naturism and male nudity
Throughout history the image of the nude male has bubbled up from the collective unconscious to symbolize many things in many cultures. I think that it is this unconsciously pervasive cultural image of the male nude versus our female counterparts that drawsmaybe even drives us males towards nudist practice. This same phenomenon may be present in the historical practice of societal covering of women, even in cultures where the people tend to be less dressed than those of us in western culture. So if this image is so embedded in our collective unconscious minds, what accounts for the modern day aversion to the nude male body? The representation of the nude male was and is always symbolic of something in each era.
It has been symbolic of the warrior, athletic perfection, sexual prowess and more. But as human beings have developed and evolved the unencumbered body in battle has been replaced by the armored body. Athletes are covered with the perfect tools for modern day sports. For the most part the modern day symbolism of the nude male has become exclusively attached to sexuality. Male nudity is arguably more taboo in mainstream society than ever.
This is where the tension reflected in modern western society arises. The unconscious universal is overshadowed by a modern conscious perception that is only a partial expression of the more wholistic unconscious representation. In modern western culture the loss of connection to this deep natural and universal acceptance of male nudity has had significant effects on society. It led to a hyper sensitivity to the nude body, both male and female. Images of both the male and female body have become hyper sexualized driven more by modern ego perceptions than the true self. This in turn has lead to all kinds of body image issues with women especially, but also men. See the prevalence plastic surgery to modify unacceptable body part, (including increasing genital modification surgery among women).
Hear the concerns of men unwilling to be seen nude because of their fear of being ridiculed about genital size. Understand the fears of men and women that they will be hit on by the trolling nude males in nude settings. Imagine the anxieties of parents who are fearful that their kids might become victims of perverted nude men. All “real” perceptions of the conscious mind.
While naturism is one way for human beings to unconsciously seek to reconnect with the collective unconscious, the more we can understand this deep psychological tension in society, the more relaxed we will become about clothes free living and develop a more appropriate perspective on male and female nudity. This understanding may also help to explain the disproportionate representation of men among nudists/naturists overall. As well as the accompanying fear of single male in the naturist community. We can help to promote a healthier body positive view of nudism if we help people to understand the roots of the conflicting views at work in the human psyche.