02 September 2009

Is Nudity Obscene?


A man has complained about public nudity in connection with the One and Other art exhibit that is currently under way on the fourth plinth in London's Trafalgar Square. The art project allows ordinary citizens the opportunity to take part in this exhibit by climbing up on the plinth for one hour. The participants can do whatever they want as long as no laws are broken.
It is not illegal to appear nude in public in England, as long as it is not lewd.
What makes me scratch my head is that the National Gallery abuts Trafalgar Square and there is plenty of "nudity" in the artwork on display. So the complainer's beef is that this is a live person? What's more beautiful than the human form?
Here's a link to the BBC story. Leave me a comment and let me know: is public nudity obscene if it does not contain lewd or sexual behavior? BEHR HUGS!


3 comments:

Anonymous said...

That's a tricky one. I think like most things in life, there is a time and place. I couldn't care less if I'm walking down the street and a hot man happens to be naked. Do I want my 9 year old niece with me? Probably not.

Unknown said...

Sadly, nudity is not so much about the baring, as it is about the seeing. Religion and mores have long felt that it was tantamount to sin, a precursor to fornication or something. Centuries of uptight clerics have taught this lesson, leaving the viewer to see through this filter, causing discomfort. I have no issues with it, yet it causes nervousness and even repulsion to some. At this point in time, when problems with body image and the like are openly discussed, it is easy to point a finger to magazine ads, but yet no one seems to point out how the culture can be so ill at ease with the body to start with.

behrmark said...

Thank you both for weighing in on this very important topic! Behr Hugs!!