I too have been on nude beaches and other naked places, (10,000 Waves spa near Sante Fe), it is true that the "shock value" quickly dissipates and it can be cool. On the other hand, I really do not wish to see most people nude. It can be a serious appetite depressant. It's like a certain review of the film "The Player" that I remember:
"You don't get to see the (breasts) that you do want to see, but you get to see the ones that you don't want to see".....
I had the exact same thought walking out of the theater, and obviously there is a female perspective that is the equivalent to this. (Brad Pitt vs. Tom Arnold)...
PWD put it more succinctly.
Which brings me to the children part; of course nudity is harmless when there is no erotic component to it, (a mother's breast, aging hippie dad letting it all hang out), but what about a nudist colony w/ a few Jessica Albas thrown in the mix, and guys walking around w/ hard-ons? True, there is no such place, (w/ J.A. lookers), but just making a point. Within a normal family there is no sexual interest between children and parents, so no harm/no foul. Step parents could change that in a hurry. (And sadly it often does). So I guess it all depends on the context, (like most things), but I believe that seeing people nude is at best a wash in terms of a child's social development. Seeing people in bathing suits is cooler IMO, there is something to be said for teaching modesty as well. Little kids do not have to see big swinging dicks and other things losing the fight w/ gravity.
Maybe I'm more conservative in this area than others, or just err on the side of caution w/ children. If there is any chance of sexual energy+nudity, I'd say kibosh the whole idea. For *adults only* situations, I am a Libertarian. What ever floats your boat. It doesn't float mine. Bores me to tears every time I've tried it.
