The song by the group Cypress Hill comes to mind: Insane in the Membrane. With a laugh and facetious air, let me explain. As nudists we are generally misunderstood by the main stream world. Our lifestyle choice is always under scrutiny with those looking at us through a social, moral and ethical microscope. The brainwashed society, sadly, is still so engrained in the idea that a nude person MUST be up to no good. They must be perverts or stalkers, or sexual deviants with agendas that should nipped in the bud with police intervention. It is insane at the ignorance so many millions of people are eyeball deep, and content living in. I've never had my integrity, character or motives questioned when it comes to things of that nature. Oh, I've known excellent people in high places, highly educated, highly regarded in their field and in their community who have been accused of indiscretions, rape, molestation and what not. It sickens me.
The presumption of innocence is the principle that one is considered innocent unless proven guilty. It was traditionally expressed by the Latin maxim ei incumbit probatio qui dicit, non qui negat. In many states, presumption of innocence is a legal right of the accused in a criminal trial, and it is an international human right under the UN's Universal Declaration of Human Rights, Article 11. Under the presumption of innocence, the legal burden of proof is thus on the prosecution.
Without just cause or any proof of a crime, intent, or any evidence substantial or otherwise, there is no case and no cause for any legal issue. To that I think we can all agree. Recently, through a turn of events that got way out of hand, I, let's just say, had the inference placed upon me that I was out to cause harm to a couple of individuals. This came on the heels of. "you are a nudist!!" Conversations had taken place months earlier with a couple individuals, adults as it were, about coming to our local resort for a big event they were hosting. There was no indication of fear, alarm at all given. In fact the one individual even went to our local resort web page and clicked INTERESTED in attending.
Again, I am limiting myself in what I say at this juncture, but, other persons who have connections with these persons, got wind that I am a nudist and had had conversation with them and what not. Right away, with no seeking out the truth, or asking for an explanation, I am being told that obviously I am up to no good. Let's just put it that way. I'm sure you can read between the lines and see what was being said. Highly inappropriate things that would definitely be highly illegal, invasive and prosecutable If they were carried out. Of course my intention was as it always has been for the last 20+ yrs and that is to educate persons, offer support, and to help them in their battle with low self esteem, self harm, teasing and such that they have experienced, all related to their human bodies. When people have attempted suicide, been anorexic, cut themselves, tried drugs to stop the pain they are feeling because they are being told for years, You are ugly, You are not worthy, You don't look like so and so, that is serious business. I am not a professional counselor and I never have claimed to be. However, dozens of persons have sought me out in times of suicide, deep depression for help. I don't know why other than I am a good listener and encourager.
For far too many people in these situations, the writing is definitely on the wall, and it is not PLEASE HELP ME!, It is, in a matter of time, I am going to end my life, have a breakdown or just check out and run from everyone and everything. This breaks my heart. Many of these same people will not reach out to suicide prevention lines, or to professionals either from fear of what may be said or done, or because they are embarrassed or for other reasons. In coming to an everyday person, they feel much safer, like they won't have the police knocking at their door with a new white coat with buckles on it for them to don. As I said, my record is spotless, and my intent to help these persons have never been about anything other than positive and appropriate. Yet, here recently that was called into question, as "how dare you invite someone to a nudist place or event!" And you know the rest of their assumptions.
Okay, so why the title, Falling into Clothes? Fair question. One I have yet to fully understand myself. It just seemed to fit and let me tell you why. When one falls, what usually happens?
1. It is not planned
2. The fall usually results in being hurt in some way.
3. Things as well as people become damaged, not whole, in need of repair or treatment.
Fair to say? I think so as well. Not only has our society become so immersed in perpetuating a MUST need for clothing, This is still being done because the clothing industry, Hollywood, our media all make a fortune off of clothing.. The current styles, the showing just enough skin to arouse people and make them believe the narrative that if you wear this, you'll find love, great sex, have incredible appeal. That's all a load of crap. It's about the almighty dollar. For the religious sect, it is about an antiquated system of morality, but honestly, it is also a misunderstanding of the Bible they claim to believe. I've studied long and hard on the topic of nudity and the Bible. Amazing the resources that are out there in cyber space, not to mention within the pages of my own Bibles of different versions.. There are some exceptions in both camps who have either seen the light or at least will not automatically condemn someone because they are a nudist. Innocent until proven guilty. Hmm.
I pose these questions to you. Should we as nudists cower in fear of what some persons may say, or do or accuse of us? Should we just succumb to the status quo, even though we know it is a tainted, manipulated system? And should we as nudists don clothing, keep our lifestyles hush hush as taboo, for the sake of avoiding any conflict or issues? To all all these I say a resounding NO!
When we look at our world today, just here in the United States, every group has been granted acclaim, freedom, and protection except ours. Muslims, LGBT, transgender, Black Lives Matter, Me Too, all these groups have equal footing and legal right to believe what they do, openly display those beliefs and have the full support of the majority of citizens and our government. This may ruffle a few feathers but I'm going to say it. When a white police officer shoots a black man, 8 out of 10 times it is automatically declared to be racially motivated. In some cases that sadly has been the case. In a multitude of others though, it has not. I make this statement as a comparative observation.. We nudists are nearly always assumed to be up to no good, and to have ill intentions. Exposing ourselves, wanting to rape and molest. Again, those cases do happen but for the vast majority of us, that is the furthest thing from our minds.
Things for me have settled and all is well. I will express a couple of things to you however. Be aware, even if you have thought long and hard, seen indications someone is nude friendly and is game for an invite or a discussion about nudism, do exercise some caution. I have learned that first hand. Secondly, if you are put in a situation where something has been said or implied, don't run and hide. Don't say, I'm so sorry! We have nothing to be sorry for. It is a right given by God, a freedom that should be ours just like any other group out there. Stand your ground lovingly, explain yourself while educating those persons, IF you are given the opportunity. I was not given that opportunity but I know in heart of hearts the truth and in time the truth always comes out.
So, Falling into Clothes. For some that is their armor, their safe zone, or just because it's what everyone else does and always has done. Don't let that stop you or discourage you. Our voices, leading by example in wholesome, encouraging, patient ways, will make a difference. Keep your head up, your nose clean and go about enjoying your nudist journey. You have my full support and I know I have yours as well.
Be well, my friends!
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