Pros and Cons

While it is a national norm to see nudity as a sinful state, both sides provide thorough, persuasive arguments.

 

Pro: By many, nudity is seen as a pure and innocent state, much like that of Adam and Eve before their corruption due to the tree of knowledge. Nudists are not sex-crazed hedonists, but well-conducted citizens just as anyone else, simply with less clothing. They respect each others' privacy just as anyone else, but with different standards. Likewise, the physical state of nudity is but the condition of having an unconcealed body. To some, it provides release, relaxation, and self-esteem. Many find salvation in their bodies in a way that is so innocent that it negates the sexuality associated with the bare body. By accepting nudity, we allow ourselves to appreciate art without the foolish sexual facade we all too often mask it with. We can create and indulge in films with tasteful, matter-of-fact nudity. For example, if a person would hypothetically shower without clothes on, as many do, the film should depict them as such. We can learn to look each other in the eye with less focus on the body, which we would be well accustomed too. By those who accept nudity, there is a giant gap between nudity and pornography. Just because both feature the naked body as a medium doesn't mean they are parallel to each other. With a slight shift in perspective, American can continue to retain their sense of modesty while redefining its limits and judging it by intention rather than blatant content.

Con: Many people still feel uncomfortable when confronted by an image of the human body, be it in a famous mural or on a clothing-optional beach. We continue, as a whole, to develop and mature in other aspects of society, yet nudity seems to be at an impasse. If one sees pornography as obscene, where would they draw the line? Is the body of a child more or less obscene than that of an adult? If viewed by an individual with sexual intention or harsh negative judgment, couldn't a film containing nudity be viewed as pornography or profanity even though its original intention was nothing of the sort. In a way, nudity is already accepted to a very lenient degree and typical societal views are right where they should be. Naked protest are not rare, films can show as much nudity as they please (although subject to the wrath of the MPAA), art is seen as beautiful no matter how profane it truly is, and nudists can be nudists as long as they remain away from the public eye. Those who wish to accept nudity are already given that option. For them to ask for more is slightly demanding, seeing as many find their lifestyle and preference to be lewd. Once we accept nudity, where do we stop? Will we allow unclothed citizens to be side-by-side with more conservative individuals on a subway? Coexistence is most certainly not a viable option when public billboards begin to feature naked models and beaches are filled with nude sunbathers. Even in a non-sexual situation, nudity is most certainly accepted by a minority, and thus should not be brought into society to offend the common American.