After a tough game of football the whole team hits the showers. In the nude, as usual. However, Dutch daily de Volkskrant wrote on Tuesday that this is becoming increasingly unusual. Using communal showers with nothing on is reportedly in serious decline. The Volkskrant report has prompted fierce discussions on the internet.

I remember that as a child I really did agree that everyone should take a shower after PE class, but I wasn’t crazy about it, and usually managed not to. However, 25 years later, when my son started playing football, I made sure he joined his team mates in the communal showers after the game. It was probably a little awkward for him at first, taking a shower in the nude among all those other kids, and I could relate to how he must have felt.

Many football clubs have a rule about compulsory showers after training. It is important for personal hygiene, and even for team spirit. Apparently, many boys have decided to shower wearing boxer shorts or swimming trunks because ‘my privates are private'.

Prudishness
Is this prudishness of all ages? Is it culturally determined? Was it introduced by Muslim boys? Or is it simply a matter of boys wanting to show off their trendy boxer shorts to their team mates?

Reactions to the report came fast and furious: “Without a doubt, the Netherlands has become more prudish,” ADerks wrote in a comment. “Nudity has become coded, connected to sexuality.” Another reader argues that boys are reluctant to use communal showers in the nude because they are afraid of “being judged by the proportions of their genitals.” Yet another reader writes: “These days they are mortally afraid of being labelled as GAYS.”

Ideology and religion
Bukowski says he is glad the Dutch “are becoming a little more conservative and respectful.” He argues that taking communal showers with nothing on was stimulated by leftist ideologies from the 1970s and 1980s. And someone points out that fewer women can be seen sunbathing topless on Dutch beaches. Another change that occurred in the past few decades.

Many of the reactions to the article discuss the role of religion. Muslim men are reportedly obligated to cover their genitals when in the presence of others. On the internet, boys ask each other what is halal or haram in locker rooms. What is permitted and what isn’t?

Football players confirm that the trend to take showers in one’s underwear started among Muslims and was later copied by their team mates. In one of the comments the author says: "What a load of nonsense; play sports together, then hit the showers together and have a beer afterward. That’s the Dutch way, right!"

Sexualisation
Gidia Jacobs, chair of the Netherlands Association for Sexology says there is no scientific evidence to support the theory that the Netherlands is becoming more prudish. “For quite some time now, I have seen thongs showing above the waistline of low-rise jeans, which is really indicative of the opposite of increasing prudishness.”

The debate on communal showers may be of interest primarily because of the fact it is being conducted at all. The alleged sexualisation of society is apparently a theme. Take for instance the debate on sexy crop tops for girls. The question is whether this type of debate actually leads to behavioural changes. What it does do, is provide insight in the different cultures and opinions in society.

Maybe I should have a really long conversation on the issue with a few other gentlemen my age next time I’m in a sauna.

(gsh/rk)