The Shoneye Twins: Is Darren (left) brave and Daniel (right) modest?
Introduction:
It has been quite a few years since we visited Robert Graves’ poem, The Naked and The Nude. The entire poem is posted here immediately following this introduction. Graves, the poet, paved the pathway that continues to divide the clothes free community today: Are you naked? Are you nude? Which label best identifies you?
Graves understood nude as being without clothes. He felt that naked, although also without clothes, as being similar to “vulnerable.”
Generations of society have interpreted “naked” as being involuntary and “nude” as being voluntary. For example, a communal shower is mandatory following a required physical education class. It is part of the class routine. As a result, while showering, the entire class is naked. It is an involuntary action as the goal is personal hygiene.
A typical Sunday afternoon activity for a group of friends is to go skinny-dipping. While swimming or lounging in the sun afterwards, everyone is nude. After all, it was a voluntary choice to go skinny-dipping with friends. The end result is to have fun and relax together.
The Shoneye Twins: Overly cautious?
The two images of the Shoneye twins above, Daniel and Darren, feature them both without a piece of clothing on their body. The determination of whether they are naked or nude depends to their intent and the interpretation of the person viewing the photograph. Both twins publicly acknowledge being bare practitioners (same gender loving and body and clothes freedom enthusiasts. I am unaware of either of them, privately or publicly, ever disclosing a preference for naked or nude in describing themselves.
The Naked and The Nude
by Robert Graves
(1895 – 1985)
For me, the naked and the nude
(By lexicographers construed
As synonyms that should express
The same deficiency of dress
Or shelter) stand as wide apart
As love from lies, or truth from art.
Lovers without reproach will gaze
On bodies naked and ablaze;
The Hippocratic eye will see
In nakedness, anatomy;
And naked shines the Goddess when
She mounts her lion among men.
The nude are bold, the nude are sly
To hold each treasonable eye.
While draping by a showman’s trick
Their dishabille in rhetoric,
They grin a mock-religious grin
Of scorn at those of naked skin.
The naked, therefore, who compete
Against the nude may know defeat;
Yet when they both together tread
The briary pastures of the dead,
By Gorgons with long whips pursued,
How naked go the sometime nude!
The Shoneye twins: who’s naked and who’s nude?
Summary
Robert Graves poem, The Naked and The Nude, presents to all of us with the reality that within our very own culture of body and clothes freedom the debate over naked and nude is all consuming for many of our people. The same applies to the conflict between those who consider themselves naturist and those who consider themselves nudist.
In the minds of many, the differing labels are practically synonymous – identical. The subtle definitions may evolve over the years but in essence the meaning of each word remains consistent. ReNude Pride utilizes “bare practitioner” as well as “body and clothes freedom” whenever possible in order to distance itself from entanglement with proponents of the different persuasions.
Take care and stay bare!
Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride
Author’s Note: The next post entry for here is planned for Sunday, March 13, 2022, and the proposed topic is: “USA Goes DST!”
Today represents a look back in time in order to gain a sense of the bare practices of African-American men from available images. The above image depicts our subject alone leaning against a tree. Judging from his hair style, this was probably around the middle to late 1960’s timeframe.
Another natural man in a natural setting!
Again based solely on the hairstyle, the image directly above is just a little earlier than the first one. Perhaps the late 1950’s to early 1960’s.
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Freedom and the Access to Cameras:
The official demise of slavery upon the end of the US civil war (1860’s) introduced the policy of segregation (separation of the races – aparthied ) throughout the USA. The adoption of “Jim Crow laws” (second class citizenship) ensured an even greater divide between the African-American, Caucasian and Indigenous (Native-American) people. This practice prevailed until Dr. King’s era and the civil rights movement gained acceptance during the late 1950’s to the assassinations of Malcolm X in the 1960’s and Dr. King in 1968.
This reality fueled the popular myth (untruth) of African-American disinterest in and indifference to the growing emergence of the naturist/nudist community within the Caucasian culture. The three racial groups were denied social interaction and restricted to totally different locations. Therefore, their naked/nudist attractions and practices were nonexistent (invisible) to one another. This lack of contact and common occurrence perpetuates this myth even today. Unfortunately, it is common in all the racial cultures.
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A segregated public shower!
Once again, relying only on hair characteristics, the communal shower picture above could be middle to late 1940’s or early 1950’s. Segregation remained in practice in almost the entire country.
The same holds true for the above!
The communal shower scene and the participants are the match for the previous image. The timeframe will be identical.
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Racial and social inaccessibility are the major factors for the prevalence of this fiction within the body freedom and clothes freedom communities. Economics and “Jim Crow legalities” are strong secondary reasons for the continuance of these false delusions. The widespread oppression of the Black communities in this country and the practice of assigning to them the status of second-class – or lower/worse – citizenship ensured their economic depravity and financial insecurity. The growing fascination with the “camera” phenomenon and the obsession with the cult of photography made these novel “toys” financially inaccessible to the overwhelming majority of African-Americans. Segregation was so ingrained in society that photographers of one race couldn’t justify taking pictures of people of a different racial classification.
Black-focused logo!
Bare trio: comfortable and up-close and interpersonal!
Twentieth Century, the Great War, the Modern Era :
The arrival of the 20th Century witnessed an extraordinary and remarkable first on the American social scene. Following generations of subjugation, Blacks were abandoning rural isolation and intimidation – and worst – and migrating to the rapidly growing industrial cities of northern and western USA and beginning to earn money! Not necessarily large fortunes but enough to support themselves and to send some to less fortunate extended family members. The Great War (1914 – 1918) saw African-Americans enter the armed forces in record numbers and see action and meet people in western Europe. New societies, new practices, less restrictive! The 1920’s brought the USA into a period of prosperity and popular culture introduced a large number of Caucasian Americans (and their incomes) to the uniqueness and the pleasures of Black life and living.
Segregation remained, enforceable and legal, but the new decade’s outlook brought a relaxation of some restrictions and African-Americans entered an age of some limited accomplishment and cautious respect. Black homosexuality (same gender loving) earned some lukewarm acceptance and segregated color-oriented body and clothes freedom facilities began to appear and to prosper.
Simple message!
Gradual development of a Black-oriented financial infrastructure followed. Soon, items that were formerly considered unattainable luxuries became common and affordable. Cameras, photography and other modern conveniences began to evolve from dreams into reality. The twentieth century finally discovered Black America!
The 1920’s progress in financial resources and social gains was halted by the Great Depression that reached this country’s shores in the early 1930’s. The stoppage, though devastating, was only temporary as the election of Franklin Roosevelt as president, his wife, Eleanor, as first-lady and the New Deal as political fuel eventually brought the depression mindset to an end. The delayed entry of this country into World War II with the attack on Pearl Harbor rapidly converted the nation into an industrialized super-power.
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Bare practitioners: no doubt about it!
The vintage picture posted above leaves us with no question: they’re early bare practitioners! Arm-in-arm, they prepare to exchange a kiss. Their hairstyles are from the late 1940’s to early 1950’s.
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World War II ended in 1945 and an unsettling peace encompassed the globe. The “Cold War” era between the communist countries and the western allies was about to erupt. The economy continued to grow although no longer on a wartime frenzy. Segregation and the Jim Crow laws still managed to hinder and prevent equality. However, the need for a change was an attitude that fast covered the land.
A few years following the surrender of Italy, Germany and Japan – in 1947 – President Harry Truman signed a presidential executive order that ended the official policy of segregation throughout the U.S. air force, military and navy only. Enlisting (joining) the armed forces no longer guaranteed a single-race encounter. At least in theory, discrimination was now banned in all combat services. One positive “big step” forward on the journey towards equal rights.
In military life, discipline is the “rule of the day.” No argument, no discussion, no voting. If ordered to do something, it simply must be done. Truman’s executive order didn’t erase all military overnight, but it did represent a new direction in official policies and procedures.
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Open arms, open legs, no shame!
The couple published above hair dates from the middle 1950’s. Their open arms and legs indicate comfort with being photographed bare together publicly.
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Soon, another historical change rose on the horizon. In 1954, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled the segregation inspired Jim Crow law of mandating “separate-but-equal” public school (education) systems throughout the country unconstitutional. The only legal quality this law contained was “separate.” The best, newest equipment and facilities were assigned to Caucasian students. The older, used and dilapidated (poorer quality) equipment was assigned to the African-American or Indigenous (native) American students or to Hispanic students. Separate? Yes! Equal? Unlikely!
This landmark judicial decision led to integration (coming together or mixing together) replacing segregation as the standard quality of the U.S. public school systems. The court ruling didn’t automatically end segregation overnight but it did lead towards a more accountable and equitable type of public school that continues to be sought today.
An integrated men’s changing room!
Following the Brown vs. Board of Education verdict by the Supreme Court, the civil (equal) rights movement gained momentum with the arrival “on the scene” (forefront) of Dr. Martin L. King, Jr. and the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC). Their leadership strategy was nonviolence (first and foremost) and involvement (engagement). This tactic quickly brought both national and international attention to the equality protest movement and highlighted the inequality and unfairness of life in the USA (the supposed symbol of freedom).
The growth of Black financial resources and services now gave the community to now have absolute proof (documentation) of existence. Cameras and photography provided evidence that justifies the reality of bare practitioners (same gender loving and naked/nude) in the African-American world. We can all admire and salute the bravery and commitment to a freer life for all Americans. We are grateful for their dreams and their efforts!
The reluctant acceptance and welcome offered to bare practitioners of one racial heritage when visiting the traditional site of a different racial group has caused problems within the same gender loving and body and clothes freedom communities. Both sides of the conflict have received negative reactions from all sides of the spectrum. The resolution of these concerns remains an unsolved issue within the larger bare practitioner community.
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The basic bare truth!
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As dedicated bare practitioners, my spouse, Aaron, and I know from our shared experience that we encounter both judgment and ridicule based on our sexual orientation, marital status and our racial category (interracial). Our clothes freedom preference is another source of discomfort for many outside our community. We understand that any difference we can create today offers hope for a better tomorrow for us all!
Naked hugs!
Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride
Author’s Note: The next post entry here is planned for Monday, February 21, 2022, and the proposed topic is: “S’Naked Virgin!”
February 14 is universally recognized as a date that commemorates the unique attraction that two people have for one another, no matter their sexual orientation. Here at ReNude Pride, the affectionate couple can be same gender, bisexual or heterosexual. A romance between two persons should be celebrated and honored no matter the genders affected.
Decorated romantics!
Traditionally, Valentine’s Day is considered an observance between persons who are emotionally and physically attracted to one another. However, two persons united in brotherhood and friendship can likewise be honored on this occasion. There is no strict mandate restricting the date for physical intimates only. Friends have every right to appreciate one another.
Valentine’s Day is a day for all types of love: bromantic (man-to-man), romantic (between the genders), and platonic (between friends)! Celebrate and spend time with those who are important in your own life!
Arrow and heart: traditional Symbols!
Happy Valentine’s Day to all! Enjoy!
Naked hugs!
Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride
Author’s Note: The next post entry here is planned for Friday, February 18, 2022, and the proposed topic is “Bare Black History Month!”
“You will make all kinds of mistakes; but as long as you are generous and true, and also fierce, you cannot hurt the world or even seriously distress her.”
~Sir Winston Churchill~
Word play!
2022: A PLAY ON WORDS
A photo-essay to celebrate and welcome 2022!
A kiss on his buttocks!
A happy new year wish for us all: a happy nude rear!
Climbing higher!
Hopes for a successful achievement of all your dreams and goals!
The nude multitude!
A wish for happiness: a multitude of nude dudes!
Flexing their muscles!
The strength to overcome all challenges and obstacles!
Photo fun!
The ability to have fun in life!
Laughter!
A reminder that laughter is often the best medicine available!
Read his lips!
Appreciation: a lip-reading “gratitude” for all your friendship and support!
Naked hugs for all of 2022!
Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride
Author’s Note: The next post entry for here is planned for Monday, January 3, 2022, and the proposed topic: “BRAT!”
One of the many reasons for my inadvertent disaster with my keys this past Thursday, December 2, was the emergency meeting of my department at my university. Completely unaware of the agenda of the unscheduled conference, upon my arrival, I discovered the primary topic was: me! The justification? The subject of the earlier post entry, “Professional Integrity.”
As examined in my ReNude Pride posting, I was disappointed and upset concerning the obvious “double standard” of guidelines and rules that have become ever more apparent at my jobsite. There seems to be the widespread belief that there exists a specific set of practices for the university administration and another set of practices for the academic faculty. The two appear to be incompatible and totally unrelated.
Dancing in celebration #2!
As I entered my departmental conference room for our meeting, I immediately laid eyes on the presence of one of our university’s vice-chancellors – the one who supposedly presided over the investigation of my “questionable” conduct. The two of us aren’t particularly fond of one another and we have personalities that are quite the opposite. Once I recognized him, dread overcame me and the others in the room.
Upon the arrival of everyone, my department head convened the meeting and introduced the vice-chancellor – after three years in his current position, he still needed to be introduced to all of us as well as reminding us of his official capacity. A very personable and commendable influence!
He rose and then openly passed to me a sealed envelop as he announced to everyone present that despite the gossip and rumors regarding both the investigation and myself, he was publicly exonerating me of any blame or guilt. He then added that his presence for this was specifically ordered by the university chancellor himself.
He never offered to shake my hand or even acknowledge me.
My colleagues did follow the lead of my department chairman and wave their hands in a gesture of support and symbolic congratulations. Our chairman then dismissed the meeting – all of fifteen minutes of official business!
Upon leaving my office to return to the subway, I noticed a memorandum to all faculty and staff at the university. It contained the announcement of the immediate resignation of this very unremarkable vice-chancellor.
No wonder I left my keys and memory device at work!
Naked hugs!
Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride
Author’s Note: The next post entry planned for here is Friday, December 10, 2021, and the proposed topic is “Sharing: A Bare View!”
Four years ago today, August 15, Aaron and I became a household. We got married (“tied-the-knot,” “jumped the broom,” etc)! We became husband and husband in the eyes of the law, our families, God, our friends, our pet Siberian Husky, the Wizard of Oz, and other deities and demons too numerous to mention. We became the very first same-sex couple in both of our respective families. Most importantly, we’re still together – laughing, loving and, at times, struggling, But – we’re – still – together! And very happy!
It was exactly 50 years ago today, on June 28, 1969, that the Stonewall Inn riots occurred in New York City, USA. This spontaneous uprising happened as a result of police harassment of the local gay, lesbian. bisexual, transgender and queer (GLBTQ) patrons at the Stonewall Inn and fortunately, the world has changed quite a bit since then. Here in the USA, such behavior by law enforcement today would initiate not only condemnation and civil lawsuits but other legal ramifications as well. I need to insert here that 50 years ago, the GLBTQ community was known by an entirely different label: homosexual. That label wasn’t always complimentary.
Today is a remarkable day on this planet known as Earth. In the Northern Hemisphere (north of the Equator) it is not only the very first day of the season of Summer, 2019, it is also the longest day of sunlight in the annual calendar. If that isn’t enough notoriety, today is also World Naked Hiking Day! Thus, in the Northern Hemisphere, it is possible to skinny-dip (swim naked) and to hike bare (clothes free) both on the same day!
“June is known as gay pride month.” A very basic and original statement to denote a very unique and ultimate description of the importance and the significance of the 30 day month. However, in today’s world and its ever-changing culture and politics, “June is known as gay pride month” is no longer relevant nor entirely truthful.
S’Naked is a combination of the words “snow” + the word “naked,” combine the two together and s’naked is the result. The activity is nothing more than being out in the snow while naked, nude or clothes-free (boots or shoes are allowed). “What does one do in the snow?” Anything that you care to do! Build a snowman, throw snowballs, lie down and create “snow angels” by waving your arms, building a bonfire. Any number of activities may be done while s’naked! Be creative!
ReNude Pride: Guys Without Boxers! 