Are we "segregating" ourselves?
Return to DiscussionsHello,
Check the "who I would like to meet" in your profile, and answer why are nudist of color a special interest. I am happy to talk to anyone on the beach. I'd like to think we are all the same and maybe we have to take the extra step(s) to make it work.
The extra steps: 1. be sure to take the time to speak to many people that are not your race. 2. Offer a drink or some of your snack foods, it helps to break the ice.
So, if we're not "segregating" ourselves then where the heck are we?!?!?!?!
Nevermind the fact there's over 800 members in this group alone, plus a couple of similar groups on TN, but where else are we in cyberspace? Don't get me wrong, I like all types of people but get a little sick and tired of my Twitter, Tumblr and other social media feeds full of nothing but naked Caucasians.
I'm more than a little frustrated to see "nudism" seen as having almost no participation from not just African-Americans but also Asians and Latino. (And when we're included it's more as fetish "objects" than true nudists.) Are we in a catch-22 paradox of not getting openly involved in mainstream nudism because we don't see POC represented in mainstream nudism? Or are mainstream organizations naive enough to believe that just because they have one or two POC in brochures and social media that they've achieved "diversity" in their membership?
Is this group nothing more than just a convenient way of finding TN members who are also POC?
Humans have always congregated in like minded groups. So, while nudists congregating in groups separate from textiles could be viewed as "segregating" ourselves, if nudists of color aren't segregating ourselves from other nudists then what are we accomplishing?
It is my option that we are not segregating ourselves but seeking others that look like us. We like the feeling of being completely open, hiding nothing "naked" in front of others that are also completely open but also want to share the experience with those that have a shared cultural background, to know that you are not the only one...
I enjoy spending time with like-minded people (nudists) because it's comfortable and I don't have to continually explain myself. I don't know if "segregate" is the right word, but I think it's perfectly natural to gather with other people "like us," whatever that affinity is. (I know that skin color is a much stronger identity than just an affinity.) I also enjoy meeting people from different backgrounds and ethnicities so I try to step out of my comfort zone and put myself into other groups. I run a men's naked drawing group that has predominantly older Caucasian members, and I am striving to get younger members and more POC.