I think I figured out awhile back why women readers of my blog sometimes send me unsolicited nude pics and videos of themselves — occasionally in their very first emails to me. I suspect now it’s because they don’t want to risk being thought of by me as just another commodity, just another human who is interchangeable with all other humans — just another grain of polished rice.
They want to stand out instead, be seen as individuals, as persons in their own right. And who wouldn’t?
Sending nudes in a day of internet porn might not be the best way to stand out, but if the goal is to be noticed as an individual, then that’s a pretty good goal, I think. But what does it say about our world that so many of us these days seem to feel we’ve gotten lost in the crowds?
I don’t think it’s just that there are more people now. I don’t think it’s that simple. I think our cultures have been changing — and not always in good ways. I think we are becoming peoples who do not value authenticity — being true to yourself — highly enough to look for the individual in other people these days.
By the way, no one has ever sent me a poem, an essay, a drawing, an audio of them singing, etc. as the first thing they send me. Nudes yes. But not art they have created with their own hands.
Doesn’t that say something?
If you’re a woman who is thinking about introducing herself to me with a nude to reveal her beauty to me, go ahead. Feel welcomed. I’m not judgemental and it’s an adventurous way to introduce yourself to someone. But please, please keep your nudes tasteful. “Beauty, not porn!” And please also include some art that you yourself created. A drawing. A poem. A recording of you singing.
I guarantee your art will mean more to me than your nude.
