Bidet, Shattaf, or Bum Gun: NYC Mayor’s Bathroom Revolution
Summary of the Article: A Cultural Shift in Toilet Hygiene & the Rise of a New NYC Leadership
This article explores the growing acceptance of washing after using the toilet in the US, framed around the recent actions of New York City’s new mayor, Zohran Mamdani, and his wife, Rama Duwaji, who are installing bidets in Gracie Mansion.
here’s a breakdown of the key points:
* Cultural Norms: The author, an Egyptian-American playwright, highlights that washing after using the toilet is standard practice in Egypt (using bidets or shattafs – “bum guns”) and many other parts of the world. the article contrasts this with the historical lack of this practice in the US.
* The “Bidet Boom”: The article suggests Mamdani and Duwaji’s decision to install bidets is contributing to a growing trend of bidet adoption in the US,fueled by online availability and a shift in attitudes.
* Mamdani & Duwaji as Trailblazers: The piece emphasizes that the couple represents a significant shift in NYC leadership. Mamdani is the youngest mayor in over a century, the first Muslim and South Asian mayor, and the first born in Africa. Duwaji is the youngest First Lady,and the first Gen Z and Muslim First lady.
* Increased Scrutiny: The article notes that everything about the couple – from their eating habits to their fashion choices and political statements – is subject to intense public scrutiny.
In essence, the article uses the seemingly mundane topic of toilet hygiene to discuss broader themes of cultural exchange, changing norms, and the meaning of a new, diverse leadership in New York City. It celebrates the potential for increased comfort and cleanliness while also acknowledging the attention and challenges faced by this groundbreaking couple.