nekkid groove ;) on...

Wow there is an interesting look into some depth in this thread. Good point there Davester

   There are no actual reasons for traditions, unless you count fear.  A great many people fear the unknown
 

Exactly what I've been saying, Americans don't know dick!
:D

Exactly what I've been saying, Americans don't know dick!
:D


;D Cheeky.

I have often wondered why North Americans in particular seem to have so many hang-ups about nudity. I'm not a nudist and I don't advocate people randomly waltzing around the streets à poil, but most North Americans in the US and Canada are highly uncomfortable with their own and other people's nudity.


Actually, it all is based on where we descended from.

The vast majority of the original colonists in North America were Puritans.  From the English Civil War of 1642 and the Great Ejection of 1662 onward, a huge number of the Original Colonists were Puritans.  The founded such comminities as Pennsylvania, New England, even Virginia.  And similar groups from Spain and France made up similar communities in such areas as the Carolinas, Alabama, Florida, and Louisiana.  Even the Mormon faith founded in New York (and moved to Missouri then Utah and Idaho) was very similar to Puratinism, and carries many of the same beliefs.

And many of those old beliefs are still found in the US to this day.  Many states and communities still have "Blue Laws", most small businesses still close on Sunday, and the general public tends to frown on things like public nudity, drug use, and a large number of other things.

Fair enough for a North American, but if you had been born anywhere else, for example, this would not excuse you from obligatory communal showering policies in schools, gyms, saunas, pools etc...

I was a very self-conscious adolescent for a time, until I was put into a situation (sports) where I had no choice but to bear all in front of everyone. At first it was weird, but after the first few times it became second nature. You realise that you have nothing to hide because everyone looks basically the same. Humans are a species.

These days, most of my friends have seen me naked and vice-versa.


In PE class, I never liked the shirt vs. skins team setup, because most the time, I was on the skins side, I am way too shy to go topless around a bunch of guys I never knew. I just wore my shirt inside out.

Hey I was the girl that hid in the stall in the bathroom to change. Because I was more developed then most;  I would get snickers and stares. I mean at the age of 12 I was mistaken for a full grow adult by many people.

Hey I was the girl that hid in the stall in the bathroom to change. Because I was more developed then most;  I would get snickers and stares. I mean at the age of 12 I was mistaken for a full grow adult by many people.


I didn't like changing either.

I hate the fact that PE class is a required credit, although this is more based around when I was in school. The fact that I had to play sports in PE* was a big reason(I have no interest in sports and am not atheletic, I could go on about this, but that would be going off topic), the dressing and showering was a smaller reason(not much smaller though).

*I could start a thread on this, since it being a requirement doesn't make since to me.

Gotcha.
Just to give you an idea of my development though, when I was in 3rd grade the girls laughed and said I stuffed my bra. So I proved them wrong and demonstrated that they were in fact MINE. Of course not showing any skin whatsoever.

Gotcha.
Just to give you an idea of my development though, when I was in 3rd grade the girls laughed and said I stuffed my bra. So I proved them wrong and demonstrated that they were in fact MINE. Of course not showing any skin whatsoever.


Must have been a surprise to them. :D ;)

P.E. is an essential part of a well-rounded education. An active life is a healthier and happier life than a sedentary one. Plus kids need to learn about all the other things taught in P.E. like nutrition, hygiene, team building etc... Kids are too fat, inactive and self-involved as it is.

And as for the changing and communal showering thing, these are character-building experiences which are necessary for any successful P.E. programme. Schools are publicly funded, and mandatory, and neither the modesty requirements of certain religions and communities, nor the irrational fear of being seen (briefly) nude by others (of the same sex, no less) should be allowed to dictate school policy on P.E. and hygiene requirements associated with it.

Added shortly after original post:

In a proper school, everyone takes P.E. and everyone showers. For many poor kids, school is the only place they have the resources to practise good hygiene. Can you imagine, instead of the coach saying 'hit the showers' she or he saying 'those of you whose families are too poor to provide you with soap, hot water, and decent conditions to practise good hygiene hit the showers, all the normal kids can go back to class sweaty and disgusting, and wait till you get home.' Doesn't seem right.

My $0.02...

P.E. is an essential part of a well-rounded education. An active life is a healthier and happier life than a sedentary one. Plus kids need to learn about all the other things taught in P.E. like nutrition, hygiene, team building etc... Kids are too fat, inactive and self-involved as it is.

And as for the changing and communal showering thing, these are character-building experiences which are necessary for any successful P.E. programme. Schools are publicly funded, and mandatory, and neither the modesty requirements of certain religions and communities, nor the irrational fear of being seen (briefly) nude by others (of the same sex, no less) should be allowed to dictate school policy on P.E. and hygiene requirements associated with it.

My $0.02...




Amen to that. I'm really concerned about how some schools are foregoing P.E. all together. It's pretty lame.

I went to school with a Muslim girl. During P.E., she would change out like the rest of us, but kept her head scarf on. That was really the only difference and she really didn't give a rip who saw her in her undies.

And as for the changing and communal showering thing, these are character-building experiences which are necessary for any successful P.E. programme. Schools are publicly funded, and mandatory, and neither the modesty requirements of certain religions and communities, nor the irrational fear of being seen (briefly) nude by others (of the same sex, no less) should be allowed to dictate school policy on P.E. and hygiene requirements associated with it.

Well that is all well and good for the majority of kids, but try being the kid who is singled out and the others use that opportunity to harass you farther. Gives them plenty of fuel! I know of children who under go that and wind up kill themselves or others (ie: Columbine). Maybe if you have kids think about it from the perspective that it is your kid that is going through that and because of the cruelty of the other children that tease them, they commit suicide.........or worse!

And as for the changing and communal showering thing, these are character-building experiences which are necessary for any successful P.E. programme. Schools are publicly funded, and mandatory, and neither the modesty requirements of certain religions and communities, nor the irrational fear of being seen (briefly) nude by others (of the same sex, no less) should be allowed to dictate school policy on P.E. and hygiene requirements associated with it.

Well that is all well and good for the majority of kids, but try being the kid who is singled out and the others use that opportunity to harass you farther. Gives them plenty of fuel! I know of children who under go that and wind up kill themselves or others (ie: Columbine). Maybe if you have kids think about it from the perspective that it is your kid that is going through that and because of the cruelty of the other children that tease them, they commit suicide.


.. and in a nutshell I think you've proven the original point of the thread.

So many people have become so hung up with nudity that this is the result.

In school we had to have showers after playing rugby and such like, there was no other option, we were always, to a man boy coated in mud. If somebody said "uuurrggh, your dick is small" they'd get beat up for being a bender.. looking at another fellas goods.  ;D

No, see I have a friend, her neice killed herself because of the constant teasing of the other children that she sustained. Children are CRUEL to each other. As much as we parents want to help and keep it from happening to our children, our hands are pretty tied. We can just give advice and hope.
It does not have to do anything with Nudity, my daughter is the tallest child in her class by far, the other kids use that as fuel. I can just imagine what it is going to be like when she hits high school and is a giant among most of the other kids. Showering will only add things to it and when she starts into womanhood, it will be worse. Which in the case of her heritage will be while she is still in elementry school. I just hope she can deal with what is going to be thrown at her. 6 years old and already 4 1/2 feet tall!

P.E. is an essential part of a well-rounded education. An active life is a healthier and happier life than a sedentary one. Plus kids need to learn about all the other things taught in P.E. like nutrition, hygiene, team building etc... Kids are too fat, inactive and self-involved as it is.

And as for the changing and communal showering thing, these are character-building experiences which are necessary for any successful P.E. programme. Schools are publicly funded, and mandatory, and neither the modesty requirements of certain religions and communities, nor the irrational fear of being seen (briefly) nude by others (of the same sex, no less) should be allowed to dictate school policy on P.E. and hygiene requirements associated with it.

Added shortly after original post:

In a proper school, everyone takes P.E. and everyone showers. For many poor kids, school is the only place they have the resources to practise good hygiene. Can you imagine, instead of the coach saying 'hit the showers' she or he saying 'those of you whose families are too poor to provide you with soap, hot water, and decent conditions to practise good hygiene hit the showers, all the normal kids can go back to class sweaty and disgusting, and wait till you get home.' Doesn't seem right.

My $0.02...




And unfortunately, some of the atheletic kids are totally jerks... Which is part of what I experienced... I even feel that the teachers in some of them are not going to be helpful to the ones who aren't atheletic(keep in mind that even a thinner or in shape kid can be lousy at sports). So I didn't learn anything about teamwork in Phys Ed, what I learned was the powerhouses got the best grades(I honestly think most gym teachers don't grade students on effort, in other words... trying to do their best, as much as they do on kids scoring the most points).

I feel that they should have two types of PE class, one for the sports jock types and a second for the ones that need to improve themselves with exercise... I would have gladly took a pure exercise form of PE over a sports oriented form.

Maybe I should start the thread on PE, so I don't gear this thread off course anymore than I did. :-\\

Edit: Note that I'm not against PE being a requirement in general, just it being a requirement the way it is setup at the moment. There are other ways to get exercise besides sports.

No, see I have a friend, her neice killed herself because of the constant teasing of the other children that she sustained. Children are CRUEL to each other. As much as we parents want to help and keep it from happening to our children, our hands are pretty tied. We can just give advice and hope.
It does not have to do anything with Nudity, my daughter is the tallest child in her class by far, the other kids use that as fuel. I can just imagine what it is going to be like when she hits high school and is a giant among most of the other kids. Showering will only add things to it and when she starts into womanhood, it will be worse. Which in the case of her heritage will be while she is still in elementry school. I just hope she can deal with what is going to be thrown at her. 6 years old and already 4 1/2 feet tall!


I don't mean to sound insensitive to you daughter's being picked on, lord knows I was picked on and so was everyone else. Children are cruel to each other, and as you said, they will find anything to pick on you about. Any little thing at all. I was picked on for having glasses, for having curly hair, for having the family name McDonald, for being skinny, even for being Canadian (I went to school in the States), and on and on. It's something everyone has to learn how to deal with, and even though I don't have kids (I'm only 22) I know it must hurt to see your child have his or her feelings hurt by others.

That said, as it is agreed kids can and will make you feel terrible for anything, even the most banal detail, I cannot say that this is a good reason to do away with obligatory showering. If they don't tease you for having weird nuts or something like that, they'll tease you for having freckles. Your only option as a parent is to always be there to explain to your kids the real deal. That schoolmates aren't everything.

My mum used to make me feel better by telling me about how the lives of so many of her tormentors ended up. Working at Burger King and funny things like that. And she was right. I needed to concentrate on doing well in school, not on what others said about me.

I also was one that was really picked on in school. I also was one of the kids that attempted suicide at a VERY YOUNG age, due to this.
My only hope with my daughter is that I can help her with what she will deal with.

I don't think that you can fully grasp the concept of being a girl on your period and having to shower with the others. It is a VERY uncomfortable time as it is! Having to strip down and let the others in the locker room see the evidence that you are, is very embarrassing!

Hey I don't mind walking around my home in the all together, but I don't want any one to see me like that. I am far too shy when it comes to my particular body.

I am consided a stocky woman and have always been. I mean being a weightlifter for many years (especially as young as I was), it does things to your body.

I have never been able to get myself down any less then a 28 inch waist. No matter how hard I tried. I am also built like a linebacker from American Football. I have a very large ribcage and small waist (in comparison).

I also have many many scars across my body from previous abuse. (most unintentional) Too many areas that I do not want people to see.

I also was one that was really picked on in school. I also was one of the kids that attempted suicide at a VERY YOUNG age, due to this.
My only hope with my daughter is that I can help her with what she will deal with.

I don't think that you can fully grasp the concept of being a girl on your period and having to shower with the others. It is a VERY uncomfortable time as it is! Having to strip down and let the others in the locker room see the evidence that you are, is very embarrassing!

Hey I don't mind walking around my home in the all together, but I don't want any one to see me like that. I am far too shy when it comes to my particular body.

I am consided a stocky woman and have always been. I mean being a weightlifter for many years (especially as young as I was), it does things to your body.

I have never been able to get myself down any less then a 28 inch waist. No matter how hard I tried. I am also built like a linebacker from American Football. I have a very large ribcage and small waist (in comparison).

I also have many many scars across my body from previous abuse. (most unintentional) Too many areas that I do not want people to see.

I hear you, Ladyhawk.  A component of my depression is body dysmorphic disorder.  That, on top of being so sick in childhood it suppressed a good deal of natural growth and development.  I never wear shorts, even on the hottest days of summer, and I don't even like looking at my own self in the mirror sometimes.  I haven't been through the same things you have, but I kow how painful it can be. 

Well I know with children you can only do so much for them and the rest they have to do on the own.
I am very active with my daughter's school and as such am around to speak to the staff a lot. I figured if my parents would have been active in my schooling maybe things would not have been so hard for me, so I am trying to do what my parent did not. I am realizing, that even though I am so active, it does not make that much of a difference as to the children picking on her.
I hope that it does make things easier though on her mentally.
I have come to grips with my own body though. I have had some pretty off of the wall things happen in my adult hood that has made me more comfortable with my body, but still not enough to allow others to see it.
When I married my first husband, I was extremely into weightlifting. He detested that part of me and made me give it up. Well after you have done something for years and you stop, it sends your body over the edge!
I went in less the 1 years time from 145lbs and a 28 inch waist to 275 lbs and a 50 inch waist.
After my first husband and I separated I went back down to a manageable size in 2 months. So from 145 to 275 then down to 170. Very drastic changes. I am happy to state that in the almost 10 years that Hawk and I have been together (even after we had our daughter) I have stayed right around that. My body has readjusted itself to what it is comfortable at. So when people make comments about me being stocky I just smile and tell them yes I am and proud to be.
I have seen myself at my worst and best. I am very sure of how I am, but am still quite uncomfortable with strangers looking at me unclothed.
After Hawk and I got together, a couple of times I was known to walk around the house with nothing on, in front of friends. But people who don't know me and might pass judgement on me with out knowing really anything about me, I feel unconfident with myself. That is not a feeling I care for, because people who really know me or even if you just see me, you can tell I am a very confident person.

I don't mean to sound insensitive to you daughter's being picked on, lord knows I was picked on and so was everyone else. Children are cruel to each other, and as you said, they will find anything to pick on you about. Any little thing at all. I was picked on for having glasses, for having curly hair, for having the family name McDonald, for being skinny, even for being Canadian (I went to school in the States), and on and on. It's something everyone has to learn how to deal with, and even though I don't have kids (I'm only 22) I know it must hurt to see your child have his or her feelings hurt by others.

That said, as it is agreed kids can and will make you feel terrible for anything, even the most banal detail, I cannot say that this is a good reason to do away with obligatory showering. If they don't tease you for having weird nuts or something like that, they'll tease you for having freckles. Your only option as a parent is to always be there to explain to your kids the real deal. That schoolmates aren't everything.

My mum used to make me feel better by telling me about how the lives of so many of her tormentors ended up. Working at Burger King and funny things like that. And she was right. I needed to concentrate on doing well in school, not on what others said about me.


Karma McD!
I don't buy that children teased at school talk,whenever some issue involves kids,gay adopting for instance,that argument comes along and i have to roll my eyes. It's non sense,is there anyone,anyplace in the world who wasn't teased at school for something or another?
If from a young age we were more customed to the naked form we would realise that bodies come in all different shapes and don't obsess so much about the only people we see naked (models,actors and pornstars) the so called "ideal type" is what is sold and you buy it 'cause you're ashamed of being different. Different is good and if kids learn that early,they're way better off.

Karma McD!
I don't buy that children teased at school talk,whenever some issue involves kids,gay adopting for instance,that argument comes along and i have to roll my eyes. It's non sense,is there anyone,anyplace in the world who wasn't teased at school for something or another?
If from a young age we were more customed to the naked form we would realise that bodies come in all different shapes and don't obsess so much about the only people we see naked (models,actors and pornstars) the so called "ideal type" is what is sold and you buy it 'cause you're ashamed of being different. Different is good and if kids learn that early,they're way better off.

Definitely some truth in this.

As I walk around, the number of people I'd like to see naked are WAY outnumbered by the ones I'd pay to keep their clothes on.


;D

Ant

Karma McD!
I don't buy that children teased at school talk,whenever some issue involves kids,gay adopting for instance,that argument comes along and i have to roll my eyes. It's non sense,is there anyone,anyplace in the world who wasn't teased at school for something or another?
If from a young age we were more customed to the naked form we would realise that bodies come in all different shapes and don't obsess so much about the only people we see naked (models,actors and pornstars) the so called "ideal type" is what is sold and you buy it 'cause you're ashamed of being different. Different is good and if kids learn that early,they're way better off.


I know I didn't most of the time... But is this talking to the kids or their parents?

Karma McD!
I don't buy that children teased at school talk,whenever some issue involves kids,gay adopting for instance,that argument comes along and i have to roll my eyes. It's non sense,is there anyone,anyplace in the world who wasn't teased at school for something or another?
If from a young age we were more customed to the naked form we would realise that bodies come in all different shapes and don't obsess so much about the only people we see naked (models,actors and pornstars) the so called "ideal type" is what is sold and you buy it 'cause you're ashamed of being different. Different is good and if kids learn that early,they're way better off.



Now there is a difference between everyone being "teased for something or another" and what some others of us had to go through. There is a big difference between teasing and hazing. Some of the kids do get hazed! My husband and I both are prime examples of that. Big difference between kids name calling and coming home from school everyday with wads of gum in your hair because the kids decided to throw it there.
Another example of this is when a kid is riding to school on the bus and all the kids on the bus start chanting that name calling and are joined by the bus driver. Just a couple of examples. Imagine how that would effect you.
Nudity has no real baring on the hazing. My husband was in casts most of his childhood, it had nothing to do with the shape of his body.
Mine was the fact that I had a chest and was maturing far faster and earlier then all the other girls. Nudity or no, would not change the fact that the other kids didn't have boobs and I did. You would think that it would cease when the other girls started to catch me.................well it didn't. All the kids would line up in the halls to beat up on me. That was why I started weight lifting. After they realized I was tougher then all of them the physical part of it ceased. When I started being able to defend myself from guys that were 2 x my size, kids started realizing not to touch me.
Hazing is a real part of some childrens worlds. Even if we were all nude, it still would not stop.

Here is my personal stand on nudity, compliments of:

The Straight Talking American Government Party:

http://www.flowgo.com/funny/4562_10-reasons-work-nekkid.html


"The Stag Party: We've Upped Our Political Standards....Now, Up Yours!"

Now there is a difference between everyone being "teased for something or another" and what some others of us had to go through. There is a big difference between teasing and hazing. Some of the kids do get hazed! My husband and I both are prime examples of that. Big difference between kids name calling and coming home from school everyday with wads of gum in your hair because the kids decided to throw it there.
Another example of this is when a kid is riding to school on the bus and all the kids on the bus start chanting that name calling and are joined by the bus driver. Just a couple of examples. Imagine how that would effect you.
Nudity has no real baring on the hazing. My husband was in casts most of his childhood, it had nothing to do with the shape of his body.
Mine was the fact that I had a chest and was maturing far faster and earlier then all the other girls. Nudity or no, would not change the fact that the other kids didn't have boobs and I did. You would think that it would cease when the other girls started to catch me.................well it didn't. All the kids would line up in the halls to beat up on me. That was why I started weight lifting. After they realized I was tougher then all of them the physical part of it ceased. When I started being able to defend myself from guys that were 2 x my size, kids started realizing not to touch me.
Hazing is a real part of some childrens worlds. Even if we were all nude, it still would not stop.


Well i wasn't the one who brought up hazing to a topic about nudity,lady. My point still stands,accepting your body is more difficult when all you see around is model types so i'm all for dropping my clothes off in front of strangers,doesn't bother me the least now,with time and age shame goes away and i find it a wonderful thing. At school,kids are teased for being different,you because your boobs were big,me cause i had none,did you had it worse? I don't know and who cares? Children can be cruel,is that your point?

That is my point. The cruelty has nothing to do with your shape whether in clothes or not. I do agree that the models and such that are shown as the ideal is a bunch of crap. Barbie needs to die! I can't stand the fact that in this day and age in order to be a model you have to be a size 2 or less. I think that is sick.
I am happy with the size I am, if people like to refere to me as fat because I am stocky that is their prerogative, but it will not change the way I see myself. I am beautiful just as I am.
I just don't want the world to make me feel less confident by seeing me nude. Confidence is something I exude.

I'll just interject something here...

While it is true that much of the fashion industry encourages eating disorders and unhealthy body images, there is also wisdom to aiming for what is considered the healthy ideal for your frame.

Here's a good example of what I'm talking about...  In much of Western Europe, the obesity rate is considerably lower than ours because their people devote much more effort to exercise than we do.  If we emphasized athletic body images more as sexy, then I think more Americans would put out the effort to be trimmer in healthier ways.

To be confident about your own body image is a good thing to a degree, but it's also good to be open to improving your body when health concerns are looming in your future.

That is my point. The cruelty has nothing to do with your shape whether in clothes or not. I do agree that the models and such that are shown as the ideal is a bunch of crap. Barbie needs to die! I can't stand the fact that in this day and age in order to be a model you have to be a size 2 or less. I think that is sick.


Those models are often sick, as in physically unhealthy.  5'11" and 120 lbs. just ain't natural.
::)

This thread is making me want to strip naked..and be proud of who I am. ;D :D

Hey...  I'm not gonna stop ya...  ;)  j/k

Hey...  I'm not gonna stop ya...  ;)  j/k



hehe..karma...for being at least honest!  :D ;D

This thread is making me want to strip naked..and be proud of who I am. ;D :D


I'm with you,let's go streaking Erin,but here ok? 'Cause overthere is too damn cold 8-P

I'm with you,let's go streaking Erin,but here ok? 'Cause overthere is too damn cold 8-P


sounds like a plan, girlie! ;) :-*

In a lot of areas about that I do agree. But I am me. If you ask my doctor, she would tell you that besides my smoking and a little iron anemia, I am in awesome health. I eat fish and fowl exclusively, no red meat or pork. I drink lots of water, next to coffee of course and have a VERY high level of exercise. I walk A LOT. People have a very hard time keeping up with me. But my body is comfortable with the weight and size that I am. I tried doing everything to get myself down to what the experts say I should be on weight, and was completely unsuccessful. I exercised 8 hours a day nonstop. I tried as hard as I could to do it, but never was able to. They say I should be around 115 lbs., There is no way, I would look too sick at that weight. I tell you my bones weigh more then that.
So as far as the doctors can figure, I should not be as big as I am with my activity level and how I eat, but I still am.
Not to mention I have been a type 2 diabetic since 1999 and I just had my A1 C and my sugars are at 5.5 which is consided non-diabetic.
I think that a major contributing factor to the statistics in this country is the fact that so many Asians have moved here and tipped the scales. They are small in comparison to the German, Swedish and other Scandinavian countries ancestry that make up a good portion of the people of this country. These countries are known for Sturdier people.

... my body is comfortable with the weight and size that I am. I tried doing everything to get myself down to what the experts say I should be on weight, and was completely unsuccessfu... They say I should be around 115 lbs., There is no way, I would look too sick at that weight. I tell you my bones weigh more then that.



What ^she said... I remember watching last season of Celeb Fit Club.  Both Tiffany & Maureen McCormack were on at 150 & 154....that's my friggin' goal weight!!! I could never get down to 125 like they did!

In a lot of areas about that I do agree. But I am me. If you ask my doctor, she would tell you that besides my smoking and a little iron anemia, I am in awesome health. I eat fish and fowl exclusively, no red meat or pork. I drink lots of water, next to coffee of course and have a VERY high level of exercise. I walk A LOT. People have a very hard time keeping up with me. But my body is comfortable with the weight and size that I am. I tried doing everything to get myself down to what the experts say I should be on weight, and was completely unsuccessful. I exercised 8 hours a day nonstop. I tried as hard as I could to do it, but never was able to. They say I should be around 115 lbs., There is no way, I would look too sick at that weight. I tell you my bones weigh more then that.
So as far as the doctors can figure, I should not be as big as I am with my activity level and how I eat, but I still am.
Not to mention I have been a type 2 diabetic since 1999 and I just had my A1 C and my sugars are at 5.5 which is consided non-diabetic.
I think that a major contributing factor to the statistics in this country is the fact that so many Asians have moved here and tipped the scales. They are small in comparison to the German, Swedish and other Scandinavian countries ancestry that make up a good portion of the people of this country. These countries are known for Sturdier people.


It's actually the Hispanics that tend to be stockier.  Hispanics are at a much higher risk of becoming obese than other whites.  Many African ethnicities also have a weakness for obesity, although others are remarkably thin.

What ^she said... I remember watching last season of Celeb Fit Club.  Both Tiffany & Maureen McCormack were on at 150 & 154....that's my friggin' goal weight!!! I could never get down to 125 like they did!



I hear ya girl. I am rather short (5'2")....and at my thinnest I weighed about that much...however, I appeared to look around a size 8 or so...so I was a happy camper. Meh, they are just numbers. ;)

sounds like a plan, girlie! ;) :-*


Here is one for you gals! She wanted to do it first!

http://www.flowgo.com/funny/1751_streaking-granny.html

I hear ya girl. I am rather short (5'2")....and at my thinnest I weighed about that much...however, I appeared to look around a size 8 or so...so I was a happy camper. Meh, they are just numbers. ;)


exactly in the end I think I will be happier that I went to McDonald's instead of saying Dang- I wish I hadn't skipped out on those fries...

but I don't wanna go skinny dipping with you guys so swing by and pick me up afterwards...kay!

It's actually the Hispanics that tend to be stockier.  Hispanics are at a much higher risk of becoming obese than other whites.  Many African ethnicities also have a weakness for obesity, although others are remarkably thin.


Yeah we're all so fat south from the equator ::)

Yeah we're all so fat south from the equator ::)


Statistically speaking, Hispanics do stand a greater chance of becoming obese.  It has to do with their diet and genetic tendencies.  I didn't mean it as an insult.  I'm simply stating what science has found to be true.

EDIT: By the way, the statistics I've read only apply to Hispanics living here.  So, I'm guessing certain aspects of their lifestyles are different outside of America.

Well I will tell you a little something about the stock that I come from.

My Father stands 6' 4"
My Mother stands 6' 1"
My 4 Sisters are all about 6'
My brother (God rest his soul) was 6' 6"
Me, I am 5' 4"

I come from a family of Amazons!! Next to everyone else, I am tiny!

For you streakers in the thread:

http://youtube.com/watch?v=6ouT1UKPiNg

Statistically speaking, Hispanics do stand a greater chance of becoming obese.  It has to do with their diet and genetic tendencies.  I didn't mean it as an insult.  I'm simply stating what science has found to be true.

EDIT: By the way, the statistics I've read only apply to Hispanics living here.  So, I'm guessing certain aspects of their lifestyles are different outside of America.


Let me see...

USA = Fast food diet + huge portions + drive everywhere mentality + more than 500 TV channels

Yeah i don't get why either ::)

Let me see...

USA = Fast food diet + huge portions + drive everywhere mentality + more than 500 TV channels

Yeah i don't get why either ::)




I am so un-American :-[

I have nothing against nudity.  I just have an objection to making people cringe.

Statistically speaking, Hispanics do stand a greater chance of becoming obese.  It has to do with their diet and genetic tendencies.  I didn't mean it as an insult.  I'm simply stating what science has found to be true.

EDIT: By the way, the statistics I've read only apply to Hispanics living here.  So, I'm guessing certain aspects of their lifestyles are different outside of America.


Yes, and do you know why African Americans and Hispanics tend to be more overweight in this country? It has nothing to do with their "ethnic" diet or genetic tendencies. Hop your ass into a car and come drive through the South Side and Pilsen neighborhoods over here. You know what the most common sight you will see is? Fast food joints and fried food places. Why is that? Because these effin' places KNOW that the people around there have no money and have never been taught what is healthy and what isn't. Furthermore, you won't see grocery stores in these neighborhoods teeming with produce and lean protein. No, you'll just see corner markets and liquor stores because they know that the people won't give a crap what they eat after a long hard day of working for little pay and then having to come home exhausted and plan a meal for their families.