"I'm not a pedo, but..."

Yeah, right. We know what that means.

Last year I immersed myself in the world of nudists. Yes, I visited a couple local clubs with some friends here in the pacific northwest, and some nude-friendly events. I'm totally fine with it. These are family-friendly places, with nude children running around. No big deal. 

It got me thinking: are we over-sensitized to the threat caused by the idea of pedos walking around? "We" are. Nudists? Not so much.

So yeah, we (responsible parents and other concerned adults) don't want people messing with our kids. But does our society's  response to our fears create more pedos? For example, all porn websites strictly ban any image or portrayal of a minor, regardless. Even if it's an innocent nude child from a nudist place, posted to the web with the parents' consent. 

So, when you (a non-pedo) come across the image of a nude child, what does that do to you? Do you feel like a pedo? Do you think pedo thoughts? Do you become a pedo?

No, you don't. (But if you do, you're very unique and should seek professional help.) But that's what this overreaction seems to me: in polite conversation, in law, and porn site rules. This overreaction to protect our kids is simply out of control. Yes, we do need protective measures, and they're already on the books. 

I believe the natural, healthy depiction of nude minors should be set free. I found a plethora of nudist pictures and videos from around the world. They're easy to find with Google or Bing. I never once got a woodie or inappropriate thought while looking at their beautiful young bodies. 

That's what they are: beautiful, young, happy people. Families, friends, all sorts of places and activities - most of them were non-English speaking. That may tell you something about our "American sensibilities". Americans mostly don't acknowledge nudism or nudist families. 

So this summer, go visit a nudist organization. Try to understand this whole "pedo-fear" thing.