Wipe It Down Nude: The Unapologetic Rise Of Body Positivity In Pop Culture

In the summer of 2024, a viral phrase—“wipe it down nude”—swept across social media, transcending its origins in fitness and dance culture to become a symbol of self-acceptance and raw authenticity. What began as a directive in choreography, urging dancers to fully commit to movements by shedding inhibitions—clothed or otherwise—has evolved into a cultural mantra. It speaks to a generation increasingly rejecting performative modesty, embracing nudity not as scandalous but as a form of liberation. This shift isn’t merely linguistic; it’s ideological, echoing broader movements in fashion, film, and music where the human body is reclaimed from objectification and redefined as a site of empowerment.

The phrase gained momentum when pop icon Janelle Monáe referenced it during a performance at Glastonbury, emerging from a translucent cocoon in a nude-toned bodysuit, then dramatically removing it mid-set. “Wipe it down, and don’t apologize,” she declared, drawing thunderous applause. Monáe, long a proponent of gender fluidity and bodily autonomy, transformed the moment into a political statement. It followed closely on the heels of campaigns by Rihanna’s Savage X Fenty, which featured unretouched bodies of all sizes, and the groundbreaking work of artist and activist Akira the Don, whose “Nudity is Not Pornography” exhibition opened in Berlin this March. The convergence of music, art, and fashion around this theme signals a cultural pivot—one where vulnerability is no longer weakness, but radical strength.

The phrase “wipe it down nude” now resonates beyond the dance floor. In therapy circles, it’s being used metaphorically to encourage emotional transparency—wiping away the layers of pretense we carry daily. Clinical psychologists in Los Angeles and London have begun incorporating the concept into mindfulness workshops, urging clients to “strip down” their defenses. This psychological reinterpretation reflects a deeper societal craving for truth in an age of curated online personas. As influencer culture faces backlash for promoting unrealistic standards, the call to “wipe it down” becomes a rallying cry for digital detox and emotional honesty.

Yet, the movement isn’t without controversy. Critics argue that the normalization of nudity, even in artistic contexts, risks diluting the seriousness of consent and context. In South Korea and parts of Eastern Europe, public exhibitions featuring nudity have sparked protests, highlighting cultural disparities in how bodies are perceived. Still, the momentum is undeniable. From the runways of Paris Fashion Week—where models walked bare-chested in designs by Marine Serre—to Netflix’s critically acclaimed series “Bare,” which follows a commune practicing social nudity as a form of anti-capitalist resistance, the narrative is shifting. Nudity is no longer framed as transgressive, but as therapeutic, political, and deeply human.

What “wipe it down nude” ultimately represents is a collective exhale—a release from centuries of shame. It aligns with the legacies of pioneers like Annie Sprinkle and Carolee Schneemann, who used their bodies as canvases for feminist discourse. Today’s iteration, amplified by digital reach and intersectional awareness, pushes further. It’s not just about being seen naked, but about being seen fully—unapologetically, complexly, and authentically. In a world saturated with filters and facades, that kind of honesty is revolutionary.