Not wearing clothes

[sobrique]

Whilst I was in the changing rooms the other day, I was pondering something.
Why do we have a nudity taboo?
On the way into the changing rooms where I go to the gym, there's kind of some double doors, that are supposed, I assume, to work sort of airlock fashion to stop any accidental leaked of nudity.

But which side are they intended to protect? Those inside, from people accidentally observing their dangly bits? Or those outside, from being subjected to either horror, or lustful thoughts. Obviously there's some kind of gender filter there, as (at least on the mens side) there's a communual shower.

And why is it something we've got quite so ingrained? I'm fairly sure that almost anyone, if they were to walk around city centre naked would elicit complaints. I mean, aside from the usual fears of getting your todger caught in a sliding door or something. And of course, being a bit cold at this time of year.

I'm aware that there's nudist camps and beaches, but that always struck me as ... well yet another alternative lifestyle. Ya'know, like getting dressed up for LARPing, or just doing the 'chav sportswear' thing.

Is 'clothing' a defensive measure? Psychologically I mean. I'm aware that in some interrogation centres, clothes are denied because they reduce your emotional security. Could it be that subconciously we associate clothes with protection against climate and injury, and we extend this to our psychology?

Comments

[the-wood-gnome.livejournal.com]

I'm sure that if you can only get done for indecency if someone actually complains.

[sobrique.livejournal.com]

That's fair enough I guess. But why is it illegal to be 'indecent'. Or otherwise something one might object to? (At least, any more than 'oh my god, what are you wearing')

[the-wood-gnome.livejournal.com]

see-> The Victorians.

[badriya.livejournal.com]

Hey! I looked at the saggy old baggy old cat with a view to using it as my lj icon too.

[the-wood-gnome.livejournal.com]

I recieved that as a 21st birthday present.

he's cool.


I really like the mice though

[badriya.livejournal.com]

I have the videos, and my kids watched it when tiny.

[jorune.livejournal.com]

It is a common courtesy that we extend to other people. That they should have to look in horror and disgust at other people. We can conceal imperfections behind a layer of clothing. As to your questions, possibly, probably, perhaps.