Shame and Rationalism

In times past, the female genital area was called the Pudendum. The word Pudendum is from the Latin root "pudo" the verb meaning to be ashamed or "that of which one ought to feel ashamed or be ashamed to mention". The reason this word came into use was probably as a result of the religious teaching of just one or two people, possibly in a pre-Christian Jewish sect or people like Paul and Augustine. This teaching caught on and was accepted as fact.

In a rational world, how this could happen would be a puzzle, but we do not live in a such a world. Those who prize belief over rationalism will deny a logical argument if it conflicts with belief. Let me give a example. It is often said that the Victorian age was one of prudery where people even covered their piano legs to avoid blushes. Many believe this story, to them it is fact. The trouble is, it was written as a joke in 1837 by Frederic Marryat in his book "Diary in America" but the idea spread, became fact and is believed my many. It is not only believed that some people covered their piano legs, everyone did it! With the spread of such daft and unsupported ideas, no wonder ideas such as shame spread, people accepted them without thinking, taught them to their children and lived in the belief they were doing the Right Thing.

People feel no shame until they learn it by the same means they learn the "facts" of Victorian prudery, others tell them, "be ashamed of your private parts, keep them hidden at all times". I know a woman who has had three children by her husband, yet he has never seen her naked. This astonishing feat was achieved in the belief that seeing a naked woman is in some way harmful. Naturists know that the sight of a naked woman is not in fact sexually arousing but even the most ardent proponent of religion cannot deny that the production of children requires some sexual activity. Even in this situation ,where a faithful, committed married couple desire to make a family, nudity is seen as bad. If they can be taught to believe this, surely they can be taught all manner of daft ideas, easy prey to those who pursue less savoury ideals.

It is clear that no rational argument can be made to establish that a child is born with shameful parts, but ideas will persist. One still finds people believing in "air pockets" when they fly, that low temperatures will give you a cold or that politicians are honest:- all myths that are passed on generation to generation. These are only one step away from being frightened of night airs.

The myth of dangerous night airs was dispelled by clear evidence and rational argument. It is time to be rational about social nudity. Experience suggests that it results in positive feelings and better health, yet it causes no harm. In contrast, the never ending pursuit of fashion and the perfect body has led to bulimia, anorexia and much misery besides.

The Government often tells us not to smoke, not to drive too fast or eat too much, all on the grounds of safety leading to a better and longer life. If we are rational, we should extend this idea. The Government should at once encourage social nudity at swimming pools, sports events, parks, gardens and open spaces of all kinds. But they won't will they? Rationalism has a long way to go.