Nudists have been working to close the gender gap for a long time. We have no delusions that we will "fix" the issue here in a single post... or even a few posts. Nevertheless, we have a few ideas. We welcome any ideas that you have, too.
First, let's learn what we can from other cultures where the gender gap is already closer. What does France know about going topless that causes more of their ladies to be "dressed" like their male counterparts on the beach (i.e. with bottoms only)? Why is it that Scandinavians---men and women alike---seem comfortable? We think it has a lot to do with how the populace is raised. But studying other cultures is a good start.
Second, we think we must start depicting nudism in ways that women find less threatening. For those sites that use pictures, do not be afraid to show those with wrinkles, a few pounds to lose, or whatever else conveys that you do NOT need a perfect body to enjoy being naked. The Platypus response to this issue is to carry no photographs at all - only cartoon mascots. However, for those who subscribe to the "a picture's worth a thousand words" philosophy remember that's true. Please don't let the "thousand words" be "only those 18 - 25 of perfect weight and condition need apply" again and again for a hundred times.
Third, ... and this is to the gentlemen in nudism... let us be on our better behavior. Let us not do things that cause women to feel they have been approached for the wrong reasons (e.g. being "hit on"), or otherwise more vulnerable.
Fourth, consider for a moment, if only for a moment, that policies in clubs designed to ensure more gender balance are as much to make women feel more comfortable than to simply discriminate against men.
Fifth, let's ask ourselves if there their activities that women would enjoy doing? Let's offer more of those activities in clubs.
Sixth, recognize that nudist clubs and beaches are not the only forums where the gender gap can be addressed. If women could simply be made more self-assured about going nude in the privacy and security of their own homes that would make a significant impact. The Bare Platypus believes we can increase the number of practicing nudists, even if those nudists never get naked outside their own front door.
That's all for now, but we may have some other ideas soon.
__________________________
Bare Platypus now offers products with Platypus artwork at the Bare Platypus Souvenir Shop . You can get a tote bag or a coffee mug, a t-shirt, or all three! Plus there's more to come.
These designs are one-of-a-kinds that you won't find elsewhere. Tasteful enough that you can show or serve them to all guests, but unusual enough (and always bare) that they can help you get a conversation going.
You're invited to visit!
Sunday, September 29, 2013
Friday, September 27, 2013
Sleep Naked says Dakota U Beditorial
An interesting editorial appeared in today's edition of a Dakota based student newspaper.
In Sleep Naked Says Dakota U you'll find similarities to posts on that subject here at the Bare Platypus. (See e.g. Sleeping Naked Platypus Advice ) but there are some differences too. For one thing, the "beditorial" points out that, in the Dakotas they're usually bundled up in more than two layers of clothes, which makes stripping down to bed in the buff all the more enjoyable. Roomate jitters are also discussed.
To read another Platypus post or two on this subject consider Sleeping Naked is Normal or 1 in 3 Brits Sleep Naked .
____________________
Bare Platypus now offers products with Platypus artwork at the Bare Platypus Souvenir Shop . You can get a tote bag or a coffee mug, a t-shirt, or all three! Plus there's more to come.
These designs are one-of-a-kinds that you won't find elsewhere. Tasteful enough that you can show or serve them to all guests, but unusual enough (and always bare) that they can help you get a conversation going.
You're invited to visit!
In Sleep Naked Says Dakota U you'll find similarities to posts on that subject here at the Bare Platypus. (See e.g. Sleeping Naked Platypus Advice ) but there are some differences too. For one thing, the "beditorial" points out that, in the Dakotas they're usually bundled up in more than two layers of clothes, which makes stripping down to bed in the buff all the more enjoyable. Roomate jitters are also discussed.
To read another Platypus post or two on this subject consider Sleeping Naked is Normal or 1 in 3 Brits Sleep Naked .
____________________
Bare Platypus now offers products with Platypus artwork at the Bare Platypus Souvenir Shop . You can get a tote bag or a coffee mug, a t-shirt, or all three! Plus there's more to come.
These designs are one-of-a-kinds that you won't find elsewhere. Tasteful enough that you can show or serve them to all guests, but unusual enough (and always bare) that they can help you get a conversation going.
You're invited to visit!
Thursday, September 26, 2013
More Reasons Guys Bare
Continuing with yesterday's post, here are some more theories about why it may be easier to get a guy to try nudity:
9. They're just born / wired to like nudity. This reason seems oh so simplistic and yet it may prove to be among the most accurate;
10. With much of their "nether plumbing" on the outside, men experience the enjoyment of, say, the water while skinny dipping;
11. Guys like to be out in nature either camping or playing sports, which complements activities at nudist clubs;
12. A sense of adventure?
13. Less sensitivity to the cold/hot changes of weather?
14. A role model... Dad, older brother, even Tarzan who was cool about nudity.
15. Military enlistment leading to world travel and exposure to cultures where nudity is accepted.
Any other ideas, readers?
__________________________
Bare Platypus now offers products with Platypus artwork at the Bare Platypus Souvenir Shop . You can get a tote bag or a coffee mug, a t-shirt, or all three! Plus there's more to come.
These designs are one-of-a-kinds that you won't find elsewhere. Tasteful enough that you can show or serve them to all guests, but unusual enough (and always bare) that they can help you get a conversation going.
You're invited to visit!
9. They're just born / wired to like nudity. This reason seems oh so simplistic and yet it may prove to be among the most accurate;
10. With much of their "nether plumbing" on the outside, men experience the enjoyment of, say, the water while skinny dipping;
11. Guys like to be out in nature either camping or playing sports, which complements activities at nudist clubs;
12. A sense of adventure?
13. Less sensitivity to the cold/hot changes of weather?
14. A role model... Dad, older brother, even Tarzan who was cool about nudity.
15. Military enlistment leading to world travel and exposure to cultures where nudity is accepted.
Any other ideas, readers?
__________________________
Bare Platypus now offers products with Platypus artwork at the Bare Platypus Souvenir Shop . You can get a tote bag or a coffee mug, a t-shirt, or all three! Plus there's more to come.
These designs are one-of-a-kinds that you won't find elsewhere. Tasteful enough that you can show or serve them to all guests, but unusual enough (and always bare) that they can help you get a conversation going.
You're invited to visit!
Wednesday, September 25, 2013
Why Guys Bare: Exploring the Gender Gap in Nudism Con't
In our last Platypus post, we introduced the topic for the next few days: the difference between males and females when it comes to getting nude. We started with the observation that boys and men seem more willing to give it a try... and that they're found in greater numbers on nude beaches and in nudist clubs than women and girls.
Today, we ask, "Why is that?" Let's offer some explanations now and maybe some more tomorrow:
1. One answer (though less true today): Many males were raised with "exposure" to communal nudity in the locker room, group showers at school and camp, and even skinny-dipping;
2. Males are raised being less conscious of body image. They are not expected to have perfect figures as females are made to feel. (this is less true today than in the past as well) ;
3. Men can "laugh it off" when their bodies experience "natural functions" ranging from flatulence to taking a leak against a tree while camping;
4. Males may feel less vulnerable in the presence of others due to size and stature; females must be wary of assault;
5. If a guy is nude there's the perception that he simply enjoys it, while in the case of a woman her "character" is more likely to be questioned;
6. Testosterone keeps men both old and young adventurous and ready to try new things;
7. Women experience changes during childbirth that may leave them self-conscious;
8. Men are already allowed to show more skin. They are free to go topless in pools and on beaches;
To be continued... More to come in our next post.
______________________
Bare Platypus now offers products with Platypus artwork at the Bare Platypus Souvenir Shop . You can get a tote bag or a coffee mug, a t-shirt, or all three! Plus there's more to come.
These designs are one-of-a-kinds that you won't find elsewhere. Tasteful enough that you can show or serve them to all guests, but unusual enough (and always bare) that they can help you get a conversation going.
You're invited to visit!
Today, we ask, "Why is that?" Let's offer some explanations now and maybe some more tomorrow:
1. One answer (though less true today): Many males were raised with "exposure" to communal nudity in the locker room, group showers at school and camp, and even skinny-dipping;
2. Males are raised being less conscious of body image. They are not expected to have perfect figures as females are made to feel. (this is less true today than in the past as well) ;
3. Men can "laugh it off" when their bodies experience "natural functions" ranging from flatulence to taking a leak against a tree while camping;
4. Males may feel less vulnerable in the presence of others due to size and stature; females must be wary of assault;
5. If a guy is nude there's the perception that he simply enjoys it, while in the case of a woman her "character" is more likely to be questioned;
6. Testosterone keeps men both old and young adventurous and ready to try new things;
7. Women experience changes during childbirth that may leave them self-conscious;
8. Men are already allowed to show more skin. They are free to go topless in pools and on beaches;
To be continued... More to come in our next post.
______________________
Bare Platypus now offers products with Platypus artwork at the Bare Platypus Souvenir Shop . You can get a tote bag or a coffee mug, a t-shirt, or all three! Plus there's more to come.
These designs are one-of-a-kinds that you won't find elsewhere. Tasteful enough that you can show or serve them to all guests, but unusual enough (and always bare) that they can help you get a conversation going.
You're invited to visit!
Tuesday, September 24, 2013
Guys and Girls: Exploring the Gender Gap Among Nudists
Women. Girls. Men. Boys. There are two genders in this world. Obviously, those two different sexes have different body parts. That's no more obvious than in a nudist setting. But there's
another obvious difference: absent "artificial controls" there are usually many more males than females who participate, or want to participate initially.
Over the next week or so, the Bare Platypus intends to post a series of blog entries addressing this subject. We'll begin with describing the situations we've witnessed after visiting nudist clubs and beaches for nearly 25 years and working in the nudist business. Next, we'll offer some theories---actually, explore as many as we can think of or have heard about---for why this is so. We'll close by considering how this could change. Along the way, if a related topic or two comes to mind, we may add that. Your comments, as always, are especially appreciated. Plan to join us as we explore the gender gap between males and females in nudism.
THERE IS A DIFFERENCE
We're going to start the exploration by stating it outright: There is a difference between men and women when it comes to the number who want to experience communal (even private?) nudity and the initial interest or reluctance to try a nudist event or venue. That difference almost always suggests men and boys will want to try baring earlier and more. We'll save thoughts about why we think that is until a future post. For now we have to establish a baseline of what IS. That may be a challenge.
There's a tendency within our educated populace to immediately reject any observation or suggestion that sounds like a stereotype, prejudice, bias... or sexism.
Some will challenge our Platypus statement that males favor nudity as sexist. They will, rightfully, point out that there are many, many women who enjoy nudism. We agree. There are. They may also point out that, though initially reluctant to try a nudist experience, once "sold" on it, that a woman may well want to return even more than her male spouse or friend. We don't disagree with that statement either. But, it's almost impossible to argue that on a nude beach where admission is not restricted or in a nudist club that allows single men to visit without restriction, there will be many more men stripped and in attendance.
One club owner of a large nudist club once noted during a business meeting that his business felt a strong need to put some restrictions on visitations by single men---either by capping the maximum number of them admitted per day or by requiring AANR-TNS membership. Without such limits there would be an incredible difference in the ratio of men to women such that the women who visited would then feel vulnerable. "We tried to welcome everybody but, by doing so, found women felt unwelcome due to the disparity. We now try to achieve more balance between welcoming guests and setting those guests at ease," he said.
Some will challenge our general statement because they do not want the word out about the gender gap. They fear it will further discourage females from giving nudity a try and, thus, become a self-fulfilling prophecy.
Some insist on having data and analysis worthy of the scientific method rather than general observations. In truth, there IS data that shows males more willing to give nudity a try than females. The data just isn't shared that often. (Remember all those polls showing how many people have been skinny dipping or want to try it? The results usually included a break down of responses by gender. Some poll results were as divergent as 25% of young men interested in going naked vs. 13% of young women.)
Still others will say, we're only reporting a disparity between men and women based on the venues
we've experienced. Finally, some just challenge the Platypus observation about gender because they don't want it to be so. And yet, even among toddlers visiting the wading pool and water amusements of a theme park, staff have noted that it's usually the little lads stripping off to try getting away with going bare. ( See e.g. Tyke Provides the Essence of Nudism ) There's a reason Subaru used a young fella when making Cute Subaru Ad Features L'il Nudist to Be .
Now, we have noticed a couple exception to the gender gap principle. First, when it comes to the nude photography subjects on blog sites one could get the impression that young women are the only
subjects of nude pictures. Second, and on a more serious note, the leadership of nudist clubs and organizations includes a strong presence of women. Women have held such a presence for many years. Going back to decades ago before it was customary in other organizations and the workplace.
Can anyone who has seriously spent time on nude beaches or in unrestricted clubs dispute these collective observations? We remember only one day during our years and years in the business when sales to single women outnumbered those to men. Just one day.
That's all for now. Up next in this blog: Why does the gender gap exist?
_____________________
Bare Platypus now offers products with Platypus artwork at the Bare Platypus Souvenir Shop . You can get a tote bag or a coffee mug, a t-shirt, or all three! Plus there's more to come.
These designs are one-of-a-kinds that you won't find elsewhere. Tasteful enough that you can show or serve them to all guests, but unusual enough (and always bare) that they can help you get a conversation going.
You're invited to visit!
another obvious difference: absent "artificial controls" there are usually many more males than females who participate, or want to participate initially.
Over the next week or so, the Bare Platypus intends to post a series of blog entries addressing this subject. We'll begin with describing the situations we've witnessed after visiting nudist clubs and beaches for nearly 25 years and working in the nudist business. Next, we'll offer some theories---actually, explore as many as we can think of or have heard about---for why this is so. We'll close by considering how this could change. Along the way, if a related topic or two comes to mind, we may add that. Your comments, as always, are especially appreciated. Plan to join us as we explore the gender gap between males and females in nudism.
THERE IS A DIFFERENCE
We're going to start the exploration by stating it outright: There is a difference between men and women when it comes to the number who want to experience communal (even private?) nudity and the initial interest or reluctance to try a nudist event or venue. That difference almost always suggests men and boys will want to try baring earlier and more. We'll save thoughts about why we think that is until a future post. For now we have to establish a baseline of what IS. That may be a challenge.
There's a tendency within our educated populace to immediately reject any observation or suggestion that sounds like a stereotype, prejudice, bias... or sexism.
Some will challenge our Platypus statement that males favor nudity as sexist. They will, rightfully, point out that there are many, many women who enjoy nudism. We agree. There are. They may also point out that, though initially reluctant to try a nudist experience, once "sold" on it, that a woman may well want to return even more than her male spouse or friend. We don't disagree with that statement either. But, it's almost impossible to argue that on a nude beach where admission is not restricted or in a nudist club that allows single men to visit without restriction, there will be many more men stripped and in attendance.
One club owner of a large nudist club once noted during a business meeting that his business felt a strong need to put some restrictions on visitations by single men---either by capping the maximum number of them admitted per day or by requiring AANR-TNS membership. Without such limits there would be an incredible difference in the ratio of men to women such that the women who visited would then feel vulnerable. "We tried to welcome everybody but, by doing so, found women felt unwelcome due to the disparity. We now try to achieve more balance between welcoming guests and setting those guests at ease," he said.
Some will challenge our general statement because they do not want the word out about the gender gap. They fear it will further discourage females from giving nudity a try and, thus, become a self-fulfilling prophecy.
Some insist on having data and analysis worthy of the scientific method rather than general observations. In truth, there IS data that shows males more willing to give nudity a try than females. The data just isn't shared that often. (Remember all those polls showing how many people have been skinny dipping or want to try it? The results usually included a break down of responses by gender. Some poll results were as divergent as 25% of young men interested in going naked vs. 13% of young women.)
Still others will say, we're only reporting a disparity between men and women based on the venues
we've experienced. Finally, some just challenge the Platypus observation about gender because they don't want it to be so. And yet, even among toddlers visiting the wading pool and water amusements of a theme park, staff have noted that it's usually the little lads stripping off to try getting away with going bare. ( See e.g. Tyke Provides the Essence of Nudism ) There's a reason Subaru used a young fella when making Cute Subaru Ad Features L'il Nudist to Be .
Now, we have noticed a couple exception to the gender gap principle. First, when it comes to the nude photography subjects on blog sites one could get the impression that young women are the only
subjects of nude pictures. Second, and on a more serious note, the leadership of nudist clubs and organizations includes a strong presence of women. Women have held such a presence for many years. Going back to decades ago before it was customary in other organizations and the workplace.
Can anyone who has seriously spent time on nude beaches or in unrestricted clubs dispute these collective observations? We remember only one day during our years and years in the business when sales to single women outnumbered those to men. Just one day.
That's all for now. Up next in this blog: Why does the gender gap exist?
_____________________
Bare Platypus now offers products with Platypus artwork at the Bare Platypus Souvenir Shop . You can get a tote bag or a coffee mug, a t-shirt, or all three! Plus there's more to come.
These designs are one-of-a-kinds that you won't find elsewhere. Tasteful enough that you can show or serve them to all guests, but unusual enough (and always bare) that they can help you get a conversation going.
You're invited to visit!
Sunday, September 22, 2013
Love Your Bum: Let it Go Bare
About ten years ago a bath tissue company in the United Kingdom ran an advertising campaign that was both tasteful and unabashed about showing peoples' naked posteriors - of all shapes and sizes. Following a scrolling montage of them, the advertisements concluded, "Love your bum."
You can still find the clever ad on You Tube by clicking Velvet: Love Your Bum on You Tube .
Here at the Platypus, we couldn't agree more with their message. Sometimes our backsides need some TLC too! Treat yourself to a nice bath. Then, either wander outside to your private sunning area or go to a sunlit window if you don't have a private area outside or if it is too cold. If no window is available, lay a sheet across a heating pad or massage unit to give your glutes a treat .
Lay down and let the warm rays caress your skin. (It's better outside, with a nice breeze... believe us!) Stretching out helps... we spend a lot of time in chairs, which is tough on lower backs. Being surrounded with some fresh air rather than being bound up in clothes will do your derriere some good.
The bare in the air approach is the perfect remedy for diaper rash too, by the way. Far more effective for soothing an infant's skin than creams and sprays. And much more economical, not to mention being better for the environment. In older children, potty training is simpler when there are no clothes for them to fumble with.
If all this is too much "tail talk" for you, we apologize. But we do think your body will thank you for some extra freedom. Remember to carry your towel and use sunscreen if you're going to be out in the sun for some time. We don't want you to get burned.
You put that tush to a lot of use during a day.
_______________________
Bare Platypus now offers products with Platypus artwork at the Bare Platypus Souvenir Shop . You can get a tote bag or a coffee mug, a t-shirt, or all three! Plus there's more to come.
These designs are one-of-a-kinds that you won't find elsewhere. Tasteful enough that you can show or serve them to all guests, but unusual enough (and always bare) that they can help you get a conversation going.
You're invited to visit!
You can still find the clever ad on You Tube by clicking Velvet: Love Your Bum on You Tube .
Here at the Platypus, we couldn't agree more with their message. Sometimes our backsides need some TLC too! Treat yourself to a nice bath. Then, either wander outside to your private sunning area or go to a sunlit window if you don't have a private area outside or if it is too cold. If no window is available, lay a sheet across a heating pad or massage unit to give your glutes a treat .
Lay down and let the warm rays caress your skin. (It's better outside, with a nice breeze... believe us!) Stretching out helps... we spend a lot of time in chairs, which is tough on lower backs. Being surrounded with some fresh air rather than being bound up in clothes will do your derriere some good.
The bare in the air approach is the perfect remedy for diaper rash too, by the way. Far more effective for soothing an infant's skin than creams and sprays. And much more economical, not to mention being better for the environment. In older children, potty training is simpler when there are no clothes for them to fumble with.
If all this is too much "tail talk" for you, we apologize. But we do think your body will thank you for some extra freedom. Remember to carry your towel and use sunscreen if you're going to be out in the sun for some time. We don't want you to get burned.
You put that tush to a lot of use during a day.
_______________________
Bare Platypus now offers products with Platypus artwork at the Bare Platypus Souvenir Shop . You can get a tote bag or a coffee mug, a t-shirt, or all three! Plus there's more to come.
These designs are one-of-a-kinds that you won't find elsewhere. Tasteful enough that you can show or serve them to all guests, but unusual enough (and always bare) that they can help you get a conversation going.
You're invited to visit!
Friday, September 20, 2013
Why DO Germans Love Getting Naked So Much?
There is a story on an NBC based website this week entitled Getting to the bottom of Germany's love of nudity.
The article is an interesting read. And we must admit: There's something different about Germans when it comes to being nakey. For example, many, many leaders of the Internationa Naturist Federation always seemed to be Germans as the Platypus worked in the industry. For another, and as the article points out, clothed and naked German bathers seem to get along fine together on the beach. And Germans seem to be among the best at accepting nudity among all ages.
We don't know why all of the above good things are so prevalent but we'll offer some theories. Maybe Germans ditch clothes because other aspects of life such as work and finances seem to be so regimented. Or maybe it's the effect of two major wars that cause them to sigh and accept they need to get along with others... a choose yer battles kind of thing.
Maybe Germans are more proud of their bodies...whatever their condition. Maybe it's a matter of history. The wandervogel youth (hippie like) movement in the early decades of the 20th century embraced nudity. And many nudist pioneers including K Bartel who started nudism in the US got a start among German peers.
But again we're back more to observation than causation. Your Platypus theory ( with note to our own German ancestry) is that it's "in the blood." There may well be a genetic marker for being more apt to need freedom from clothes. A pre-disposition shared by some with autism (see nudity and autism revisited) or others wearing naked genes .
________________________
Bare Platypus now offers products with Platypus artwork at the Bare Platypus Souvenir Shop . You can get a tote bag or a coffee mug, a t-shirt, or all three! Plus there's more to come.
These designs are one-of-a-kinds that you won't find elsewhere. Tasteful enough that you can show or serve them to all guests, but unusual enough (and always bare) that they can help you get a conversation going.
You're invited to visit!
The article is an interesting read. And we must admit: There's something different about Germans when it comes to being nakey. For example, many, many leaders of the Internationa Naturist Federation always seemed to be Germans as the Platypus worked in the industry. For another, and as the article points out, clothed and naked German bathers seem to get along fine together on the beach. And Germans seem to be among the best at accepting nudity among all ages.
We don't know why all of the above good things are so prevalent but we'll offer some theories. Maybe Germans ditch clothes because other aspects of life such as work and finances seem to be so regimented. Or maybe it's the effect of two major wars that cause them to sigh and accept they need to get along with others... a choose yer battles kind of thing.
Maybe Germans are more proud of their bodies...whatever their condition. Maybe it's a matter of history. The wandervogel youth (hippie like) movement in the early decades of the 20th century embraced nudity. And many nudist pioneers including K Bartel who started nudism in the US got a start among German peers.
But again we're back more to observation than causation. Your Platypus theory ( with note to our own German ancestry) is that it's "in the blood." There may well be a genetic marker for being more apt to need freedom from clothes. A pre-disposition shared by some with autism (see nudity and autism revisited) or others wearing naked genes .
________________________
Bare Platypus now offers products with Platypus artwork at the Bare Platypus Souvenir Shop . You can get a tote bag or a coffee mug, a t-shirt, or all three! Plus there's more to come.
These designs are one-of-a-kinds that you won't find elsewhere. Tasteful enough that you can show or serve them to all guests, but unusual enough (and always bare) that they can help you get a conversation going.
You're invited to visit!
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