NUDISM

It has been customary for all, except for the occasional
infant, to have their genital area and buttocks covered
when in public. Females over a few years of age are
normally expected to also wear coverings over their
nipples. Decades ago, men were required to wear tops,
even at the beach. Recently, thong bathing suits, which
expose almost the entire buttock area, have changed
our concept of acceptable clothing in many areas of
North America. Some jurisdictions allow women to go
topless.
Naturists believe that if weather, location and laws
permit, activities such as sports, swimming, hiking and
relaxing in a social environment can be enjoyed without
the necessity of wearing clothing. " Naturism is not the
exploitation of nakedness, exhibitionism, a religion, or a
cult...Naturists accept and admire the beauty of the
human body as it is, regardless of age, gender or form."
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Some people oppose social nudity (also called nudism
and naturism) and would like to criminalize it even if it
is confined to private naturist resorts. Some feel that
nudity, when practiced within a family, is a form of child
sexual abuse. Many people feel awkward when a
woman breast-feeds her infant in public. Topless
women can be arrested in most of North America, even
though the practice is generally accepted on European
beaches.