Lucy Harris went to Manly and asked passers-by what they think
about being in the buff at the beach.
Emma, 22, market researcher
‘I think people should be able to bathe nude on public beaches.
I think I’d probably get used to it.’
Rosanna, 49, marriage conciliator
I’d be uncomfortable about it [nude people on a regular beach],
but I’m not sure that I find it offensive. It would be okay with
me if there were sections because then I wouldn’t feel as uncomfortable.
I wouldn’t feel comfortable going nude swimming myself.’
Claire, 20, university student
‘It doesn’t bother me, but you can tell that it does bother
a lot of other people. I think that if you go to the beach with your
children you don’t want them looking at breasts all day. I wouldn’t
do it, but it doesn’t offend me. I wouldn’t want to do that
– I don’t feel I need to have an all over tan. I don’t
tan anyway so why would I take my shirt of just for no reason? It’s
like smoking – they have rules and regulations about where you
can and can’t smoke so as not to infringe upon the rights of other
people so how is that any different to nude beaches? People shouldn’t
be able to walk naked just because they want to if they’re going
to be infringing on the comfort of other people who may feel uncomfortable.
I don’t think nudity is really an accepted part of our society.
You see nude people all the time, you might see them on TV or in movies
or you may see them in magazines, but you’re choosing to look
at those things, you’re not having them thrust in your face as
you’re trying to have a swim or a picnic with your family.’
Patrick, 17, high-school student
‘I don’t think people should go nude at public beaches,
completely nude. Topless is okay because I don’t think it’s
as much an area of controversy and it’s a lot more common so people
accept it. Everyone’s seen tits. I think that people who want
to go nude should have their own beaches. If there were just nude people
on other beaches it would really restrict like families going there
and more conservative people. People should be given a choice. I wouldn’t
have a problem with going nude myself. I think it’s the other
people, like some other nude people, that might make me uncomfortable.
Alex, 25, teacher
‘I’m all for it [nudity] as long as they’re fit and
not mingers. Honestly, I think everyone should be allowed to do whatever
they want, but I’d prefer to look at good-looking chicks. It’s
the only reason you go to the beach, isn’t it. You look at the
girls in the swimsuits. Actually, I don’t know it’d take
away some of the mystery… When there’s little kids, I think
there should be designated nude beaches. Even if there’s a nude
section, you can’t exactly block it. Little kids might be disturbed
by seeing naked people.’
Leah, 20, mother
‘I’m fully opposed to public nudity. If they’re just
staying in the one spot and they’re just going to lie there reading
or whatever, then that’s okay. But if they’re running around,
going in the water, socialising, playing football and volleyball, without
clothes on then that’s a bit of a problem for me.’
Kate, 21, gymnastics co-ordinator
‘Hey, look I don’t really like looking at the male slong,
but seriously if they want to get a tan there, then so be it. Everyone
has the right to do what they want. It’s a free country. If a
girl wants to do it, then so be it, but I don’t stop and stare.
I don’t mind what people do but I’m not into it myself.’
Ben, 24, designer
‘I guess it doesn’t bother me. You basically never see guys
nude on a public beach it’s normally just chicks with their tops
off. I’d probably prefer people didn’t go naked on beaches.
I’d like to know why these people want to go nude on the beach.
That affects me, I think. It makes a difference to me what their intentions
are.’
If you’d like to have your opinion about public nudity posted
on this website, email your thoughts to nudityopinions@hotmail.com