By Jaylyn Preslicka, Staff Reporter
On Sunday, April 19, French Designer Jeanne Damas posted a series of photos from photographer Artus de Lavilléon depicting his wife and young children laying around half-to-fully nude. Damas instantly received backlash after the photos were posted.
More shocking than the number of comments was what was being written: complaints of “child abuse” and “immorality” as well as calling the photos disgusting. Rather than viewing the photos as art, most sexualized the set. There should be no issue with young children seeing their parents nude. The line between sex and art should be clear in these situations.
Being nude is not synonymous with sex. If a parent teaches a young child that the human body is strictly sexual, then the child will grow up to view it so. If boundaries are taught and the pushed notion of sex is not an issue, then there is no panic when it comes to being nude around your child.
“If the nudity is non-sexualized,” Psychologist Shirin Peykar said. “There shouldn’t be psychological effects on a child, especially if you’re all on the same page, are all consenting and are all comfortable with it.”
There are obvious exceptions to being nude around a child.
If there are any signs of discomfort from either individual, then there should be boundaries set. That being said, if there is no sexualization, there should be no issue. It is up to what the parent instills within the child.
“I believe that if a mom can breastfeed her child why shouldn’t be allowed to see their bare bodies?” Esperanza High junior Gilbert Gaytan said. “People are afraid of this causing some weird sexual urges they should understand that it normalizes women for the children and only helps them understand that women shouldn’t be seen just in a sexual manner but that their bodies are beautiful (sic).”
American society as a whole is rather conservative. Rape culture and demonizing sex workers are among the same category as sex in art.
In Europe, many countries have nude beaches and are not quick to label someone as a “slut” or “whore” as in America. While the issue is not comparing American societal views to European ones, it does raise the question of why Americans are generally more prudish.
Regardless of the subject at hand, Lavilléon’s work is remarkable and thought provoking. It is a shame that much of the American audience diabolizes the photos.
Taking baths, running around in underclothes, and changing should not be viewed in a sexual manner, especially when it comes to young children as all of these activities are normal and done by everyone.
Growing a close relationship with children is not “immoral” “abuse” or disgusting, it is healthy and only helps a trusting bond grow stronger.
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