I never heard a rational explanation for the policy.  I was convinced at the time that the policy was malevolent – consciously arrived at as a diabolically effective way of exploiting our self-consciousness.  Upon mature reflection, I doubt there was any deliberate malevolence.  Rather, I think it was an example of the indifference of those in power to those whose lives they control.  They didn’t create the policy in order to humiliate us and exploit our powerlessness.  We were far too unimportant to enter into their thinking at all; our feelings of humiliation were probably entirely uncontemplated. 

The policy to which I refer is this:  the (gender segregated) junior high swim classes for boys were conducted in the nude.  The gym teachers, of course, were clothed.  (Girls, in their segregated swim classes, were issued swimsuits.)

I suppose the rationale was probably based on a couple assumptions: by having 50% of the school’s population swim au naturel, the school saved 50% of the costs and complications of issuing and laundering swim suits.  I think the other important assumption was that junior high boys are essentially wild animals for whom clothing and other marks of civilization were inconsistent with their natures.

After the initial shock and insult of being deprived of the marks of participation in polite society, we boys went through our years of naked swimming classes as nonchalantly as possible.  It didn’t leave behind lasting emotional scars, but I will never forget the sense of powerlessness and vulnerability that accompanied that unchosen exposure.

Since then, I have had a keen appreciation for the story in which Adam and Eve hide themselves when they become self-conscious of their nakedness.

When we are exposed we know ourselves to be vulnerable, so we fear the harm that might come to us.  This fear leads us to retreat from perceived threats and it can decrease our trust in other people.  It can advance until we lose the sense of security we need to conduct the basic tasks of everyday life.

The current invisible threat of infection reveals our inherent vulnerability.  We can be tempted to withdraw from life in fear (far beyond prudent adherence to social distancing guidelines).  But this need not be so.

The awareness of our susceptibility to sickness and death need not alienate us.  We’re like awkward, naked 12-year-old boys, listening to the gym teacher’s instructions before jumping in the water.  We are all in this together and so we should be gentle with each other and kind.  We are all naked and afraid.

Prayer:  Eternal God, in this time when we are reminded of our mortal vulnerabilities, grant us your eternal kindness and compassion to share with our fellow creatures.  Amen.