Comments on: A whole lota environmentalism going on

By: Blue

Blue — Sun, 25 Mar 2007 17:59:42 +0000

I mean, most mammals squat and they don't use anything at all, as in how often have you seen a dog or cat that needed a wet wipe?

I live with three cats, and... well, it happens. And we've also probably all seen the busy little kitty using her tongue to clean that particular orifice.

Growing up with dogs, it was even worse. We had an American Eskimo with lots of long, fuzzy hair. Just imagine.

By: MoS

MoS — Sun, 25 Mar 2007 17:46:35 +0000

a gay friend of mine pointed out last night that he always has wet wipes in his bathroom for, er, hygienic purposes that had nothing to do with relieving one's nowels... which makes me wonder why my ex-mother & father in law always kept them in their bathroom..

A squeeky clean booty is a must for sexually active people of both hetero and homo inclinations.

Just toilet paper will not do.

By: Amrita

Amrita — Sun, 25 Mar 2007 12:32:22 +0000

Another thought– lotas generally accompany squat loos which make for a cleaner evacuation in the first place, so there’s probably less poo to clean off. I mean, most mammals squat and they don’t use anything at all, as in how often have you seen a dog or cat that needed a wet wipe? In any event, as humans, why not have it both ways? I’m in favor of wet tp (flushable), and by all means a shower for complete desi state of ablution — but not without first exhausting the capabilities of wet tp.

By: chitrana

chitrana — Sun, 25 Mar 2007 11:40:48 +0000

I am an ABD, moved here when I was 8 and visit India every 2-3 years once. I have always used water just because I find it much cleanlier. I try not to take a shit when away from the house but I lived in the dorms for a whole year during college and I managed to get by with 2 bottles of water. Its all about technique. I pour the water from the front rather than from the back which eliminates any splashes/uncontrolled flow problems. Its quite clean, and I leave no evidence of water ever being used. A wipe down with TP after washing takes care of the wet ass problem. To avoid getting anything underneath the finger nails, use the kneel of your palm. Never scrub/scratch with your fingers (amateur's mistake). Soap is a must when washing your hands afterwards. A water bottle is generally better at controlling flow than a traditional lota/small jug. If you are lucky enough to have a toilet right beside the tub, then by all means reach over and refill the bottle.

Incidentally, if your shit is runny enough, no amount of toilet paper will prevent it (or at least the smell) from sticking to your fingers whereas water will wash it all away.

Given that desis in desh do not use soap to wash their hands after they use their hand to clean your ass

I would say a greater percentage of desis than non-desis use soap/wash hands in general after using the bathroom. I don't know where you're getting this expert conclusion from.

Ok, I'm a tamil. Tamils were raised to respect paper because you get education through paper and all legal documents are of paper, if my foot accidentally touches a paper, I must touch the paper with my hands and then touch my eyes much like I am praying / being blessed. So we are not supposed to use paper to wipe our ass because it is disrespectful to the paper..

I am a Kannadiga and was raised this way as well but I guess we never equated TP as being regular paper. But I always try and avoid stepping on paper, books, etc.

On visits to India, I drink only bottled/aquaguard water. I generally don't have any problems with getting sick/diseases etc. I don't really bother avoiding chutney because the amount of salt in it is likely to kill most bacteria. In Bangalore, there is now a new chain of fruit juice stands (Ganesh?) and they use Aquaguard when making fresh fruit juices. I drink those all the time, and have no problems. Similarly, Chalukya and a couple other places have aquaguard installed and serve chaat dishes, etc. As long as you are careful, you don't have to deny yourself anything to be safe.

By: seinfeldfan

seinfeldfan — Sun, 25 Mar 2007 09:24:51 +0000

Many of you need to immediately attend the next session at your local Germophobics Anon. See you there!

By: Manju

Manju — Sun, 25 Mar 2007 04:50:07 +0000

slantedtruth

(manj, you'll recognize me from lj, i bet!)

hmmm? not sure. if by lj you mean live journal...never been on the site.

By: louiecypher

louiecypher — Sun, 25 Mar 2007 04:25:03 +0000

Why am I enjoying reading other peoples anecdotes and advice about shitting? What's wrong with me?

You're OK man. This is a legitimate area of human inquiry.If I ever become rich I am going to fund the Louiecypher Chair for the Anthropology of Pooping at "Haavad".

By: louiecypher

louiecypher — Sun, 25 Mar 2007 04:15:37 +0000

While in hostel in Chennai (Tamils, common Tamils, being one group with no regard for personal hygeine), we used to have a cook/server in the mess hall who sometimes used to jump into the loo during the lunch session. Seeing him waddle in from that general direction was enough to have me stop my lunch and jump out..

Next boring arangetram I have to sit through this "common Tamil" is going to test the vats of food for taste with his left index finger. More payasam for me !

By: desishiksa

desishiksa — Sun, 25 Mar 2007 03:37:33 +0000

Given that desis in desh do not use soap to wash their hands after they use their hand to clean your ass

Ewwww....that is so not true...

(Tamils, common Tamils, being one group with no regard for personal hygeine)

What is a "common Tamil"...as opposed to a "rare Tamil"? I think that comment could be construed as offensive on several levels.

By: slantedtruth

slantedtruth — Sat, 24 Mar 2007 21:21:34 +0000

manju and qualified_time,

a gay friend of mine pointed out last night that he always has wet wipes in his bathroom for, er, hygienic purposes that had nothing to do with relieving one's nowels... which makes me wonder why my ex-mother & father in law always kept them in their bathroom..

(manj, you'll recognize me from lj, i bet!)