We had dirty people, hippie people, bums and a few freaknicks but never like today. Back then they were fringe and had to arrange to congregate with their own kind somewhere.
Now it is mainstream. Grunge, filth and freak and tattoos like a Maori Warriors are everywhere. Just one example is that nobody would ever go to the store in pajamas and fluffy house shoes. I have seen that a lot in our town particularly at Waddlemart.
I have also experienced boomer generation couples at the grocery story with hair so filthy and oily you could grease a tractor with it. They did not just smell they smelled like cows, like manure. There is nobody in this country that does not have access to water and soap to clean themselves. Absolutely disgusting and disgraceful but even worse to me offensive and disrespectful of anyone and everyone.
No, in days past there was not the freak show of today. It is not a statement of uniqueness becasue they are not unique. They are slobs, lazy, filthy, ill-mannered, poorly raised, uncaring, trashy and lacking of respect for others or themselves.
You struck a nerve with me.
I remember my Mom wouldn’t go to the grocery store without putting on makeup and a nice dress first. And brushing her hair.
Now? If we’re lucky, most of the women will be wearing SOMETHING.