Last week there was an interesting juxtaposition of stories appearing in the news. First came an announcement from the Ford Motor Company that, effective beginning in 2019, it would cease building cars with the exception of just a model or two (e.g. the Mustang). That's right, you read correctly. The company that, for over 100 years brought us the Model T, the Model A, the Edsel, the Thunderbird, the Falcon, the LTD (remember Starsky and Hutch anyone?) and a host of other cars will virtually eliminate all cars from its North American lineup. Ford will still crank out trucks and sport utility vehicles, which apparently produce much greater profits for the folks in Dearborn, Michigan.
Just a few days later another story piqued The Platypus interest. Seems that after 108 years the Boy Scouts of America will allow girls to join its ranks and work towards becoming Eagle Scouts just like their brothers. The organization is changing its name to "Scouts BSA" to reflect this fact. We know, we know...maybe this was just a matter of time. There have been girls in the Explorer arm of the program for decades and women have served for decades now as Scoutmasters as well.
However one feels about these decisions, one must admit that they represent a significant change in philosophy, focus, and direction. Have these respective entities totally lost their way or simply embraced inevitable changes? It all got The Platypus to thinking about what the essence of nudism is...at least for us. The views you are about to read reflect our opinions only and not necessarily those of the readership or those who link to us. But here goes:
To us, the essence of nudism IS nudity. It's being naked, not wearing clothing because that's what nudists
like to do. This may sound obvious but it warrants stating and repeating. To those publications and resorts that market to the nudist community we would ask you to remember that as well.
Why do we need to say it? Because often the latest amenity, service, or activity offered does not necessarily enhance the experience of being naked. Sometimes the opposite is true. Just a few examples: (1) hosting a big charity event at your nudist park that eventually becomes so big that your park asks us to wear clothes to avoid offending the new visitors; (2) adding an expensive upgrade to your facility while neglecting to install that fence or grove of trees that would eliminate the need to "cover up" when walking certain trails or areas of your park that could be accessible to nudity if this were made a priority; (3) that gym equipment that is so special that clothes are required when using it.
If you think we're off base here check out some of the advertising and websites from some of the more "sophisticated" European naturist resorts. Fine dining. Parasailing from a tow boat. Arts, crafts, science centers, discoteques. You know what you also see when all of these are featured? Lots of people wearing lots of clothes!
We're not saying anyone has to listen to us. We don't pay your mortgage (at least not directly). But if it's all the same we will gladly exchange the latest gee-whiz technology for something much more simple: building your business around people like us who like to remove our clothes when we arrive and, having done so, don't put them on until it's time to leave. This isn't about choice. Whether strictly nudist or clothing optional, you can still opt for nudity in your messaging. And scheduling. Let us know that nudity is always acceptable and welcome on your grounds. Work for a clientele that gets it. Employ people who get it too.
Here's hoping we don't get to the point of reading "swimsuits required" on the nudist pool sign.
