The negative and dare I say somewhat hysterical feedback Dawn Picken's article about beach nudity attracted deserves comment (Opinion, November 22).
First, nudity is not a breeding ground for rapists and sexual deviants. That is the domain of those who feed their minds with pornographic literature and certain rubbish that passes for entertainment on the internet, TV screens and in cinemas.
Research shows that children of nudist families will develop a much healthier regard for their own bodies and greater respect for decent social behaviour than others.
As some have observed, the sight of a collection of naked bodies is not always a pretty sight. But staring and voyeurism is bad etiquette that is not acceptable amongst nudists.
The sheer delight of baring one's body to warm sun and cool breezes and immersing it in cool waters when one cannot afford the luxury of a backyard pool is something that only those who have tried it will appreciate.
There is nothing erotic or indecent about it.
Barry Rugg
Ōhope
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