Category Archives: beliefs

beliefs, nudism, thoughts

Nudity & Society IV: Useful Links

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This is the last of four posts addressing nudity and society. The first three in the series will stand alone. These three articles are not fully referenced, hence this fourth and last article contains a selection of useful links supporting aspects of the first three articles. In addition a Google search on “nudity society body acceptance” (or similar) will find many additional articles (academic and otherwise) relevant to the whole series.

Read Article I. Read Article II. Read Article III.

The links below are presented without commentary, in order for readers to make their own judgement of the arguments presented (as is indeed true for the previous three articles). Some of the linked items present academic research; while many are opinion pieces which appear to be grounded in verifiable fact. However, as with all such opinion pieces, caveat emptor applies.

British Naturism, https://www.bn.org.uk

International Naturist Federation (INF), https://inf-fni.org

British Naturism Written Evidence to Parliament, 2020, https://committees.parliament.uk/writtenevidence/16087/pdf/

Why is Nudity Such a Big Deal?, https://kamilamurko.substack.com/p/why-is-nudity-such-a-big-deal

Why has nudity been a strong taboo in most societies for so long?, https://naturistplace.substack.com/p/why-has-nudity-been-a-strong-taboo

Benefits of social nudity: stress reduction, general health, https://naturistphilosopher.wordpress.com/2015/03/12/benefits-of-social-nudity-stress-reduction-general-health/

Beyond Hypocrisy and Fear, https://kamilamurko.substack.com/p/beyond-hypocrisy-and-fear

We Left Shame Behind… and We’re Not Going Back!, https://ournaturistlife.substack.com/p/we-left-shame-behind-and-were-not

The naked truth – research finds nudism makes us happier, https://www.gold.ac.uk/news/naked-and-unashamed/

I Feel Better Naked: Communal Naked Activity Increases Body Appreciation by Reducing Social Physique Anxiety, https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32500740/

On Nudity and Naturism, https://zenmischief.com/on-nudity-and-naturism/

Naked and Unashamed: Investigations and Applications of the Effects of Naturist Activities on Body Image, Self-Esteem, and Life Satisfaction, https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10902-017-9846-1

The Naked Truth About the Sauna, https://kamilamurko.substack.com/p/the-naked-truth-about-the-sauna

Hate Your Body? Public Nakedness Might Change That, https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/blog/all-about-sex/202211/hate-your-body-public-nakedness-might-change

How to Normalize Naturism in Modern Society, https://justnaturism.com/how-to-normalize-naturism-in-modern-society/

The Naked Truth: How Desexualizing Nudity Builds a More Civilized Society, https://medium.com/@LazySith/the-naked-truth-how-desexualizing-nudity-builds-a-more-civilized-society-31ac0c574b64

Naturism, Sex, and All the Messy Bits We’re Not Supposed to Say Out Loud, ttps://ournaturistlife.substack.com/p/naturism-sex-and-all-the-messy-bits

When “Nudity Equals Sex” Stops Working: What Sparks Desire Instead, https://ournaturistlife.substack.com/p/when-nudity-equals-sex-stops-working

How a Lack of Healthy Nudity Exacerbates Body Dysmorphia and the Hypersexulisation of Society, https://www.beaconssaministry.org/musings-of-a-queer-saint/lack-of-healthy-nudity-effects

Desire Isn’t a Committee Decision, https://kamilamurko.substack.com/p/desire-isnt-a-committee-decision

The Difference Between Skin and Performance, https://kamilamurko.substack.com/p/the-difference-between-skin-and-performance

Beyond Hypocrisy and Fear, https://kamilamurko.substack.com/p/beyond-hypocrisy-and-fear

A History of the Nude in 10 Works, https://www.sothebys.com/en/articles/a-history-of-the-nude-in-10-works

BN Children Deserve Better Report 2016, https://www.bn.org.uk/files/file/740-bn-children-deserve-better-report-2016/

Does nudity harm children?, https://www.planetnude.co/p/does-nudity-harm-children

Think of the children!: Relationships between nudity-related experiences in childhood, body image, self-esteem and adjustment, https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/chso.12743

Naturism and religion, https://naturistplace.substack.com/p/naturism-and-religion

Naturism needs YOU to fight groundless nudity taboos, https://naturistplace.substack.com/p/naturism-needs-you-to-fight-groundless

Nudity and Naturism Quotes, https://zenmischief.com/nudity-and-naturism-quotes/

beliefs, nudism, thoughts

Nudity & Society III: Normalising Nudity in Daily Life

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This is the third of four articles addressing nudity and society. Although a series, the first three will stand alone; the fourth article will be a selection of useful supporting links. Consequently there will be overlap of material between the articles. The articles are not fully referenced (hence Article IV), although a Google search on “nudity society body acceptance” (or similar) will find many articles (academic and otherwise) relevant to the whole series, starting perhaps with British Naturism’s 2020 Submission to Parliament.

Read Article I. Read Article II.

Have you ever felt discomfort when discussing nudity? So often shroud of shame descends, dictating how we view our bodies and those around us.

But in a world where we celebrate openness and authenticity in so many areas of life, why not strip away the stigma surrounding our most natural state?

So let’s look at how, and why, normalizing nudity fosters body positivity, enhances personal freedom, and ultimately leads to a more accepting society.

Nudity has long been wrapped in layers of taboo and societal norms, making it a controversial topic. For many, the mere mention of nudity conjures up overly sexualized images or simply uncomfortable ones.

But what if embracing our natural state could instead lead to greater acceptance and understanding?

The idea of normalizing nudity isn’t only about shedding clothes; it’s also shedding the insecurities. Acknowledging – even celebrating – nudity can foster a more open-minded society; a world where nudity is viewed through a lens of body positivity and mental well-being, rather than as something to be idolised or demonised.

nude athletes on a Greek vase

Throughout history, nudity has been perceived differently by different cultures. In Ancient Greece the nude was celebrated as a symbol of beauty and athleticism. Sculptures depicted the human form in its natural state, emphasizing ideals of strength and aesthetics.

Many indigenous cultures accept nudity as part of their daily lives, seeing it as harmony with nature, rather than something to be hidden or shamed.

By contrast, during the Victorian era, society imposed strict clothing norms, associating nudity with shame and immorality – a shift which marked a significant change in how bodies were viewed publicly and privately.

Nevertheless art movements like Impressionism highlighted the naked body without sexualizing it. Artists captured raw human experience through depictions of vulnerability and authenticity.

painting of two naked girls, back to viewer, preparing to bathe in a wooded stream

These varied perspectives show that attitudes toward nudity are not fixed but evolve over time and in different cultural contexts.

Embracing nudity can lead to a real sense of freedom. When we shed clothing, we also cast off society’s expectations, fostering self-acceptance and confidence in our bodies.

Psychologically, nudism encourages body positivity, and breaks down barriers created by unrealistic beauty standards. Nudists regularly report higher levels of happiness and reduced anxiety about their appearance.

Physically, spending time without clothes promotes skin health. Sunlight is beneficial when enjoyed responsibly, providing vitamin D while promoting an appreciation of one’s body. Air and sun help to reduce skin problems such as fungal infections.

Communal nude activities strengthen social connections. Such shared experiences create bonds beyond the superficial judgments which are so often tied to attire or fashion choices.

Many people have fears about nudity which are rooted in misconceptions. One common worry is that being naked equals being sexual, as I discussed in the second post. This belief creates unnecessary shame and discomfort around the human body, as well as promoting indecency or immorality. In reality, the vast majority of nudists embrace their lifestyle for its focus on freedom and self-acceptance – not for any inappropriate reasons.

It is often thought nudity leads to objectification; but the opposite is true. When practiced respectfully, nudity leads to an appreciation of bodies for their diversity rather than being judged.

Worries about vulnerability also surface. But again, embracing nudity empowers individuals to confront insecurities head-on, thus promoting confidence over fear.

Such misunderstandings fuel the taboos surrounding nudity. By addressing these fears we pave the way to healthier attitudes about bodies (ours and others).

Teaching children about body positivity is essential in nurturing their self-esteem. When kids learn to appreciate diverse bodies, they develop a healthier relationship with themselves and others. Research has shown many times that children are noticeably unfazed by nudity until adults teach them otherwise.

Conversations around nudity foster acceptance of all shapes and sizes. Normalizing different body types helps banish the harmful stereotypes that often lead to insecurities.

As an example, in Finland sauna is a way of life, a way of being: families come together; friendships deepen. Nudity isn’t optional; it’s required. Here children learn very early on that nudity isn’t shameful, but natural. People and bodies are respected; not sexualised or judged. It’s all a normal part of being human. Even our scars tell stories.

Encouraging open dialogue creates safe spaces for children to express how they feel about their bodies. This openness builds confidence and resilience against society’s pressures. Moreover, teaching kids the beauty of authenticity fosters kindness towards others. They learn that every body tells a story worth celebrating.

Integration of body-positive messages through books, art, and media is a powerful tool in shaping perceptions. With guidance, children can grow into adults who genuinely embrace diversity, rejecting narrow standards of beauty.

Although embracing nudity can be a liberating experience, it needs to be done with respect and mindfulness.

Start by creating a comfortable environment at home. Maybe designate certain spaces where you feel safe being nude, perhaps your bathroom or bedroom. Incorporate clothing-free practices into your routine: for example skin-friendly yoga in the privacy of your living room, allowing you to connect with your body without distractions.

Another option is joining naturist events or visiting nudist beaches which promote a respectful atmosphere. Such venues provide an opportunity to socialize while embracing nudity in a safe communal setting. Or join art projects that celebrate the human body; drawing or painting nudes helps normalize the beauty of bodies without sexual connotations. Art and nature, as well as everyday life, provide opportunities for nudity without shame.

Conversations about nudity also play a crucial role. Openly discussing our feelings around nudity demystifies it and reduces fear. Encouraging family discussions about body positivity is beneficial. Sharing experiences and feelings about nudity openly (including in an age-appropriate way with children) fosters inclusive attitudes.

Research shows that normalizing nudity can significantly reduce stigma surrounding our bodies. When we embrace nudism, we challenge the unrealistic beauty standards that dominate society. As attitudes shift towards acceptance rather than judgment, people feel less compelled to hide their natural selves. Such cultural transformation builds self-acceptance of our body as well as those of others.

By introducing nudism into daily life – with clothing-optional spaces, family discussions about body positivity, or advocating for less judgment – we pave the way for healthier attitudes towards ourselves and each other. Children who grow up understanding that bodies come in all forms carry this acceptance into adulthood, along with much better body acceptance and openness.

As society evolves, we should promote the idea that our physical selves are not a source of shame, but rather of diversity and individuality. Embracing nudity enables us to appreciate authenticity without necessarily sexualizing it.

Nudity and the philosophy of nudism can transform our relationship with our body, leading to greater happiness and health for all involved. The freedom found in shedding clothes as well as society’s expectations is profound.

As I’ve said before, at the end of the day, we all know what’s under your t-shirt and jeans, my t-shirt and jeans. So why is there a problem?

beliefs, nudism, ramblings, sexuality, thoughts

Nudity & Society II: Nudity and Sex are Not Coincident

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This is the second of four articles addressing nudity and society. Although a series, the first three will stand alone; the fourth article will be a selection of useful supporting links. Consequently there will be overlap of material between the articles. The articles are not fully referenced (hence Article IV), although a Google search on “nudity society body acceptance” (or similar) will find many articles (academic and otherwise) relevant to the whole series, starting perhaps with British Naturism’s 2020 Submission to Parliament.

Read Article I.

At the risk of stirring up a hornet’s nest, I want to consider something that gives people pause: nudity and sex.

Almost all societies and cultures have taboos about sex and nudity. These appear largely based around the idea that if someone is nude then sex must be involved – and vice versa. Nudity and sex become inseparable; one cannot exist without the other.

But the liberating truth is:

Nudity does not require sex;
and sex does not require nudity.
Neither needs to be a taboo.

Think about that for a minute …

When we separate nudity and sexuality, we make room for more genuine comfort and body confidence – with ourselves and with others.

Nudity doesn’t have to be sexual. Being nude doesn’t automatically mean being sexual. Sometimes (most times) it just means being comfortable – in your own skin, with no pretence or performance. Think of when nudity is about freedom or expression: sunbathing, painting a self-portrait, breastfeeding, or stepping out of the shower to feel the air on your skin. None of those moments require sexual intent to be meaningful or beautiful.

nude couple, back to us, looking across a sandy beach and sea

Unfortunately though we’ve built a whole culture of taboos around nudity. Most of us have been taught to associate nudity with shame, temptation, or worse – an equation which is at best flawed. Such conditioning makes it hard to see the body as neutral let alone something to be appreciated, rather than judged. When we uncouple nudity from sexuality, we start to see bodies (ours and others) with more compassion and less anxiety.

Sex doesn’t have to be naked. Sexuality is about connection: emotional, physical, spiritual. While we often picture it involving total nakedness, that’s certainly not always the case. People can share deep intimacy while partly or completely clothed. Words, eye contact, emotional vulnerability, can be just as intimate as anything physical – whether clothed or not.

When we realize sex is about energy, communication, and consent – as opposed to what the body looks like – it takes the pressure off; it helps us redefine intimacy in ways that feel authentic rather than performative.

We live in a culture obsessed with, but terrified of, the human body. It seems to me a large part of the problem, and the reason for the taboos, is fear: we’re frightened of nudity because we don’t understand it; we think it (might be) an invitation, a sign of doubtful morals; and we’re petrified of losing control and being unguarded.

Because we see nudity as an invitation the media and marketing droids play on it; constantly trying to sell us a new Utopia in a bottle or a bra. Meanwhile society insists we cover up, hide, or feel guilty about our bodies, our physicality. We must not be seen to give the “wrong” messages.

This kind of mixed messaging makes it hard to know what’s “appropriate” or “normal”. So no wonder we cling to the taboos; they’re the only thing we know which appears safe.

We’re brought up with these mixed messages. But it needn’t be this way. We know kids are oblivious to nudity until we teach them otherwise. Research has also shown that being around nudity does kids no harm; it actually does them good because they develop better body image, and a better ability to see through society’s bullshit. We can do this through teaching kids about consent, boundaries and context so they can see the beauty and vulnerability of the body – and of course intimacy when/where appropriate. Sexuality can, and should, be approached in the same way.

How can we hope to have balanced and open minds when there are important elements of being human we keep closed off?

If we can’t talk about sex, we end up with shame and a lack of education.

If we can’t talk about (or see) nudity, then mental health suffers and we’re constantly fearful and prudish.

Healing this starts with awareness. It’s OK to admire the human body – yours or someone else’s – without turning it into something sexual. Let’s be honest: which of us doesn’t appreciate a pretty girl or a handsome guy (depending on one’s proclivities) whether nude or not. It’s OK to feel comfortable in, appreciate, and admire your skin, your body, without shame; and it’s OK to appreciate others. The body itself isn’t the problem; it’s the meanings – so often creepy or (latently) abusive – we’ve learned to attach to it.

Everyone has different levels of comfort around nudity and sexuality. Some, like me, are completely open and unfazed regardless of circumstance (it’s how I was brought up, enabling me to develop my own beliefs); others the complete opposite; most somewhere in between. What matters is choice and consent. You get to decide what feels right for you; when, where, and with whom. In return, others deserve the same respect.

Not assuming nudity always means sex, and sex always means nudity, gives us permission to create clearer boundaries, deeper trust, and an open mind; and it’s easier to honour what’s truly comfortable, rather than what’s culturally expected.

At the end of the day, your body’s not just something you “have”; it’s an integral part of who you are. It’s not inherently sexual, shameful, or wrong. It’s your home. Learning to inhabit that home with kindness and acceptance can be incredibly healing.

Let’s accept nudity as normal; and let’s see sex the same way. But they’re not ipso facto joined. Why should we not accept nudity as normal, just as we would Fred’s new suit or Suzy’s cocktail dress? We can admire and appreciate them, without seeing them as inherently sexual.

So whether you’re fully clothed, completely nude, or somewhere in between, remember you get to define what intimacy means for you; not anyone else and certainly not society. Which means: nudity doesn’t require sex (unless all those involved consent for it to do so); and sex doesn’t require nudity. But both, when approached with awareness, consent and respect can be deeply human (even transcendental) experiences.

beliefs, nudism, thoughts

Nudity & Society I : What’s the Big Deal about Nudity?

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This is the first of four articles addressing nudity and society. Although a series, the first three will stand alone; the fourth article will be a selection of useful supporting links. Consequently there will be overlap of material between the articles. The articles are not fully referenced (hence Article IV), although a Google search on “nudity society body acceptance” (or similar) will find many articles (academic and otherwise) relevant to the whole series, starting perhaps with British Naturism’s 2020 Submission to Parliament.

Every one of us has a body, but the simple act of showing it – or even talking about it – can set off a storm of reactions. In some parts of the world, a bare shoulder or a topless photo will cause moral panic, outrage, or even legal trouble.

So why is nudity such a big deal? Because it hasn’t always been. Homo sapiens has been wearing clothes for only the last few thousand years, or an estimated 1-2% of the species existence.

As recently as the Ancient Greeks the human form was celebrated as a thing of strength and beauty. Their statues and athletes were unapologetically nude, and there was nothing inherently scandalous about it.

However as religion and moral codes evolved – particularly through the Abrahamic religions – the idea of nakedness became entangled with sin and shame; and over time we came to see our skin as something to be hidden, controlled, or covered. And the mindset stuck.

Most of us are taught as children being naked is something to be embarrassed about, and we’re conditioned to see nudity as dangerous; it instantly crosses some invisible moral line.

Such conditioning confuses the natural with the sexual. The human body can, of course, be sensual, but it’s still human. It eats, breathes, moves, and ages! – although it’s rarely represented that way in mainstream media. Instead it’s airbrushed, idealized, and used to sell everything from perfume and lingerie to cars and kitchen refits.

Not everyone experiences these double standards the same way. Women’s bodies, in particular, have been both glorified and policed for centuries. For example there’s the current-ish debate around #freethenipple: men can go shirtless in public without a second thought, but when women do the same, it’s indecent or provocative. It’s a small example of a much larger issue – the use of modesty to enforce social control, especially over women.

Cultural differences play a huge part in this. In some communities – especially indigenous or equatorial societies – nudity isn’t shocking or taboo; it’s practical; even ordinary. By contrast in most of the West, it’s still wrapped in moral judgment. Religion, tradition, and colonial history all shape how we decide what’s “appropriate”, even if the rules no longer make much sense. The
taboo is supposedly to protect children from seeing anything not “age appropriate” – which means essentially anything the child’s parents/guardian may be uncomfortable with.

Art, however, provides an interesting contradiction as restrictions mostly don’t apply in public museums or art galleries. Nude art has been celebrated for centuries; it’s beautiful and pure: as long as it’s in a museum. But when similar images appear in the media, they’re labelled obscene. The line between “artistic” and “inappropriate” shifts continually, thus revealing our that discomfort isn’t really the body itself but about context and control. Only half jokingly, I often say that a B&W nude photograph is art; but in colour it’s pornography.

The recent rise of the body positivity and naturism movements has tried pushing back against all this. The message is simple: seeing real, unfiltered bodies makes us more accepting of ourselves and others. If we stop treating nudity as shameful and inappropriate, we’ll stop treating our bodies as problems to be fixed. But old habits die hard, and society’s obsession with modesty and image continues to dominate.

So why is nudity such a big deal? The answer is essentially because it sits at the crossroads of morality, power and identity. Our discomfort with the naked body says less about the body and more about the cultural stories told about it. Questioning those narratives can lead to a healthier and more honest relationship with ourselves and others.

Although they seldom realise it, what really makes people uncomfortable isn’t the naked body itself, but the vulnerability and honesty that come with it.

arts, beliefs, environment, food+drink, history, links, medical, memes, science

Monthly Links

Well then … Here we go with another collection of links to items you didn’t know you didn’t want to miss.

Science, Technology, Natural World

In the latest of the grand space projects, NASA has retrieved a couple of hundred grams of an asteroid and dropped it back to Earth.

Now we’re coming down to the top of a 22,000-foot volcano where Earth’s highest-dwelling vertebrates have been found

Japan has a new island thanks to an underwater volcanic eruption.

Still on the fiery nature of Earth, there’s been a swarm of earthquakes happening in Iceland, which likely precedes a volcanic eruption.

Still on earthquakes, a researcher, at the Vatican Library, has found a 500-year-old Hebrew note which reveals an unknown earthquake swarm in Italy.

Now to the natural world …

Serotine bats (above) have surprised scientists by being the first known mammal to have procreative sex without penetration.

Staying with rodents … experiments suggest that rats may have the power of imagination.

In the Amazon there’s a somewhat horrifying parasitic wasp (below) with a huge head, and it is just one of over 100 newly discovered species.

This is somewhat bizarre … it seems that starfish are just a large, flattened head, with no body. [££££]

Health, Medicine

Scientists seem to have worked out why some people get headaches from drinking red wine.

And now we have three items for the female population …

In the first, OB/GYN Dr Jen Gunter tries to once and for all explode the myth of menstrual synchronization.

Dr Gunter then looks at the sense in poking garlic up your vagina.

Finally academic sex researcher Dr Kate Lister tests oral probiotics for vaginal health. [££££]

Sexuality

And now on to actual sexuality … in which Dr Emily Nagoski looks at some approaches to sex for the disabled.

Expert sex therapists suggest the usual 20 ways to revive your flagging libido.

Environment

On the interaction between wild pigs and golf courses.

Social Sciences, Business, Law, Politics

Why is there this assumption British voters become more Conservative with age – and is it true?

Let’s obscure the players’ genders and then see how men’s and women’s soccer compare.

Art, Literature, Language, Music

Archaeological finds are revealing that art is much older than our species. [LONG READ] [££££]

There’s a boom in people taking up life drawing.

History, Archaeology, Anthropology

Near China’s “Terracotta Army” archaeologists have uncovered the remains of a 2000-year-old sheep-drawn chariot.

Moving west, a large number of clay stamps used to seal Roman documents (above) have been discovered in Turkey.

Meanwhile off the coast of Sardinia divers have discovered around 50,000 Roman coins.

A cartographer has created a London Underground style map of Britain’s Roman Roads.

Excavations around Sutton Hoo in Suffolk continue to turn up suprises. One latest find is the remains of what might be an early 7th-century temple.

Coming gradually up to date … A hoard of medieval pennies dating from the reign of King Stephen has been found in Norfolk.

In Germany they’ve found a centuries old grave containing a skeleton with four prosthetic fingers.

Dr Eleanor Janega takes reveals the real story behind the killing of Joan of Arc.

Forensic research proves that the Ancient Ram Inn in Wotton-under-Edge (above) is old, but not as old as is made out. [LONG READ]

London

Here’s a look at the life of Wenceslaus Hollar who is best known for his panoramic views of 17th-century London (below).

Food, Drink

The convoluted story of the sandwich called Gua Bao. [LONG READ]

Lifestyle, Personal Development, Beliefs

Mathematician Kit Yates looks at whether the time has come to stop changing the clocks twice a year.

Cheese-rolling, straw bears and weird rituals: one man has made it his life’s work to record the whole of British folklore, and he now has a massive collection.

There’s a collection of walks around the UK’s strange and sacred sites.

Returning to sex researcher Dr Kate Lister, she’s written about growing out her pubic hair for the first time in 20 years. [££££]

Shock, Horror, Humour, Wow!

And finally, in a surprise revelation it has been discovered that a supposed Yeti hair actually belonged to a horse.

amusements, beliefs

August Quiz Answers

Here are the answers to this month’s five quiz questions. If in doubt, all should be able to be easily verified online.

August Quiz Questions: Mythology & Religion

  1. According to 1 Samuel 17:4, what figure stood six cubits and a span tall? Goliath
  2. What is considered the oldest Japanese religion? Shinto
  3. What is the name of the imaginary city built in the air in The Birds, the comedy written by the Greek playwright Aristophanes in 414 BC? Cloud-Cuckoo-Land – or Nephelococcygia in Greek.
  4. Which legendary king was the father of King Arthur? Uther Pendragon
  5. Guru Nanak was the founder of which religion? Sikhism

Answers were correct when questions were compiled in late 2022.

amusements, beliefs

August Quiz Questions

Again this year we’re beginning each month with five pub quiz style questions, with a different subject each month. They’re not difficult, but it is unlikely everyone will know all the answers, so hopefully you’ll learn something new, as well as have a bit of fun.

August Quiz Questions: Mythology & Religion

  1. According to 1 Samuel 17:4, what figure stood six cubits and a span tall?
  2. What is considered the oldest Japanese religion?
  3. What is the name of the imaginary city built in the air in The Birds, the comedy written by the Greek playwright Aristophanes in 414 BC?
  4. Which legendary king was the father of King Arthur?
  5. Guru Nanak was the founder of which religion?

Answers will be posted in 2 weeks time.

beliefs, thoughts

Transgenderism

A few days ago Brad Warner, one of our favourite Zen Masters, wrote an interesting blog post titled Transgenderism: A Buddhist Perspective.

It is indeed just as the title says. Brad gives a reasoned view of his interpretation of Buddhist philosophy as applied to transgenderism. It may not accord with everyone’s view – indeed it may not be the view of all Buddhists – but he ends up saying pretty much what I have thought for a long time:

[W]hen I see people trying to solve their deep suffering by altering their bodies with chemicals and surgery, I wonder if they are making a mistake. And I wonder if we should be so quick to allow children to make permanent changes to their physical bodies that they may come to regret. It may be better to reserve that for adults who have had adequate time to consider the ramifications of such drastic alterations … I think that, rather than trying to alter one’s body to align it with one’s ideas about one’s “true self”, it would be better to learn to live as comfortably as possible with the mind and body that one’s past karma has manifested in this life.

I would go a little further … Many boys will wonder, and ask about, what it’s like to be a girl – and vice versa. That’s a natural part of childhood curiosity. But it seems to me likely that many well-meaning but misguided adults who are in a position of care and influence pick up on this and, knowingly or not, end up over-influencing the child to “act out” their inquisitiveness without any checks and balances. As Brad says, this should be left to mature consideration in adulthood, or perhaps better to learn to live with what you were given. But then none of that is easy.

beliefs, current affairs

On Freedom of Speech

To paraphrase a comment I saw elsewhere …

A freelance sports commentator has been told by a company he works for how he may and may not make comments, unrelated to his work, on his social media; and he is not being contracted until he agrees. This appears to be an outrageous political stitch-up in which the spine-less company has kowtowed to an increasingly Fascist government in an attempt to suppress free speech.

I’m not going into the realms of who is involved (we all know the current brouhaha) nor who said what and to whom.

But we need to get one thing straight …

FREE SPEECH IS SACROSANCT

I am entitled to my opinion, and to express that opinion. If you dislike it, that’s your problem and reflects on you, not me. I am not, and cannot be, responsible for your beliefs, actions, emotions etc. We none of us can control the brains of another.

And vice versa … If you say something I dislike or disagree with, that’s my problem. I can choose to be publicly (or privately) annoyed or I can stop and think. Even if I fundamentally disagree with you, you are entitled to have and express your opinion. And, as I have said on may occasions, I will defend this right to the last.

If I believe, as I do, that the government are a bunch of pathetic, self-serving c*nts I have the right to say so. I don’t expect them to agree with me; that is their problem and their privilege; it does not entitle them (or any third party) to muzzle me.

How about we all just grow up!

beliefs, environment, science, thoughts

Mars & the Moon

Stop building a spaceship to Mars
(and the Moon too)
and just plant some damn trees.

Stop building a spaceship to Mars and just plants some damn trees
Isn’t it more important that we protect this planet against global worming etc.?
Just think how much good all that money could do, and how much
environmental refurbishment could be done by just 10% of the money.