Filthy is hot… at least according to the New York Times.
The fancy schmancy paper is telling busy moms, who struggle to find time to bathe, and others, who simply shun showers and prefer not to wear deodorant, that they are part of a hot, hip and happening new trend.
Whatever.
So basically, if you are dirty, smelly and unshaven, then you are super cool.
Now there’s a concept I want my kids to embrace. Not.
The paper claims that more and more people are resisting society’s expectations regarding basic personal hygiene. What’s more, the rancid smelling rebels the paper interviewed maintain that cleanliness is overrated and we should all learn to just say “no” to soap.
The Times’ piece is peppered with people who were only to happy to share stories of how they “cheerfully” embrace their funk, yet no mention is made of the colleagues, friends (if there are any left) and other associates, who are forced to tolerate the shower renegades’ sour-smelling skin.
Some people believe that daily showers dry out their skin and make them more prone to eczema episodes. While others insist that by not bathing for days on end, they are helping conserve water and bettering the environment.
So reeking like a sweaty wildebeest has a positive impact on the environment?
Listen, I’m all for preserving the world’s water supply and I realize that there are positive lipids and oils that nourish one’s skin. In fact, I willingly admit that during the bone-chilling winter days that befall the tiny northern Wisconsin city in which I reside, it is not uncommon for me or my young daughter to skip a shower or two. However, on the days I don’t bathe, I still maintain a personal hygiene routine, which includes brushing my teeth, washing my face and using deodorant, not just for my sake, but for the sake of all the people I come into contact with.
Think about it; how many times have you had someone come up to you and tell you that you stink, even when you know you do?
Not very many people actually say the words. I know I don’t, and I know there are thousands of others just like me. We’re too concerned that we would somehow offend the foul-smelling individual, so we keep our collective mouths shut. Never mind that their putrid-smelling orifices are polluting the air we breathe. That’s not offensive at all.
How do you feel about the concept that dirty is the new clean?
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