We are nudists. We have all seen penes. Yet for the vast majority of textilists, the male genitalia remains an object of horror, humour, mystery and ridicule. Read any ’blog regarding nudism and there will always be a thread or two (hundred) addressing queries about erections or size. Why? Obviously these enquiries come from people either new or naïve to social nudity.

Society to-day offers little exposure to the nude male anatomy. With exception to changing a soiled nappy on a baby boy, most non-nudists rarely see a penis other than their own or that of their husband/boyfriend. Gone are the days of nude swims at the YMCA; many public school districts have eliminated communal showers “to protect the children;” and Hollywood shuns the full monty lest it is played for giggles. The mere mention of a penis invokes juvenile snickers from the audience; that is if it got passed the censors.

Speaking frankly, our textile-covered cousins generally see a penis only in some form of pornography — and we know in what state it is. Even many faux-“nudist” web galleries include photographs of men who are seemingly fluffed for the camera. It’s no wonder guys worry about their perceived shortcomings. The lack of exposure to a normal, flaccid male member has led many men to experience an array of emotions ranging from a lack of self-esteem to an inferiority complex. Their nether regions just never measure to the artificial standards set in their minds.

These are on the same line as female body image anxieties, just not openly discussed. To quote the renowned intellect on the human condition Elaine Benes of Seinfeld, “Well, the female body is a … a work of art. The male body is utilitarian. It’s for getting around, like a Jeep.” A pair of breasts is a pair of breasts: some big, some small and some seem big until the tissue has been dispensed. Same for a penis (and the rolled sox); the difference, save the obvious, is that clothing normally offer no visual cue to a gentleman’s virility.

Major paradigm shifts need to occur before nudity receives general acceptance — especially male nudity. The debate will continue as to the effectiveness of such displays as World Naked Bike Rides have on public approval but one point remains constant: Nudist gentlemen must “bare” the responsibility to always conduct themselves in a respectful, civil behaviour. Displays of bravado are tantamount to the stereotype we must combat in order to achieve recognition.