There is a growing debate in nudist circles over whether wearing body piercing jewelry should be permitted by nudist clubs and resorts. Traditionally wearing piercing jewelry below the waist has been prohibited. While body piercing and adornment is nothing new and has been practiced since ancient times, the practice has gained popularity in recent times and has become something of a contentious issue among nudists.
The traditional nudist view
It has long been a policy of the American Association for Nude Recreation (AANR) that wearing certain body piercing jewelry is inconsistent with traditional nudist etiquette and therefore not acceptable. Since all Dallas area clubs and resorts are AANR affiliated, most enforce the AANR position.
Traditional nudism is intended to be wholesome, non-sexual and family friendly. Those who object to body piercing jewelry believe that anything that draws attention to the sexual body parts is not in keeping with traditional principles but instead opens nudism up to accusations that it is not only sexual in nature but also voyeuristic and exhibitionist based. Thus, to avoid such charges, the wearing of any body piercing jewelry below the waist has been prohibited at AANR affiliated clubs and resorts.
The counter view
A rising number of people who identify with nudist culture object to the prohibition against wearing body piercing jewelry, terming it as old-fashioned and judgmental. They maintain that wearing things like nipple rings and genital piercing adornments are a mainstream practice in modern culture and is no different than wearing pierced earrings.
Proponents of the counter view also believe that the prohibition against wearing body piercing jewelry serves as a barrier to younger generations becoming interested and involved in nudism. They warn that the prohibition will serve only to deter young adults from joining organized social nudity.
Both sides of the issue
It is easy to find points to agree with in both of the opposing views. The purpose of any type of jewelry is to accent and draw attention to the body part where it is worn. Thus, it is difficult to disagree with the traditional nudist view that allowing the wear of below the waist piercing jewelry does tend to sexualize nudity.
On the other hand, body modification is growing in popularity in modern society, especially among young adults. It is a fact that those who favor decorative body piercing find it inconvenient to have to remove jewelry items and removal does make it more difficult to maintain the piercing site. Understandably the prohibition could deter younger adults from the desire to become involved in organized nudism.
Comments
I would like to see the evidence that genital piercing is becoming mainstream. Not just that people know about it, but that it is commonplace among the population. Not that that alone is jusification for nudist resorts allowing it on their grounds. After all, just because something is commonplace (like clothing), doesn't mean it is appropriate at a nudist resort. It just seems to me that the people who choose to wear genital jewelry are often not the ones who agree with non-sexual nudity. Which is fine--let them do what they want, at their places. And let us nudists do what we do at our places. Not every naked activity has to be called nudism.
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