So what's the difference between an elbow and a breast? Anatomically, I know. But one can be shown on television, the other can't. One requires an 'R' rating, the other doesn't. You scratch one and don't scratch the other... unless you're into that kind of thing. Of course, touching both can raise desires of two entirely different natures, and therein lies the rub. Pun intended, thank you very much.
What's the big deal as it relates to revealing either one in art? I'm certainly not the first to raise this question. As an artist who enjoys rendering pin-up and fantasy art, partial or full nudity goes with the territory. I know there's a difference in how it's portrayed. I know there's a difference between pornography and eroticism. It's the latter I'm interested in. Generally, I think the rule "I know it when I see it" is a sound one. However, the perceptions in what people see, and the differences in how they interpret it, I find amazing in their diversity. Just exactly where do we draw the line? Should there even be a line?
Some of us may have a problem with nudity. There's usually have some kind of limit of what we'll look at; a rating system of sorts. Where do you rate? Which of the following statements would you agree with as it pertains to disrobing the human body?
1. Can't even show a toe.... even in silhouette.
2. Toes, ok, calves, no. Full length dresses at all times. Points added for tintype prints.
3. Knees and elbows, but certainly not more arm or leg.
4. Arms and legs, but certainly not the belly. No part of the chest below the clavicle may show.
5. Belly, but no navel. You may remember "I Dream of Genie".
6. Bathing suits, one piece only. Thick knit wool preferred. Special exemption awarded to lifeguards, but only during working hours, and never on Sunday.
7. Bikinis, but not sheer, never see-through even when wet. If you can see through it, wear two. Or three until the condition goes away. And use something more than 'string', really. Docking rope from the nearest oil tanker should suffice.
8. Thongs. Although fashionably questionable, some people like 'em. I mean, why wear anything, really?
9. Nipples. Hide 'em. Cover 'em with your hand or a couple fingers or a small napkin or an AOL CD or something, please. You have to admit, magazine cover editors have been extremely busy, spending late nights in finding ingenious ways to cover them. And the censors are always ready to jump up and protect us from these small MOE's (Missiles of Evil). Have you ever been hurt by one? I haven't. But so many movie directors have explored all facets of the side-shot that I hear there's a department at every major studio for just that purpose. "roll, roll.... keep on....STOP! Right there! Cut, splice, print!"
Addendum: A SNA (Subliminal Nipple Award) went to the cover editor of Esquire when Demi Moore posed in nothing more than body paint for a cover a few years back. Censors were knocked flat. "How did they think about that before we could ban it?" Thank you Esquire, for sending them back to the drawing board.
10. Bikini? What bikini?
[editor's note - The following categories concern nudity only. If you become light-headed or prone to falling down when considering this, I suggest you stop right here. In addition, a passing grade in a state bar exam would be helpful, as legalities fly fast and furious in the world of the clothing impaired.]
11. Nude, but legs have to be crossed. If model is posed in rear view, bending over at the hips limited to 38 degrees off vertical (the critical angle determined by a government panel, on a day when one of the panel members, a war veteran, fainted on seeing what was revealed when the model reached that critical 39th degree. You think there's a coincidence that Korea was divided like this?). Subsection A: Front view, bending forward is allowed, as much as anatomically possible, but absolutely no bending backwards at all.
12. Nude, with knees no more than 12 inches apart. Rule may be excepted when under Rule 3, paragraph 2, note 5a, in which the model is turned at least 87 degrees to either side and this can be verified by a C.N.N. (certified nudity notary). Beware... C.N.N.'s carry their 4000 page manual at all times.
13. Frontal nudity with no boundaries. This does not exist as yet. There are always boundaries. As you can see from #12, there are so many rules, notes, and sub-paragraphs as to what people can accept to make this really crossing the line no matter what stance you take.
Special Exemption A: Unless in movies. It seems that the MPAA has hired the C.N.N. mentioned above and decided that women can reveal much more than men in movies. Women are allowed greater freedom (or pushed to do more) than men, whom those much higher than I have decided that men are not allowed to show their penis. (really, did you have to really use the 'P' word?!?) This is a phenomenon that the author has not come close to understanding. I only have one thing to say about this: Welcome to America.
13a. (Lift and Separate Enhancement Clause) Nude, with silicone. We're entering a whole new genre here, as silicone has only one purpose, and I'm not talking about tire traction. The author is not a fan of enhancement. I'm not sure what is more likely: Men coming to expect women having larger breasts? Or women growing more insecure that they don't have breasts large enough. And worse still, everyday young men and women grow up with a whole new set of expectations of what beauty is. [This is a whole 'nother soapbox, to be addressed in a later issue. Sorry to get off-track].
14. And finally, the straw that breaks most censor's backs: "You want to show your what?"
15. And if that doesn't kill you: "You want to put what (unmentionable object) where (unmentionable place)?" Forget about the C.N.N., he fainted a long time ago.
Addendum: SFA (Subliminal Fluid Award) goes to Showtime and Cinemax for showing movies that give us the impression that two actors are exchanging fluids, when in fact, they are not.
So where do most of us fall in line? "I know it when I see it?". But what exactly are you seeing? What exactly is it that throws our moral gremlin running for the coat closet, that makes our shorts a little more binding? Is it just too much knee? Too much leg? Breast? Penis? (did you really have to use that p-word again? Jeez.....)
Like I said, I'm not the first to write about this, and won't be the last... just trying to dispel a little of the nudity anxiety with humor. I'm not trying to break any boundaries here, not trying to whip out any Mapplethorpe on you. My only goal is to get you to think. Not change your mind, necessarily, but just to think. We can all use a bit more of that.
