Protest and Counterculture
Different movements in history are known to have utilised nudity as a form of protest, especially those linked to counterculture. In order to know more about the implications this has for naturism, it is important to understand the messages that these movements were trying to transmit. Beginning with the counterculture that occurred in the United States (primarily) during the 1960’s, the consonance with naturism isn’t hard to find; ‘hippies’ were known for practicing and preaching peace as well as a nomadic lifestyle that would often result in groups congregating in natural environments¹⁵.
Another example of protests that are based on the appreciation of all things natural and self-respect would be the World Naked Bike Ride, which protests pollution and the impact it has on humans¹⁶. Likewise, feminist organizations all over the world have used nudity as a medium to protest, mostly to show how society is more outraged by things that should be normal like the human body than the systemic violent actions that oppress women every day. In effect, it’s an appropriation of a state that has been extremely sexualized – especially for women - to convey a message and to cause impact¹⁷.
Some would say that naturism should not be affected by politics as it is a lifestyle that anyone can adopt. However, just because it does not belong to a political ideology does not mean we cannot recognize the similarities between its ideals and those who attempt to bring change through protest. In fact, these actions have inspired modern principles of naturism, helping the movement evolve and advance in search of an ideal environment for everyone.
¹⁵Paloma Mora "Movimientos de contracultura: El movimiento hippie". Universitat Jaume I. Castellón, España 2018
¹⁶Laura Mary Lincoln "Public nudity and the right to freedom of expression: balancing competing interests" Victoria University of Wellington 2013.
