The Great Unwashed (People Going w/out Soap or Deodorant)

New York Times ^ | October 31, 2010 | Catherine Saint Louis

[Arec Barrwin]

October 29, 2010 The Great Unwashed By CATHERINE SAINT LOUIS

A DAILY shower is a deeply ingrained American habit. Most people would no sooner disclose they had not showered in days than admit infidelity. But Jenefer Palmer, 55, of Malibu, Calif., cheerfully acknowledged recently that she doesn’t shower or shampoo daily and doesn’t use deodorant. Ever.

No, she does not work from home in pajamas. In fact, Ms. Palmer, the chief executive of Osea, an organic skin-care line, often travels to meet business contacts at the five-star luxury hotels where her line is sold. They might be surprised to read that Ms. Palmer, a petite, put-together brunette, showers “no more than three times a week,” she said, and less if she hasn’t been “working out vigorously.”

She contends that a soapy washcloth under her arms, between her legs and under her feet is all she needs to get “really clean.” On the go, underarm odor is wiped away with a sliced lemon.

[Arec Barrwin]

People have been using soap for thousands of years. Ancient Egyptians and Romans bathed regularly. People who don't bathe are just gross.

[ClearCase_guy]

Some of these people seem to take this approach because of their concern about the worldwide water shortage. That's the new "global warming" type of scam.

Idiots.

[Mr Ramsbotham]

Confucius say: woman who does not bathe have bad taste.

[Snickering Hound]

California? I'm not surprised.

[proud American in Canada]

That is gross.

Looking forward to the replies on this thread. :)

[stocksthatgoup]

Come to Humboldt County, CA. Public gatherings, thankfully, are held outdoors.

[kittymyrib]

Ugh...I hope she isn’t one of those envio-crazies who only uses one sheet of toilet paper.

As for her staying in 5-star hotels, no wonder most of them are having a terrible bed bug problem.

[netmilsmom]

I moved from Ohio to MI where the water makes my skin crusty. I was forced to go to a shower every other day. Some summer days, I can’t stand myself and shower anyway, with tons of lotion after.

Yuck.

[TruthShallSetYouFree]

Shouldn’t this article be in French?

[Jeff Chandler]

The headline is misleading. The woman mentioned is bathing, she’s just not doing it in a bathtub or shower.

[TheConservativeParty]

I hope no one ever drinks her homemade lemonade.

: )

[MEGoody]

Okay, that’s just gross. I wouldn’t be able to stand myself if I did this, let alone anyone else trying to stand me.

[charles1252]

"She contends that a soapy washcloth under her arms, between her legs and under her feet is all she needs to get “really clean.” On the go, underarm odor is wiped away with a sliced lemon."

If I heard that on a date I would dump this lemon pronto!

[dfwgator]

A DAILY shower is a deeply ingrained American habit. Most people would no sooner disclose they had not showered in days than admit infidelity. But Jenefer Palmer, 55, of Malibu, Calif., cheerfully acknowledged recently that she doesn’t shower or shampoo daily and doesn’t use deodorant. Ever.

In Europe, they'd fit right in.

[andy58-in-nh]

Even after all these years, California hippies still stink.

[dep]

another take on the great unwashed.

[yldstrk]

there is a word for it

LAZY

[charles1252]

Sounds like you need a water softner in the house.

[The KG9 Kid]

Stank Ace.

[BenLurkin]

Bad hygiene is a bad idea that will lead to bad health.