Is there REALLY such a thing as "tasteful nudity?"?

Question

I mean, who are we to excuse the Playboy model, but wag our finger at the Hustler model?

Call me naive, but what's the diff?

Answer 1

I consider "tastefulness" and "distastefulness" to be purely subjective. I think "tasteful nudity" is all about perception. For instance, Person A may view a form of nude published media and see it as being tasteful. Person B walks by, views that same piece of media and hails it as being distasteful. Many dub the nudity seen in art galleries such as Auguste Rodin's sculpture "The Age of Bronze" or Julius Lefebvre's painting "The Truth" as being tasteful nudity. The models who posed for these pieces may also be classified as tasteful nude models. Perhaps because they see that nudity as being a member of the artworld by virtue of its location. If the published media that is seen as distasteful were placed in a gallery, than maybe Person B might have seen it and the nude model as having good aesthetic taste because now they both (the model & the form of published media) has a place in the artworld.

Answer 2

Tasteful nudity is designed to make the naked body appear more like a form of artwork. Sometimes, the body itself can even become the canvass. The intent is to draw on the natural beauty of the human form.

Pornography, on the other hand, has a specific intention of arousing whoever is viewing the piece. There's no concern given to the art of the naked body at all. It's just showing off breasts, behinds, and genitals in a lewd manner, coupled with a lusty facial expression, to give the target audience exciting fantasies.

Answer 3

I don't think tasteful nudity is anything to do with nude magazines...tasteful nudity would be more for art like sculptures and paintings...I don't think you could put playboy or hustler in that class

Answer 4

I suppose this is in the eye of the beholder, but to me, tasteful nudity strives to show the beauty of the human body in its form.

Distasteful nudity focuses on the sexual purpose of the nude human body.

Frankly I find neither to be offensive but the former is certainly more beautiful and appealing.

Answer 5

Playboy models seems very natural, whereas Penthouse models are spread out like a pate buffet. But let's face it- both are used for the same thing. It's all about the "reader's" choice.

Answer 6

I think it is because the playboy models don't like open their "area" per say. But you are right, to each their own. Also in those magazines they are using "toys" I really don't care either way, I don't buy the magazines. It just depends on the consumer really. We aren't anyone to excuse anything in my opinion. I love your question though, star for you!

Answer 7

I dont wag my finger at Hustler models. I wag something else....

I dont judge...but tastefulness, I suppose, comes in their poses and what exactly is exposed. If I can see their cervix, then well...that's not very tasteful.

Answer 8

Looking at the nude statue of David by Michelangelo is tasteful, it is a stunning work of art. Looking at pictures of nude girls provocatively posed in ANY girlie magazine is tasteless.

Answer 9

Tasteful nudity can be found in the shower stall .

Answer 10

i think that there is a difference. if the nude people are doing sexual things, that is not tasteful. if the naked person is posing or trying to portray a certain feel, then it is tasteful. its all in ones own opinion, too. something i find tasteful might make you sick to your stomach. were all different.