Despite the younger generation's apparent lack of participation in naturism, it can't be said that the interest isn't there. The August 1994 Woodstock reunion, for example, bears testimony to a genuine willingness among the younger crowd to indulge in nude recreation. Media reports over the last few years indicate that students on college campuses across the nation have an urge to bare all; but if streaking and skinny-dipping have become part and parcel of the college scene, why aren't the practitioners taking the next step and joining established naturist groups?
The complaint of younger naturists is, of course, that when they do attend established social nude gatherings they find few similarly-aged participants. This can lead a younger person to wonder: "Is this naturism thing just for older people? Am I the only one my age who is interested in naturism?" this measure of doubt can undermine the enthusiasm that brings them to nude events.
The Missing Gen-Xers
By Younger Naturists (18-30 age group) crowd known to the media as "Generation X." Most established naturists go out of their way to be accommodating to the younger set. But often people in their twenties are not accustomed to socializing with people old enough to be their parents. To be a part of nude recreation, one must feel a part of nude recreation.
The number of people under 30 at regional naturist gatherings is generally quite small. Naturist Organisations gets letters each year from disillusioned younger naturists who have attended a gathering and felt left out or out of place. but imagine what could be gained if suddenly 50, 60, or 100 18-to-30-year-olds showed up for a gathering, and had such a good time that naturist gatherings became a "must" for any younger person interested in nude recreation? Imagine these meetings being infused with new life, stemming from new ideas and people with the time, energy and youth to see them through.
The Need for Promotion
It's difficult to know how to appeal to people whose only idea of social nudism may be a titillating stereotype of people "prancing" and "cavorting" and having wild sex orgies around the "nudist colony." What's more, if organized naturism is kept secret, it will not be an option for a younger person. To this end, advertising and promotion of the ideals and benefits of naturism, including a clear message that it is a nonsexual thing, are essential.
It's probably too idealistic at this point to hope for naturist information to be posted on billboards or naturist commercials to be shown on prime time TV. But the younger crowd needs to know that they don't have to wait 25 years for an event like Woodstock to get naked among friends. There are ways of getting the word out without ruffling too many feathers.
In dealing with a younger audience, the term nude recreation may be more suitable than naturism. A small point, but one of powerful significance. Naturism, to the uninitiated, may imply (correctly or incorrectly) an alternate lifestyle--one that is, again, tied to that stereotype of the nudist colony. Most Gen-Xers aren't looking for a change in lifestyle; they just want to cut loose a bit when they have some free time.
A Question of Image
Naturism needs an updated image to appeal to a younger audience. Most readers have probably seen the standard naturist promotional video, featuring lots of families, children playing, and older couples hanging around on the beach. Which of these aspects is going to appeal to a 21-year-old college student, a 25-year-old graduate student, or a young engaged couple? Probably none.
So why not create a naturist promo video specifically tailored to this age group? If people see others their age enjoying themselves sans clothing, they might not feel like they are alone in their enjoyment of being nude. Just letting young people know that this is a valid recreation option may generate interest where there was none before.
With the smattering of student naturist groups, the clientele at some West Coast beaches (especially the ones near colleges), the goings on at Woodstock '94, and the strong European Gen-X support, there is more than enough material for a full-length video targeting the 18-30 year old naturist. So, naturist video producers, there's a challenge for you. Break some new ground. How about a promo video that actually contributes to the growth of nude recreation?
But having a hip, cutting edge Gen-X naturist video must be coupled with a strong, effective marketing scheme. Selling such a video through naturist magazines and mail order catalogs or at a naturist store may make a little money, but will defeat the real purpose of the video--attracting the 18-30-year-old people you'd like see become involved in naturism. To start with, the video could be offered to student naturist groups, who will show it in venues where it's more likely to reach the right audience.
But even before we get that far, first and foremost the video has to be affordable. Some universities sponsor environmental expos during the school year. A booth or exhibit at such a show might be the perfect way to introduce naturism--at least achieving visibility and credibility if nothing else. Simply presenting naturism in a positive light would go a long way toward not only driving away incorrect rumors up front. Other exhibits during the year could focus on the importance of nude recreation to body acceptance (during a health and fitness week, for example), or the role of social nudity as a freedom of expression right (during a civil rights demonstration).
One Final Note
If there truly is a desire to increase the involvement and membership of the 18-30 age group, the national naturist and nudist organizations must start by letting their members and affiliated organizations know this is a national concern that must be kept on the agenda. Sad as it may sound, the very future of naturism depends on having a solid base of young, energetic supporters to carry the momentum of the older generation they will eventually replace.
These ideas are not exhaustive, there are many possibilities to explore, and if we younger naturists put our heads together, we could come up with quite a few. The foundation is already being laid, but a real push needs to be implemented, coordinated, and supported to make this effort successful.
"By Younger Naturists (18-30 age group) crowd known to the media as "Generation X." Most established naturists go out of their way to be accommodating to the younger set. But often people in their twenties are not accustomed to socializing with people old enough to be their parents. "
ReplyDeleteThis is brought on by the media concentrating on the youth market and younger people in western societies not respecting elders as people in Asia or primitive societies do.
Who do you think came up with "GenerationX" the media, as a way to segment society. Society doesn't need segmenting, it needs to be one society, with all ages combined working together and respecting each other.
Actually, I disagree a lot with what Bruce says but with respect of course. It is Gen Y, not X. And my experiences are the opposite. American clubs do not have a INF NGB who will act like one. Older "nudists' often tolerate but do not go out of their way to encourage that 13-20 crowd. They do not have programs for them. Some do, sure! But many do not. Sunsport in S. Florida is a huge exception.
ReplyDeleteYouth does sell and yes, its marketing and even though many so called Naturists do not know the meaning of the beginning of the philosophy, they ignore that fact of marketing. Europe? Totally opposite.
-Danee
I agree and not here. I consider Gen Y (or X) as just the 'next generation' After all that is what it really is; a new generation.
ReplyDeleteAustralia is in the same boat as the movement generally in decline but my outlook is following the same line. There is nothing to attract the next generation to the movement. There in lies the issue. I also take the view (right or wrong) that the new generations are more individual that that of my '63 Gen. In part you could draw conclusions to social media and the ilk. People today are connected yet disconnected from a 'community'. We (and I fiod myself doing it) - sending a txt or dropping an email rather than just catching up for a gathering or coffee or a lunch etc. You don't need to be nude to be a naturist/nudist.
I attend my local locations generally on my own based on my available times and commitments. I have spent hours and days on a location and not seen a sole. Other times I have seen others - but no communication or meetings take place. There is the obligatory wave to acknowledge each other and that's the end of it. So where is the community?
We can discuss reasons and suggest many things but it has all been done before to attract the younger generation. At the end of the day it is up to them to decide and arrange themselves; not for the older gens to do. Naturism or as i prefer nudists is a growth stage in my eye. As a child i was focused on trying to fit in with the crowd as a Teen trying to find my own feet and personal space. Mid twenties trying to manage growth/Career/ and between 30 - 40 family and work life balance.
I have always been ( although hidden in my youth) a nudist - I hated conformity and enjoyed the opportunities to be free. It wasn't till my mid 40s that i reached a time to say to hell with it I am who I am and became a social nudist and wear that badge with my individualism. Naturism isn't declining but organizations are. The next Gen dont want to be organized they just want the freedoms of expression. Us older naturists can only maintain the lifestyle for them should they decide to follow it.
We need to accept them just as they are not try to make them conform to what we think they should do. Naturism is touted as accepting; we should practice what we preach!
- Gary
as a young boy I remember spending hot summer summer days out in the back yard naked. the girls nextdoor and a few of the girls from around the neigborhood would spy on me. that Might be why I am into the CFNM thing
ReplyDeleteI have a plesurable memory as a young boy. I enjoyed going naked in my back yard. one day a few of the older girls in my neigborhood asked me over to one of the girls home who had a pool. the girls had me take off all my clothes, that I enjoyed doing for them. the girls set up kind of a doctor's examing room on the patio. the imeditly went to work getting me out of my clothes. they went to work on getting me out of my clothes. while the girl were examining me I asked the girls I asked the girls why they were not taking off their clothes off too. this was during the later 1950s early 1960s sexul attitudes. the grils were appaled to the idea of taking their cloth off in front 0f me. for they were good girls and good girl would never think of doing such a thing. they laught at my idea. my mother says the good girls should never take off their cloths off in frunt of boys. it was just improper for a girl to undress in frount of any male. it might be okay to undress for a male doctor, but even that was questonable. then she whent of to say that her mother took her to be examined by a women doctor, that was only proper. good girls just do not undress for and male. unless it was her husben but a woman should keep her self fully covered. she should naver walk around the house naked. she said that it was okay for her father walked through the house naked. 1950s sexual attitudes.
ReplyDelete