Moi? An Exhibitionist?

A common criticism or perception of nudists is that they are merely exhibitionists. I've often debated my own actions and questioned whether or not I am merely an exhibitionist - and I've always (perhaps smugly) declared that, no, I am not an exhibitionist. 

 You see, I always referred to common definitions, such as Merriam-Webster's, that  exhibitionism is "a perversion in which sexual gratification is obtained from the indecent exposure of one's genitals (as to a stranger)."

I am being completely honest with you and myself, that I have never sought to indecently expose my genitals to the public for sexual gratification. I always strip cautiously, taking precautions to shield my nakedness from fellow humans who have aversions to naked humans. And I have never "gotten off" on being witnessed by unsuspecting textiles

But I am proud to be a nudist/naturist - if I have taken said precautions and am still chanced upon by an unsuspecting neighbor, hiker, or swimmer, I simply don't care. Humans could benefit from breaking free of the belief that nudity is shameful, dirty, immoral, or inherently sexual.

But here's the thing, there are two common definitions of exhibitionism - the sexual "perversion" one and: the act or practice of behaving so as to attract attention to oneself, once again from good ol' Merriam - Webster.

Although I don't parade down the street with my only textile being the blue and yellow Naturist flag being waved wildly above my head, I do find it invigorating, and puzzling, that simply being just as you entered this world, stripped down to your basic physical self of skin and bones, can be so controversial and provocative. 

Humans commit so many truly harmful acts against each other, life, and the world every second of every day, so how is simply sitting naked on your front porch soaking in the morning sun such an affront to humanity? 

But I do get a kick out of giving the world such a major "F-YOU", not so much trying to draw attention to myself, but drawing attention to the fact that there is so much attention and concern with a naked body. 

I mainly enjoy doing that in the form of photographs, about which the reference god on high Wikipedia states: Exhibitionism is a practice of exposing one's intimate parts – such as the breasts, genitals or buttocks – in a public or semi-public environment. This can be done live or virtually as with nude selfies using technologies like smartphones to take nude pictures of oneself for show.

But I display such photos on sites that explicitly state that "mature" subject matter lies a click away. Respect and consent is paramount.

Wikipedia goes on to clarify: Such a display may be innocuous: to friends, acquaintances or strangers for their amusement or sexual satisfaction.

And I enjoy attempting to portray myself in an artful manner, saying here I am as there you are under all your clothes. And isn't art the ultimate display of exhibitionism? So, yeah, I guess I'm an exhibitionist. 

And Now, An Exhibition(ist)