Platypusworld

Nudists have been working to close the gender gap for a long time.  We have no delusions that we will "fix" the issue here in a single post... or even a few posts.  Nevertheless, we have a few ideas.  We welcome any ideas that you have, too. First, let's learn what we can from other cultures where the gender gap is already closer.  What does France know about going topless that causes more of their ladies to be "dressed" like their male counterparts on the beach (i.e. with bottoms only)?  Why is it that Scandinavians---men and women alike---seem comfortable?  We think it has a lot to do with how the populace is raised.  But studying other cultures is a good start. Second, we think we must start depicting nudism in ways that women find less threatening.  For those sites that use pictures, do not be afraid to show those with wrinkles, a few pounds to lose, or whatever else conveys that you do NOT need a perfect body to enjoy being naked.  The P...

An interesting editorial appeared in today's edition of a  Dakota based student newspaper. In  Sleep Naked Says Dakota U  you'll find similarities to posts on that subject here at the Bare Platypus. (See e.g.  Sleeping Naked Platypus Advice  ) but there are some differences too.  For one thing,  the "beditorial" points out that, in the Dakotas they're usually bundled up in more than two layers of clothes,  which makes stripping down to bed in the buff all the more enjoyable. Roomate jitters are also discussed. To read another Platypus post or two on this subject consider  Sleeping Naked is Normal  or  1 in 3 Brits Sleep Naked  . ____________________ Bare Platypus now offers products with Platypus artwork at the Bare Platypus Souvenir Shop  .  You can get a tote bag or a coffee mug, a t-shirt, or all three!  Plus there's more to come. These designs are one-of-a-kinds that you won't find elsewhe...

Continuing with yesterday's post, here are some more theories about why it may be easier to get a guy to try nudity: 9. They're just born / wired to like nudity.  This reason seems oh so simplistic and yet it  may prove to be among the most accurate; 10. With much of their "nether plumbing" on the outside, men experience the enjoyment of, say, the water while skinny dipping; 11. Guys like to be out in nature either camping or playing sports, which complements activities at nudist clubs; 12. A sense of adventure? 13. Less sensitivity to the cold/hot changes of weather? 14. A role model... Dad, older brother,  even Tarzan who was cool about nudity. 15. Military enlistment leading to world travel and exposure to cultures where nudity is accepted. Any other ideas, readers? __________________________ Bare Platypus now offers products with Platypus artwork at the Bare Platypus Souvenir Shop  .  You can get a tote bag or a coffee mug, a t-shirt, or all t...

In our last Platypus post, we introduced the topic for the next few days: the difference between males and females when it comes to getting nude.  We started with the observation that boys and men seem more willing to give it a try... and that they're found in greater numbers on nude beaches and in nudist clubs than women and girls. Today, we ask, "Why is that?"  Let's offer some explanations now and maybe some more tomorrow: 1. One answer (though less true today):  Many males were raised with "exposure" to communal nudity in the locker room, group showers at school and camp, and even skinny-dipping; 2. Males are raised being less conscious of body image.  They are not expected to have perfect figures as females are made to feel. (this is less true today than in the past as well) ; 3. Men can "laugh it off" when their bodies experience "natural functions" ranging from flatulence to taking a leak against a tree while camping; 4.  Males may...

Women. Girls. Men. Boys.  There are two genders in this world.  Obviously, those two different sexes have different body parts.  That's no more obvious than in a nudist setting.  But there's another obvious difference: absent "artificial controls" there are usually many more males than females who participate, or want to participate initially. Over the next week or so, the Bare Platypus intends to post a series of blog entries addressing this subject.  We'll begin with describing the situations we've witnessed after visiting nudist clubs and beaches for nearly 25 years and working in the nudist business.  Next, we'll offer some theories---actually, explore as many as we can think of or have heard about---for why this is so.  We'll close by considering how this could change.  Along the way, if a related topic or two comes to mind, we may add that.  Your comments, as always, are especially appreciated.  Plan to...

About ten years ago a bath tissue company in the United Kingdom ran an advertising campaign that was both tasteful and unabashed about showing peoples' naked posteriors - of all shapes and sizes.  Following a scrolling montage of them, the advertisements concluded, "Love your bum." You can still find the clever ad on You Tube by clicking Velvet: Love Your Bum on You Tube . Here at the Platypus, we couldn't agree more with their message.  Sometimes our backsides need some TLC too!  Treat yourself to a nice bath.  Then, either wander outside to your private sunning area or go to a sunlit window if you don't have a private area outside or if it is too cold. If no window is available, lay a sheet across a heating pad or massage unit to give your glutes a treat . Lay down and let the warm rays caress your skin.  (It's better outside, with a nice breeze... believe us!) Stretching out helps... we spend a lot of time in chairs, which is tough on lower ba...

There is a story on an NBC based website this week entitled  Getting to the bottom of Germany's love of nudity. The article is an interesting read.  And we must admit: There's something different about Germans when it comes to being nakey.  For example, many, many leaders of the Internationa Naturist Federation always seemed to be Germans as the Platypus worked in the industry.  For another, and as the article points out, clothed and naked German bathers seem to get along fine together on the beach. And Germans seem to be among the best at accepting nudity among all ages. We don't know why all of the above good things are so prevalent but we'll offer some theories.  Maybe Germans ditch clothes because other aspects of life such as work and finances seem to be so regimented.   Or maybe it's the effect of two major wars that cause them to sigh and accept they need to get along with others... a choose yer battles kind of thing. Maybe Germans are more proud of ...

Platypus note:  We join the many who were grieved this week to learn about the tragic shooting deaths at the navy shipyard near our nation's capitol.  Somehow the repost below seems appropriate.  We don't in any way intend to weigh in on gun debates or to lessen the tragic loss by asking the "what if" questions therein... Wednesday, January 23, 2013 Random Acts of Nakedness One of the things that struck Bare Platypus upon hearing the news of the tragic shooting of schoolchildren in Connecticut last month was the name of their elementary school. Sandy Hook also happens to be the name of a famous nude beach in New Jersey on the Gateway National Seashore.  Forever, in the minds of many, the words "Sandy Hook" would now be associated with sorrow and memories of lives cut too short rather than a happy beach with people frolicking in their birthday suits. That got the Platypus thinking... What if, instead of mass calamity, the world became subject to r...

Two days ago we ran a post noting that the  Economy Will Change How We Get Bare  . In it we noted that people would increasingly get their naked time where they could get it making nudity at home a more important issue... Not to mention roomates. In short, if you can't take days off from work to get away from others to be able to be bare you need roomates who are okay with your nudism at home. Well, that and the fact it's nice to just live naked no matter who you are. Sure enough, yesterday a British publication found who one "shares a flat with" is more important than amenities for a lot of folks.   And finding a nudist roomate is a regular (albeit still on the list of 'unusual' ) search criteria for those seeking. Read  http://www.economicvoice.com/wanted-nudist-vegan-flatmates-with-banter/  . We'll have to add "seek out a nude friendly roomate" to our list of  Tips ( Advice ) for the young nudist  .  _________________________  Bare Platypu...

Today's news included a story about a college student at Louisiana State University who is recruiting others to form a nudist organization.  He seems to be off to a good start. Read  naked-truth-electrical-engineering-senior-attempts-to-start-nudist/article_62996712-1f2c-11e3-87f9-0019bb30f31a.html?mode=jqm  . We wish him well. According to a past Platypus Poll,  about 20% of nudists got started in university.  SEE  When did you first become a nudist? poll  .  __________________________ Bare Platypus now offers products with Platypus artwork at the Bare Platypus Souvenir Shop  .  You can get a tote bag or a coffee mug, a t-shirt, or all three!  Plus there's more to come. These designs are one-of-a-kinds that you won't find elsewhere.  Tasteful enough that you can show or serve them to all guests, but unusual enough (and always bare) that they can help you get a conversation going. You're invited to visit!

There have been many reports about the changing face of the US economy.  For example, of the number of jobs created in July 2013, a great number of them came from service sector positions in retail sales and restaurants.  Many were part-time, rather than full-time positions.  And many workers work either two jobs or even more if they are all part time. If you think this post is to be a political diatrribe for one party or the other think again. Our purpose  in discussing these statistics is to consider the effect that the changing workforce will have on the way social nudity is practised. IT used to be straightforward that people visited nudist clus on weekends.  But if many people are working two or three jobs, they may not have weekends, or even one whole day, free in their schedule. For them, they wll need to take naked time when and where they can get it.  The sojourn out to the nudist club on the outskirts of town for time with the family is just ...

Our puggle (son) is old enough to drive.  Yet he is still active in a certain well-known civic organization.  So it was that this Sunday afternoon following church my wife and I found ourselves at the civic group leader's community association swimming pool. We were there for swim tests as the group will be doing a river trip in a couple of weeks. Shortly after we arrived another member and his mom pulled up in their car. The mom got the boy's younger brother out of his car seat.  The group leader smiled at the younger kid and asked how old he was.  "Three.  But he'll be four in another few weeks," mom answered. Soon the leader had her charges rounded up at the water's edge. "Who wants to test first in the pool? " (It was a beautiful day.) "I do!" came a small voice and we all laughed seeing the near-four year old with his hand raised.  The leader explained that the young one could swim on the steps of the shallow end. That's when his m...

Okay, there's an article out about  How not to be a jerk on a nude beach  . The authoring lady used a different word for jerk but you get the idea. Anyway, there are some good tips to avoid being an unwelcome visitor. However, there are a few additional points we believe should be made. First,  the author uses that word "junk" to describe genitals.  We wish she didn't as noted in our post asking folks to stop calling your pen*s junk . Second, we would suggest that if you're at a nude beach you actually get nude. People understand that a first timer needs a little adjustment session.  But please realize that those who want to wear a suit have hundreds of beach choices. Nudists only have a few.  So recognize why folks are there and be part of it. The reader comments to the linked article point this out in one form or another. Third,  while the author counsels against open displays of too much affection, she could do to remind those, who sh...