New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani and his wife, Rama Duwaji, are making headlines by planning to install bidets in their official residence, Gracie Mansion. This move is seen as a significant cultural shift in the United States regarding personal hygiene practices. Bidets, often referred to as bum guns or shattafs, are common in many parts of the world but have yet to gain widespread acceptance in American homes.
The concept of bidets is not new. In fact, it has been an integral part of bathroom culture in Egypt, where both bidets and shattafs are standard fixtures. Egyptian-American playwright Yussef El Guindi highlighted this cultural aspect in his 2015 off-Broadway play, “Threesome,” which humorously addressed the necessity of washing after using the toilet. The play resonated with many who share similar backgrounds, emphasizing the differences in hygiene practices.
In Egypt, it is customary to find various devices for washing after using the toilet. The shattaf, a common fixture, allows users to control water pressure, making it a favorite for many. The term “shattaf” derives from Arabic, meaning “to clean,” while the word “bidet” comes from a French term for a small horse, signifying its straddling use. These practices are not limited to Egypt; variations exist globally, from Europe to Asia and parts of South America.
Mamdani and Duwaji’s plan to introduce bidets at Gracie Mansion represents a broader cultural shift. Mamdani, who is 34 years old, is not only the youngest mayor of New York City since 1892 but also its first Muslim and South Asian mayor. His wife, Duwaji, at 28, is the youngest first lady, marking a new generation in New York’s political landscape. Their personal choices, including bathroom fixtures, are under scrutiny, with supporters embracing their progressive stance while critics express concern.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, issues surrounding toilet paper shortages made many reconsider their hygiene practices. Despite a surge in bidet sales, the United States remains largely “shattaf-free.” This highlights a cultural reluctance to adopt what many consider an essential bathroom fixture.
Reflecting on her own experiences, Eltahawy recalls moving from Cairo to London at the age of seven. The absence of bidets and shattafs in British bathrooms was shocking for her family. They resorted to using watering cans to maintain their hygiene standards, a practice that continued when they later moved to Saudi Arabia, where bidets were commonplace.
As bidets slowly gain traction in the U.S., advocates like Eltahawy urge others to embrace this hygienic practice. She encourages Americans to consider the benefits of washing after using the toilet, suggesting it is not merely a cultural preference but an essential aspect of personal hygiene.
With Mamdani and Duwaji leading the charge, the hope is that the stigma surrounding bidets will diminish, making cleanliness a priority for all. As Eltahawy succinctly puts it, “wash your ass! Install that bidet, bum gun or shattaf. You’ll thank me later.”
