Conservative Americans are loathe to embrace social nudity in part because it is tainted with a less than wholesome image, from club lingerie shows, to hedonistic getaways in Jamaica, to nudists who sometimes do not understand the undercurrents evident in the nudist movement.  Some of these undercurrents cut against the natural tendency for teenagers to want to socialize together while naked.  These negative facets of nudism encourage more shame in this sensitive age group.  One of these facets is the bare fact that most people at nudist sites did not grow up in an environment characterized by lack of body shame. 

Despite their presence at nudist sites, naked people still carry a fair amount of shame, and with that, a strong hunger to experience a truly meaningful nudist experience.  For most Americans, this entails being in the presence of naked people for whom society has placed upon a pedestal.  Allow me to give an example.  At the local nudist beach in Portland, Oregon, there is a mile of the best sandy beach anywhere.  It is very accessible for young and old, small and large.  Parking and toilets are not a problem.  Nevertheless families are woefully underrepresented, almost to the point of extinction most of the time.  So when a person, usually a young woman or teenager, is preparing to remove her clothing, all eyes nearby turn to her.

The other day I was relaxing in my beach chair looking out toward the Columbia River, when a gal behind and to the side of me apparently began undressing.  An older fellow walking in front of me along the beach took notice of her and immediately turned into the water and stopped just so he could have a good long look.  Shame caused this man to act in a way that he would not normally have acted, because it still lingers in his life.  This happens almost constantly at this beach.  Teenagers can often be found in bathing suits next to their parents who are nude, no doubt because of scenes like this.

Shame is a terrible thing.  When nudism degrades to an ogle fest then for me it is time to move on.   I don't want to expose my family to the prying eyes that will very subtly but certainly impress upon my preteen children that there is something shameful about their nakedness, so much that it would attract the unwanted attention of some old fat guy.

Americans need to learn about the freedom from shame that exists in nakedness, and it is my hope that Shame breakers will be a powerful tool to this end.  Until then, we will have to work to lessen the negative impact that nudism has played in shame.
- A friend in OR
 

Dear Shame Breakers Editor(s): 

Thanks for a wonderful site.  It's a refreshing change from the ordinary.
- Randy & Jeannie
 

Hey David,

I found your site through a member site of the Naturist's Web-Ring, and I read some of the articles you have posted and I agree 100%, especially about Children & Body Shame!  If there is a way that I may volunteer to advance the causes you appear to support, please let me know!

Thanks for doing what you do!
- Tyler Reynolds

Note:  Tyler is indeed volunteering by helping to edit the site an effort that is greatly appreciated!
 

I have enjoyed reading all the fine articles on your site. You have so well articulated and defined what naturism should be!

In God's grace...naturally,
- Bob C.
 

Congratulations on a great web site. Members of our family are expecting a baby at any moment now. As soon as the dust settles from that grand event, I'm going to suggest that they visit the site and read particularly the family articles.
- G. S.
 

Your thoughts and information have been of great value to me.  I'm a youth pastor, and periodically I have the youth write down whatever questions they want, and I try to answer them from a Biblical perspective.  When a couple kids asked about nudism, I didn't know what to say.  When the Bible doesn't prohibit something, I'm careful not to speak out against it too quickly.   God's standards are enough.  We don't need to add our own, especially if they are contrary to God's. 

The information on your site served to give me a much clearer picture of nudism from a Godly perspective.  I could tell you spent much time, prayer and research in putting it together.  I'm optimistic that it will cause more conservative Christians to re-think their traditional views regarding social nudity, and may help deliver some from the downward spiral of lust and pornography. 

God bless you and your efforts, 
- Pastor John 
 

I don't think theres nothing wrong with going nude.  I wished there was a place here in west Virginia.  The body is a gift from god an theres no shame in the beautiful works of gods creations.
- Sandy
 

Wishing you success on a very good and informative site.   I saved your site to several floppies that I'll pass along to others.
- Marty
NUDRUS FAMILY NATURIST CLUB
 

I have checked out several pages at your new "Shame breakers" site and must say well done. Good information and real photos that give a true picture of what naturism is about. There are a few sites that I use to introduce friends to naturism. This will be added to that list.
- A Friend
 

Congratulations on your new web site. Well done! It's a combination of good visual presentation and good content.  Thanks for making this available.
- George S.
 

I just got to your site from the INA. Congratulations on fine work.  Really informative and helpful.

- Paul Rapoport
President, Topfree Equal Rights Association