Two podcast hosts recently found themselves at the center of a Twitter firestorm after sharing their opinions on showering habits. Tom Segura and Christina Pazsitsky, founders of YMH Studios, claimed on their podcast that “only poor people” use washcloths in the shower, leading to accusations of classism and ignorance.
The controversy began when the couple was discussing showering habits on their podcast, with Christina suggesting that using a washcloth was a “poor person thing.” Tom agreed, stating that he had only ever met people from a lower socioeconomic background who used washcloths. The couple then went on to speculate whether using a washcloth was an exclusively European tradition, with Christina noting that she had European friends who used them as well.
“I have European friends who use them as well,” Christina says, to which Tom replies, “maybe they’re poor.”
Tom and Christina’s statements caused outrage among many listeners and Twitter users, who accused them of being classist and out of touch. One user pointed out that the couple’s opinions were both racist and classist.
“How is it that every eight weeks or so, white people get together and admit that they don’t wash their bodies and make us witness it,” Twitter user @MediumSizeMeech shared, posting the short clip in question.
Others users mocked the idea that using a washcloth was a sign of poverty.
“As a poor white person growing up, I considered washcloths to be a rich person thing, like nice cloths just for extra scrubbing? are loofahs for ‘the poors’ too or no?” one user wrote.
Others debated the hygiene implications of using a washcloth, with some arguing that it was unhygienic due to the potential for bacteria buildup. However, others pointed out that washcloths were commonly used in hospitals, suggesting that they were not inherently dirty or unhygienic.
If washcloths are dirty, why do hospitals use them on patients? Last I checked, they prefer things to be as sterile as possible,” one user pointed out. “Just say y’all don’t like washing y’all’s a– and then leave the rest of us out of it.”
Despite the controversy, there are some potential benefits to using a washcloth in the shower. According to experts, using a washcloth can help to exfoliate the skin and remove dead skin cells, leaving the skin feeling smoother and looking brighter.
Additionally, using a washcloth can help to distribute soap or body wash more evenly, ensuring that every part of the body is properly cleansed.
However, it is important to note that using a washcloth does come with some potential downsides. For one, washcloths can harbor bacteria if not properly cleaned and dried between uses. This can lead to infections or other skin issues, particularly for people with sensitive skin.
Some people may find that using a washcloth is too abrasive or irritating for their skin, particularly if they have conditions like eczema or psoriasis.
Ultimately, the decision to use a washcloth in the shower is a personal one, and there is no one “right” way to clean oneself.
