There is a lot of fear about the decline of naturism, as resorts close and non-landed clubs find themselves without a place to go. Nudity seems to be under attack, with long-time clothing-optional beaches under threat of closure — the most recent being Playalinda on the Canaveral National Seashore in Florida. Yet seeing it as an attack on nudity may be missing the larger picture. American culture is changing, and there are many areas of life where established businesses and practices have evolved or become obsolete.
Businesses from Dollar Tree to Macy’s have been closing their stores. Blockbuster has gone bust. When did you last see a record store?
Old business models are being replaced by new approaches to sales and services. Artificial intelligence is being used for writing, creating art, and even selling: There is a pitch for AI-powered sales that notes that only 57% of salespeople make their annual quotas these days, and argues that AI can help to create and close more deals. Telehealth and virtual music therapy gained traction during the pandemic and appear to be here to stay. Businesses that have been focusing on short-term benefits are beginning to consider long-term views of success and, under pressure by workers, are looking at how their company can help ease climate concerns and play a bigger role in society.
This is good news and bad news. It is good for those who are able to adapt and for those who have been waiting for a chance to try something new; but it is bad for those who see no path forward under this new set of circumstances.
By recognizing that change is inevitable, and thinking about ways to meet the challenge, one is a step ahead of those who white-knuckle it through life.
Applying this to what we are seeing with nudism may mean that the nudity is not the problem. Indeed, many people continue to accept the rights of others to enjoy nude recreation even if they personally would not take part or want to encounter naked human beings. Only a minority appears to think there is no place in society for nudity to exist.
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