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Pornography vs. Naturism

 Whether you believe in evolutionary theories or the biblical account, it is clear that we decided to cover certain parts of the body at some point in human history. The more moralistic the culture, the more is hidden. This concealment has gone beyond simple privacy, becoming a socially imposed rule, where nudity is viewed with discomfort or shame. However, this same impulse to hide the "forbidden" has awakened an inherent curiosity in humans. What we cannot see or what is restricted immediately becomes desirable, and in a society governed by consumerism and marketing, this desire becomes an opportunity for exploitation.

Thus, the pornography industry emerges. What was initially a social taboo transformed into a powerful tool for profit. Today, pornography is one of the most lucrative industries globally, with an estimated market value between 90 and 100 billion dollars annually. This figure surpasses the revenues of many creative industries, including music and conventional cinema. The growth of pornography has been largely driven by the widespread access to the internet and the ease with which explicit content can be obtained. This has sparked intense debates about the impact that pornography has on society, the perception of human relationships, and the objectification of the body.

A revealing fact is that internet traffic is linked to the consumption of pornography. It is estimated that nearly 30% of total web traffic is related to pornographic content, making it one of the main drivers of internet use. Millions of people visit specialized platforms daily, reflecting the enormous demand for this type of content. This level of consumption has transformed pornography into an omnipresent phenomenon, accessible from any device and anywhere in the world.

Furthermore, the use of moderate pornography, or content with subtle sexual undertones, has infiltrated other areas of society, such as advertising and commerce. Various brands use images of partially nude or sexually suggestive bodies to capture the consumer's attention. This phenomenon, commonly referred to as "sex sells," is an effective strategy in advertisements for perfumes, clothing, cars, and even alcoholic beverages. It is estimated that more than 50% of advertising uses some form of sexual content to attract the public. This commercialization of the human body, often unrelated to explicit pornography, creates a constant intersection between commerce and sensuality, where the body becomes just another marketable resource.

For pornography to function as a profit machine, it relies on excellently formed bodies that meet nearly unattainable beauty standards. This type of idealized representation distorts the perception of what the human body really is, establishing unrealistic expectations about physical appearance, sexual performance, and interpersonal relationships. These images promote an aesthetic ideal that, far from being the norm, excludes body diversity and reinforces insecurities and complexes. At the same time, they contribute to the objectification of the body, which becomes a product that must meet "perfection" criteria to be valued, both by those who consume it and those who produce it.

This distortion affects not only those who consume pornography but also those who participate in it. The representations of sculpted, youthful, and flawless bodies contribute to the dehumanization of individuals, reducing them to mere objects of visual pleasure. Thus, pornography not only commercializes the body but also imposes narratives that deeply affect self-esteem and societal expectations about sexuality in general.

In contrast, naturism presents a completely different perspective. For naturists, nudity is not an act of provocation or consumption but an expression of freedom and connection with nature, where the human body is seen as a natural state that should not be repressed. Naturism advocates for full acceptance of the body as it is, in its diversity of forms, sizes, and ages. Far from seeking physical perfection, it promotes the idea that all bodies, with their unique characteristics, are equally valid and deserving of respect.

Naturism removes the barrier of prohibition by exposing "for free" what pornography sells. Instead of focusing on sexual arousal, naturism promotes a life in harmony with the environment and acceptance of the body, without the expectations or pressures imposed by consumer culture. The naked body is not an object of desire, but simply another part of human nature. In this way, while pornography exploits curiosity and prohibition, naturism seeks to strip them of any negative connotation, advocating for a healthier and more respectful approach to the body.

Ultimately, the key difference between pornography and naturism lies in how the human body is perceived and represented. Pornography turns it into a product for consumption, distorting its reality and contributing to a culture of unattainable expectations. Naturism, on the other hand, seeks to normalize nudity as a natural manifestation, free from the complexes and prejudices imposed by society. Thus, while pornography exploits sexual desire and the mystery surrounding the body, naturism seeks to demystify it, promoting a more inclusive, honest, and respectful approach to the body and nudity.

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