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blkbutterfly
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Posted - 11/03/2009 : 1:09:36 PM
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Hi Everyone:
This looks like an older thread but I just wanted to jump in here to agree with one of the previous posts ... as an African American woman, I have to say that my husband and I are almost always the only blacks at most resorts. There may be one or two others but if there are, we are usually the ONLY ones that are completely nude. The women may go topless but that's about it and even that is a stretch. I'm not sure why and I don't attempt to speak for the masses of our race because we are not homogenous at all. I can only guess that most of the African Americans that WE KNOW would see it as a "sexual experience" that would be sacreligeous in some way. And for that reason we basically keep it to ourselves.
We "discovered" naturism earlier this year and love it. While it is initially a little off-setting to be the only blacks in the crowd we both agree that we've never experienced any kind of insult or injury. Let me be clear: we are not the kind of black people who "act white" or anything of the sort. We dance like we always dance, we talk as we always talk. We don't put on any "airs" to fit in with anyone. We go with the intent to have a damn good time and we do. We are always approached kindly, never been hit on, and people always ask "When are you coming back ??" Yes, the white men stare at me from time to time but almost always tell my husband, "You have a beautiful wife." What could be better than that???
In any case, it's a wonderful way to live and I do hope to meet some folks who look like me eventually, but what is better than that is meeting people who think like me -- and that is, that life's too short to be bogged down with clothes.
Cheers,
BlkButterfly
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blackrebel
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 Posted - 11/03/2009 : 2:35:22 PM
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Welcome Butterfly. I share the same feelings. We both know that black folks are not exposed to nudity except for when we 'bout to git nasty, and that is a shame. I have only seen a couple of people feel uneasy, but overall people are nice and cordial and willing to talk. I think that since this is a common bond, and nudists appreciate other nudists, we tend to let go or some 'isms.
I have to restart up Naturists of Color for the purpose of education, and recruitment of other black, asian and hispanics to the lifestyle.
I have suggested that blacks are more reluctant when they see most PR of nudism is of white, skinny model types who are tanning. That does not help the recruitment of non-whites into nudism.
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Nudony
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Posted - 11/03/2009 : 7:24:58 PM
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BlkButterfly, all I can say is that I wish you and my ex would have met back in the day!
For the 4-5 years that we were active resort/social nudists (we were home-nudists to begin with), we were ALWAYS the only nude african-american family at the resort or social get-together - just like you and your husband. My wife had to deal with the double issue of being plus-sized, and the only african-american female around. There was always the occasional single black male; but never another black female - much less nude. But thanks to some nudist friends - and strangers, she was able to overcome her anxieties, accept and be comfortable with the the fact that she was going to be the only nude black female - and be actively social (she's even played host a few times). Our daughter, on the other hand, never had an issue being the only nude african-american child at the resort; as a matter of fact, I think her experiences in nudism contributed a lot to the fact that she easily socializes with members of all races.
But where my wife differed from you is that the attention she received, albeit always positive, used to set her aback a little. I think people actually admired the fact that there was a black woman, nude, friendly and easily approachable; and she was often the only one they had ever met. She sort of debunked racial stereotypes of black women they may have had, particularily about black women and our cultural aversion to nudity; so people naturally wanted to get to know her. It was never salacious - even when people commented on her physique or skin tone; just friendly curiosity. But in time it started to take its toll: sometimes she just wanted to chill out and not have twenty conversations with twenty people, and get invited to ten dinner-parties in a single afternoon. She came to refer to herself as the "token nudist black woman"; and one day just declared that she'd rather be nude in the privacy of our own home. Had she befriended another nudist african-american nudist such as yourself, I think it may have alleviated some of that "tokenship" she was feeling.
So yes, so yes BlkButterfly, you will sometimes feel like you're the center of attention. Just go with it, as long as it's positive attention. We need more nudist african-american females.
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Edited by - Nudony on 11/03/2009 7:26:04 PM |
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blkbutterfly
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Posted - 11/05/2009 : 10:34:12 AM
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@ BlackRebel: a Naturists of Color forum that provides just what you mention - education about the lifestyle - would be right on time. Because that's precisely what it is - a lifestyle. I recall a recent media frenzy on the numbers of African American men flocking to Brazil. Somehow it had "gotten out" that Brazil is a hotspot for nudist beaches (as if this is 'news' right ??) and African American men where all over it. One popular magazine did a four page spread on the "joy" that the men where experiencing as they "discovered" this lifestyle.
Well, I had to laugh because running off to Brazil to have wild and wanton sex is not a lifestyle. It's just sex. Largely irresponsible sex had by folks who are old enough to know better. What I'd love to see is some real education about the naturist lifestyle and how it converges with one's deeper sense of spirituality and oneness with creation (in most cases).
I'd love to support your endeavor. Please keep us posted if you do restart it!
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blkbutterfly
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Posted - 11/05/2009 : 10:48:34 AM
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Nudony:
I first have to say, I really like that Avatar! Are you a student of the dharma?
Next: yes, I can truly understand where your ex-wife is/was coming from. You do have that feeling from time to time and wonder if people have that "island exotic" thing going on in their minds (I wear my hair in long locs). Sometimes I'm drawn to just putting on a little wrap just because for some of these folks it is their first visual experience of a woman of color in a non-pornographic setting. I can also relate to that ongoing, continuous conversation .... while I'm sociable and love a good laugh just as much as the next person, I also go to these places to relax, turn my mind off, read a good book, or just bask in the sun. I don't like repeating over and over and over where I'm from, how I found the place, or heaven-forbid, what kind of work I do.
All of that said, it's understandable but such a shame that she ultimately pulled all the way back. I'm sure we'd have made good company for one another. I'm just curious, what was your feeling as an African American male from the women?
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Bill Bowser
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Posted - 11/05/2009 : 12:50:32 PM
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This is a subject that I have thought about for some time. Nude venues indeed seem to be quite segregated. Since I'm an ol' white guy, I can't view the situation from the perspective of someone of another race, but I believe I can explain why people of color are treated as they are at nude clubs.
An overwhelming majority of white people are neither racists nor bigots. When we encounter someone of a different race or cultural background participating in an activity with us where they are vastly outnumbered we do what we can to make them feel welcome and comfortable there. Some visitors undoubtedly enjoy the interaction; others might prefer to be left alone. How is one to know? I believe communication is the answer. At my club I greet visitors without regard to their ethnicity. If they act like they want to engage in a conversation that's great; if not that's fine too. When at other clubs I appreciate when members there say hi to me.
Nude recreation needs many more participants. If our numbers were larger we would surely be more widely accepted by society. We need to reach out to all who might be interested in enjoying our lifestyle.
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Nudony
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Posted - 11/05/2009 : 5:56:06 PM
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quote:
I first have to say, I really like that Avatar! Are you a student of the dharma?
Yes indeed! Soto Zen mostly.
quote:
I'm just curious, what was your feeling as an African American male from the women?
I can't think of an occasion where being a nudist african-american male somehow differentiated me from other males at the resort. And I've rarely been the only black male at the resort (typically one or two single black males were also in attendance - who also received little attention). So for me, I would have to say that I've always felt "blended-in", so to speak.
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balataf
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Posted - 11/06/2009 : 01:45:09 AM
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The Philadelphia Nudes (Phgi Nu) hass had black males attend at house parties and swims several years ago, but not any couples that I had seen. I have been trying to keep the organization alive.
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blkbutterfly
New Member
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Posted - 11/06/2009 : 3:20:55 PM
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quote:
Originally posted by BareBill
Some visitors undoubtedly enjoy the interaction; others might prefer to be left alone. How is one to know? I believe communication is the answer. At my club I greet visitors without regard to their ethnicity. If they act like they want to engage in a conversation that's great; if not that's fine too. When at other clubs I appreciate when members there say hi to me.
BareBill: That's the key! ... just as we would be inclined to do in any other setting. After a casual and polite greeting, I leave people alone until they make it clear that they'd like to engage in a conversation and even then I like to keep it light ... no politics, no religion. And I'm not offended at all if I lay next to someone at the pool all day long without them ever saying a word to me. I figure most are there primarily for relaxation.
Cheers!
BlkButterfly
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blkbutterfly
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Posted - 11/06/2009 : 3:26:03 PM
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quote:
I can't think of an occasion where being a nudist african-american male somehow differentiated me from other males at the resort. And I've rarely been the only black male at the resort (typically one or two single black males were also in attendance - who also received little attention). So for me, I would have to say that I've always felt "blended-in", so to speak.
That's really good to know. Just too bad that your ex- didn't have the same feeling. My husband always gets yanked into the water volleyball games ... which really is a great ice-breaker.
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blackrebel
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Posted - 11/06/2009 : 3:49:19 PM
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quote:
Originally posted by blkbutterfly
That's really good to know. Just too bad that your ex- didn't have the same feeling. My husband always gets yanked into the water volleyball games ... which really is a great ice-breaker.
LOL that is because THEY think that WE (black folks) are better in sports. <insert knee slap emoticon>
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Bill Bowser
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Posted - 11/06/2009 : 5:00:02 PM
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The world would be a better place if everyone was treated with courtesy and respect. Aside from individual differences most people just want to be treated like everyone else. Being in a very small minority can make one feel uncomfortable. On a few occasions I was the sole white person in a group of black people. I didn't feel threatened at all, but it was a little bit unnerving. I imagine that it is similar for a black person or couple when they arrive at nude club where only white people are present.
This discussion points up the need for more dialog among us. I'm glad you're here blkbutterfly.
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blackrebel
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Posted - 11/07/2009 : 09:48:36 AM
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quote:
Originally posted by BareBill
... On a few occasions I was the sole white person in a group of black people. I didn't feel threatened at all, but it was a little bit unnerving. I imagine that it is similar for a black person or couple when they arrive at nude club where only white people are present.
LOL Welcome to our world, Bill. Sorta like when I was the only black face in a country bar, yet, knowing every tune and able to request traditional country songs that the band didnt even know.
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Naked_Knight
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Posted - 01/16/2010 : 3:03:30 PM
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hey, guys, since my last post [back in July], I finally made my first visit to Haulover Beach and it was awesome. I sooo enjoyed it. I was so comfortable and just felt completely and utterly like it was the place where I belonged. None of the other cats who visited Miami with me wanted to go to the nude beach and hang out. I heard "I'M NOT REALLY A BEACH PERSON" to "NAW, I CANNOT GO NUDE IN PUBLIC LIKE THAT" but it was interesting that they were curious enough to come and check it out....and then they left. I stayed out there all day Saturday and Sunday. Honestly I did not want to leave.
Being one of the few blacks out there did not bother me - actually I tend to gel in any situation or group of people. I noticed people were very friendly, considerate of others space, it was just a really cool experience which I cannot wait to do again. I've mentioned my visit to friends one of which, a super conservative dude, who said it sounded STRANGE. Not sure how he views it as strange as its nothing new and surely a whole beach full of naked folks cannot be considered strange...but folks can think what they will about it.
I LOVE IT AND CANNOT WAIT TO GET BACK THERE! PLUS, I just always loved the beach, the ocean, the sun, all of that just feels so very therapeutic to me.
if you like being naked, YOU ROCK!!!!!!!!
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blackrebel
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Posted - 01/16/2010 : 6:16:40 PM
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quote:
Originally posted by Naked_Knight
... I've mentioned my visit to friends one of which, a super conservative dude, who said it sounded STRANGE. ...
Nudists are (by most polls) conservative people. LOL So, as a Black person AND conservative, I am conflicted since I am not supposed to fit in? I dont think so!!
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