No Weekend Plans? “Howe” About Naked in a Cave?
I have to admit, naked anywhere except in my house is never in my weekend plans. Things could change, however, at this stage in the game, I doubt it. Now, some people have different plans for their weekend nakedness. According to Wendy Liberatore of the Times Union, hundreds plan to head to Howe Caverns for a naked romp beneath the earth on Saturday.
Liberatore noted, "for a growing number of people there are few things more exhilarating than exploring the stalactites and stalagmites of Howe Caverns in the nude."According to the article, "Naked in a Cave returns after a hiatus prompted by the coronavirus pandemic. And, as General Manager April Islip explained to the Times Union, it's meant to inspire something that is lacking – universal body love. “The social media climate, different companies and organizations are affecting how people are looking at themselves physically,” Islip said. “It is why we put this event together. We want people to be positive about themselves. And the level of positivity and acceptance of the people who come to this event is very infectious.”
The article was interesting. Liberatore made a point of noting the issues that are created by social media and why events like "Naked in a Cave" can be helpful. "Certainly, social media has tainted sense of self. Studies have shown that social media's cascading portraits of perfection lead to eating disorders, depression and even suicidal thoughts. A 2019 study from Facebook found its own platform, Instagram, is toxic to young girls" said the Times Union reporter.
According to Wendy's research, “We make body image issues worse for one in three teen girls,” an internal Facebook presentation concluded, The Wall Street Journal reported. “Thirty-two per cent of teen girls said that when they felt bad about their bodies, Instagram made them feel worse.”
Wendy Libertore asked that of the Howe Caverns General Manager, "Islip is certain that one night of letting it all hang out won’t cure societal body image ills, especially since the event is a big draw for those already in the know — naturists, as they prefer to be called, who like to live in the buff. Still, exposing what is often hidden from public view is liberating, she said."
If it is all the same, I think I'll hang out at home. Any trips to anywhere, especially a public attraction like Howe Caverns will be visited fully clothed. Trust me, that is good for all parties involved. Once again, to each their own. Have fun and if you want to read Wendy Liberatore's complete Times Union article, click here.
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