Detailed statement, with title “Nudism and the law of the powerful” issued by the Mayor of Gavdos, Lilian Stefanaki, in the wake of the controversy prevailing on the island regarding nudist beaches.
In her statement, Mrs. Stefanaki it essentially speaks of inequality on the islandsince most of the beaches are for nudists.
“Once again, unknown persons removed and destroyed the signs that the Municipality of Gavdos has placed in its attempt to claim one beach out of at least ten on the island, FOR EVERYONE. Once again the Municipality of Gavdos took the necessary legal actions to protect public property , got some more and will do this as many times as needed. In the meantime, we’ll be making makeshifts with scrap wood until the end of the summer, while we stay on the island fighting to keep it alive to welcome you with the good and the time.
When in other tourist areas citizens have risen up to claim the public space that belongs to them (see “towel movement”), the concepts of freedom for all and democracy in Gavdos have a different meaning.
But WHY can’t some people understand a reasonable request of the local community, which has been recorded by decision of the Municipal Council since 2011, something that we constantly discuss among ourselves in the winter and that worries us? And they are the same ones who destroy the beach showers with the argument that we are “commercializing the public good” while trying to rationally manage the limited water we have on the island so that it reaches FOR EVERYONE.
BECAUSE, in Gavdos the law of the strong applies where the local community is the weak and the visitors are the strong.
It’s a matter of simple arithmetic! In winter, 80-100 people live in Gavdos, with less than 50 locals. In the summer, several thousand visitors come to the island, with a large proportion of them feeling that by coming and returning to the unique paradise that is the island, they gain more rights and opinion on local matters than the “reclusive” locals. They know our good, the good of the island and they will protect us”, states in her statement.
And it continues: “Since ancient times, it has been known that relationships are usually governed by the law of the strong or, in any case, the strongest, which is naturally determined by his interests. its weakness,” wrote Thucydides. The weaker side has two choices. The weaker will either change its goal and strategy, taking into account the balance of power, or submit to the demands of the stronger. The historical record shows that in international relations no is there any law to defend the legality and morality of relations between states. Law is imposed by strong states on weak states. Is there a third option? Is there. Resistance and our moral right to defend and manage our land .
This summer’s theme in Gavdos is nudism. Many say that it is part of the island’s philosophy. And we accept it, since no one talked about universal application of the law on the island.
Nudist ladies,
For the Municipality’s claim of a single beach for EVERYONE, you are destroying public property because your freedom is limited. Do we believe in diversity? There are resident and visiting nudists and resident and visiting non-nudists. We teach our children that diversity is like a bouquet of colorful flowers. Diversity is the variety that exists in our world. So we have to understand and accept the diversity of some people. We are different in terms of culture, nationality, religion, age, gender, sexual identity, physical and mental characteristics, values, educational level, the existence of a medical condition or disability. I’m sure many of you are protesting in your city centers in defense of diversity and we are with you.
Everyone fits in a civilized space. We have to leave room for everyone. Whatever the diversity, let’s not forget how we are all equal to each other. Just as we listen to someone with different opinions than ours, just as we have to provide smoking and non-smoking areas, parking spaces for people with a disability, we have to leave space for people whose nudism is not compatible with their own culture. As we see them as different, so they see us.
I wish good holidays to everyone, especially to those who have chosen our island for their summer holidays”.
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Tags: Gavdos municipality nudists
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