The Awareness of Social Nudism 1n Modern Society - University of ...

about 2 percent of women have bodies as thin as models in magazines. What most people,
especially teenagers, fail to realize is that models have the luxury of working out with
professional exercise trainers, makeup artists, and nutritionists, making it easier for them to
maintain their appearances. Also computer artists can air brush their pictures to erase flaws
and enhance their images. In reality, most models are not the physical beauties magazines
portray. Furthermore, teens are being subjected to unrealistic ideals, resulting in less
acceptance of their own bodies. Poor body image usually results in lower self esteem which
can cause personal relationships with others to suffer. A major problem is that teens
become obsessed about how they look instead of setting goals for themselves. Often times
teenagers feel the need to compete with others instead of developing strong relationships.
Although the media exaggerates the way men and women should look, the public does not
have to buy into their unrealistic standards of beauty. Anyone can become an activist by
writing to companies expressing their concerns as well as likes and dislikes about an
advertisement. For instance, praise should be given to companies who use average looking
models in their advertising. On the other hand, complaints should be sent to advertisers
"glorifYing thinness. " 1
As mentioned earlier, the Naturist's philosophy is that of self-respect and body
acceptance. Therefore, if social nudism were more widespread, it would give people a
chance to see for themselves that most people do not have perfect bodies and perhaps learn
to be more accepting of their own.
Another deterrent for women engaging in social nudism is the fear for their physical
safety, specifically of being raped. Daney points out in his article that there is no evidence to
1 Kathiann, Kowalski, "Body Image," Current Health (March 2003): 6-12.
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