I’ve recently discovered a television show called Naked and Afraid. Each episode is basically seeing if two strangers who are dumped in an extreme location with two pieces of survival equipment can survive for 21 days using their skills and survival know-how. And to add to the excitement, they are completely and utterly naked. It’s a fascinating concept and all of the appropriate (or should that be inappropriate) body parts are subtly blurred out. I have to say I can’t think of anything more unappealing than surviving the elements and sourcing my own food and water for 3 weeks, and that someone would choose to do that without a stitch of clothing on really makes me question their sanity.
Optional extras
I live in a household where over 50% of the inhabitants feel that clothing is optional. I should probably point out that the 50% are all under the age of five, but still nakedness is a daily occurrence. It’s kind of cute at the moment but I know that if my children are still running around naked in their teenage years I will feel that I have somehow failed as a parent.
If you’ve got it, flaunt it
There is a lot of debate at the moment about what is appropriate or inappropriate when it comes to state of dress. Numerous celebrities, male and female, feel completely at ease posting pictures of themselves in the nude all over their social media accounts and anyone who dares criticise their decision is accused of body shaming or being a prude. It may seem inconsistent that at the same time as people are supporting others’ right to be naked, some people are making noise about nursing mothers needing to cover up while breastfeeding in public. Opinions on this topic are varied and very often conflicting. It seems to be up to the individual to decide how they feel about how much of their body is on show to the world.
Bare essentials
The truth of the matter is, for the majority of us, clothes are not an option we can choose to do without. Imagine the look on your colleagues or classmates’ faces tomorrow if you chose to turn up to start your day nude. I’m fairly certain someone would send you home and suggest (or demand) you cover up. We do, however, have a choice over how much we cover and what we feel is appropriate when it comes to how we dress and present ourselves.
I am a parent to my three daughters and one son. While I believe it’s important that they feel comfortable in their own skin and are not ashamed of their bodies, I also want them to learn that there are parts of their bodies that even though they are wonderful and perfectly acceptable, they are in fact private.
I think my husband is a hottie. I love the way he looks, but I would have serious concerns if he felt the need to share pictures of his nakedness, and all its glory, with our friends and family. What purpose would that serve?
Some things are just not meant to be shared with everyone.