Is He Really Bare?

There are many opinions and thoughts about what constitutes nudity. Some would look at the two images (the one above and the one below) and conclude that they're both bare but with shoes. Others may see the same pictures as they're not nude, they are wearing footwear. While most of us agree that the concept of nudity, nude, naked, bare, clothes-free, in the buff, etc., is the absence or lack of clothing or covering. However, within the culture of nakedness or nudity, it isn't always that simple.   

There are purists within the culture of nudity who argue that shoes are worn to cover the feet and therefore, anyone who is bare but wearing shoes aren't naked or nude at all. Then there are those who firmly believe that shoes are worn to protect the feet from harm or injury and therefore a person who is bare but wearing shoes is just as clothes-free as anyone who is barefoot and naked. 

It may seem like a small, insignificant point but this disagreement has been waged among the two opposite sides long before the invention of clothes and shoes. Neither side is willing to give even a tiny concession to the other. 

Please note, the nude dude in the top photo is wearing socks with his sneakers. The nude dude in the second photo isn't. I don't believe the issue of socks makes any difference as the conflict centers on shoes or foot covering. 

Where do I stand on this issue? some may wonder. Personally, I just live and let others live as they wish. My philosophy is that as long as I am nude, bare, naked (whatever) and happy, others may do as they please. If a man identifies himself as a naturist/nudist and wears shoes to protect his feet, fine. If he goes barefoot, that's fine, too. It is a matter of individual choice and responsibility. 

I choose to use sandals or shoes to reduce my risk of becoming incapacitated, whenever I am naked or clothes-free or on occasions when I absolutely must wear clothing. This is my personal preference and isn't mandated by some naturist/nudist governing body (if such even exists). By the way, I do not consider myself as any type of authority on who is nude and who isn't. I am merely one man who likes to live bare and that's it.

This past September I published a similar port here on Guys Without Boxers: Bare With Pride. In case you missed it, click the post title to view: Perspective: Bare Footgear.

For those reading here who live outside the same gender loving naturist/nudist culture, I'm fairly confident this question seems petty and like the proverbial splitting of the pubic hairs. However, it is one that causes debate and consideration within our community. 

I'm certain there are multitudes who disagree with my philosophy. That's cool. Everyone is entitled to their own opinion and I respect that fact. If you are compelled to differ from my point of view, please feel free to express your thoughts in the comment section below my blog signature.

Peace! Get naked. Enjoy!

Bare With Pride