Online Harrassment of Female Nudists.
Although the article is somewhat dated, I believe that the content is still very applicable today.
As a follow-on from the article, I would like to raise something for discussion - is this the main reason why females within Hauraki Naturally do not comment and / or post within our group ( both here in the secure space of the website, and also in the closed Facebook page ) ?
It would be truly wonderful to read comments from females in respect to this matter.
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I feel that a great deal of this behaviour is born out of a lack of respect. Not necessarily just a lack of respect for the person being victimised. Sadly a severe lack of respect within the perpetrator themselves.
If you look at this from the perspective of somebody who’s never been shown any respect, how do you think they’re going to react and interact with others?
All they know and have known are put downs, insults and bravado.
When I see the toughest looking guys, strutting with that jailhouse swagger, covered in skull tattoos, looking like they’d just as soon smack you around the head as not. What I see is a terrified little kid who’s only ever known violent abuse and disrespect. Acting tough as a defensive deterrent.
If somebody is weak or feels inferior and wants to feel tough, the fastest easiest way to do that is to put down others. Even their self talk will be derogatory towards themselves, let alone others.
When you’ve found peace and harmony within yourself, you almost immediately have respect for other people, even if you don’t necessarily align with them.
As for unsolicited friend requests and other advances, that seems to be determinant on the community standards. There’s been some “nudist” sites I’ve been on over the years where the focus is primarily on nudity. To the extent that a big part of the focus is on naked pictures, not so much conversation and exchanging thoughts and ideas.
On such sites two trends seem common. First is all the judgemental commentary and compliments. It’s all quite voyeuristic and exhibitionist in nature. More about the individual’s nudity than the environment or an activity.
A second common trend is being hit on whether you’re male or female.
I no longer give such sites the benefit of the doubt.
As to the disrespect females experience that’s a bigger social issue still being perpetuated by fashion, advertising and the media. The ongoing narrative that women are fragile objects of beauty to be adored, prized and sought after.
Maybe a few more decades of gender equality will help change that narrative to mutual respect.
Until then we can all think about our own efforts to respect other people, not to mention ourselves.