Understanding the World: Tales of the Great Unwashed
I explore the psychological and neurological issues of very dirty people. Dirty and smelly people. Am I too prissy?
Note: This essay was prepared with the research assistance and ghostwriting capabilities of ChatGPT 4.0. And I don't feel the least bit guilty about it (well, maybe a touch). Now, this is an essay about dirt and smells; I hope I'm not being unduly prissy here...
Author's Preface
Early Encounters with Unhygienic: Individuals True Stories
Throughout my life, I've encountered several people who were extraordinarily dirty and smelly. These encounters have stayed with me, and I find myself reflecting on them more as time goes by. Why you ask? A good question.
The Ditch Digger
The first time was when I was a teenager, working for a one-man electrical construction company. My task was to dig a trench for some wires. My boss brought in an older guy to help with the labour. I had no idea how old he was; as a teenager, anyone older seemed ancient to me. He could have been in his 20s for all I know, but he looked like a very old man to me then.
A Filthy Companion
The most striking thing about this man was how dirty he was. He wore a dark t-shirt that was just filthy—everything about him was grimy. He smelled, and the stench was rank - 100 degrees Farenheit too. We worked together for a couple of days, but then I never saw him again. My boss mentioned that this man lived in a cardboard house. At the time, I didn’t think much of it, but now, on reflection, I wonder about his circumstances. This was an era when drugs were not as prevalent as they are today, and homelessness was certainly not as visible. The mentally ill were often kept in warehouses and out of sight. This was before the widespread use of drug treatments and deinstitutionalization. I wonder what led this man to live in such squalor.
Captain Morgan: A Curious Case
Another memorable encounter was with a man who called himself Captain Morgan. I was in my mid-thirties, taking a road trip on Vancouver Island, and I picked him up as a hitchhiker. He was a great storyteller, sharing tales of his life as a tour bus driver in Jasper or Banff. He had been married but wasn’t anymore. The thing that stood out most was how filthy he was—possibly even filthier than the man I had worked with years earlier. He smelled terrible, yet he was an excellent raconteur.
Reflections on His Decline
It’s interesting to note that Captain Morgan couldn’t have been so physically repulsive when he was married or driving a tour bus. He wouldn’t have been allowed to be a driver in such a state, and it’s hard to believe that a spouse would have tolerated him for long. What happened? Did the loss of his job and the collapse of his marriage lead to his failure of hygiene, or did his hygiene fail first, leading to the other issues? This makes me wonder about the psychological and neurological conditions that might result in such a drastic change in a person’s ability to maintain basic cleanliness.
Repeated Encounters
I saw Captain Morgan several times after our first encounter. Sometimes I picked him up; other times, I just saw him on the streets. He never remembered me, which wasn’t surprising given how much he traveled and how many people he met. I later learned from my brother-in-law, who drove a city bus, that Captain Morgan lived near Mount Ptolemy and was still seen occasionally. Even though decades have passed, his memory lingers with me, along with the questions about what led to his decline.
Reflections on Hygiene in General
More recently, I passed by an old woman in a wheelchair on the sidewalk who emitted the same rank odour. This isn’t an isolated experience; from time to time, I’ve noticed that older people sometimes lose the capacity for hygiene. I don’t understand it—it hasn’t happened to me yet, and I hope it never does.
Personal Experience with Neglected Hygiene
Reflecting on Captain Morgan’s state also brings to mind a time in my own life when I neglected my hygiene. I was around eleven years old when I looked at my legs and realized I hadn’t washed in months. Should I blame my mother for being negligent? A cop out, but it’s strange that I let myself get that dirty. Now, as an adult, I am a clean freak (some claim I am certainly some sort of freak). Then again, I am somewhat OCD .
Observations on Animal Hygiene
I’ve visited zoos and noticed the smell in monkey houses and ape houses. The stench is abominable, and it reminds me of the people I’ve encountered over the years—Captain Morgan, the woman at the key punch machine, and the trench-digging man. That vile smell is a natural human odor, one that emerges when we don’t wash. I wonder if, in the Middle Ages, when people reportedly bathed only once a year, they dealt with similar issues. I remember reading in elementary school that spring cleaning in the 1800s involved washing clothes once a year after a long winter. But how true are these stories? I haven’t looked into it.
Hygiene Across Time and Cultures
Hygiene practices have varied greatly across different ages and cultures. Some people today still lack access to water, and I wonder how they manage to clean themselves—with difficulty, I suppose. And maybe some don’t. I once saw pictures of people living in a cave in the Philippines who looked as filthy as chimpanzees. If you’ve ever seen a hairless chimpanzee, you’ll notice they’re covered in dirt—sort of like I was as a pre-teen boy.
Thoughts on Neurological Conditions and Hygiene
I also wonder about the neurological conditions that might lead someone to become so dirty. Apart from being a clueless pre-teen, what could cause an adult to neglect their hygiene so severely? It’s possible that drug addiction, whether to alcohol or other substances, is at the root. But maybe it’s a mental illness in itself that leads to such a state.
Questions, Questions
The encounters I’ve had with unclean individuals have left me with many questions about the psychological and neurological factors that contribute to such conditions. Whether it’s due to mental illness, addiction, or other factors, the issue of hygiene—or the lack thereof—remains a curious aspect of the human condition.
Introduction
Hygiene is often viewed as a fundamental aspect of civilized society, a basic expectation in both social and professional contexts. Despite this, there are instances where individuals neglect personal cleanliness to an extreme degree. My encounters with such individuals have left me pondering the possible causes—both psychological and neurological—that lead to such conditions. This essay explores these encounters, reflects on the possible reasons behind this neglect of hygiene, and delves into the broader historical and cultural context of hygiene practices.
Discussion of the Issues
Hygienic Practices Throughout the Ages and Across Cultures
Throughout history, hygiene practices have varied greatly depending on cultural, geographical, and technological factors.
Ancient Civilizations: In ancient Egypt, personal cleanliness was highly valued. Egyptians bathed frequently, often in the Nile River, and used scented oils to mask body odours. They also practised dental hygiene, using a mixture of pumice and wine as toothpaste (Taylor, 2001). Similarly, in ancient Greece and Rome, public baths were common and were seen as a social activity. Romans, in particular, had advanced bathhouses with heated water, steam rooms, and even rudimentary plumbing (Yegül, 1995).
Middle Ages in Europe: During the Middle Ages, especially in Europe, attitudes toward hygiene became more lax. Bathing was often discouraged by the Church, which believed that it opened the body to sin and disease. As a result, many people bathed only a few times a year. Clothing was also rarely washed, leading to widespread issues with lice and other pests (Classen, 1992).
Islamic Cultures: In contrast, Islamic cultures have historically placed a strong emphasis on cleanliness as part of religious practice. Ritual washing, or Wudu, is performed before prayers, and personal hygiene is considered an important aspect of daily life (Ibn Zakariya, M. S.et al., 2015).
Asia: In Japan, bathing has long been a cultural tradition, often linked to spiritual cleansing. Communal baths, or "onsen," were and still are a common practice, with hot springs being a popular location (Grilli, 1985). In China, too, bathing was a common practice, especially among wealthier classes, with bathhouses being widespread in major cities (Yang, 2004).
Indigenous Cultures: Many Indigenous cultures in North America had established hygiene practices that were both practical and effective long before European settlers arrived. These practices included regular bathing in natural bodies of water and the use of natural materials for cleaning (Cajete, 1994).
Modern Times: In more recent times, especially in industrialized countries, the advent of indoor plumbing, soap, and other hygiene products has made regular bathing and cleanliness more accessible. However, access to clean water and hygiene facilities remains a challenge in many parts of the world (World Health Organization [WHO], 2020).
Hygiene Among Animals
In the animal kingdom, grooming is a common behaviour, essential for health, social bonding, and, in some cases, survival:
Mammals: Many mammals, like cats and primates, groom themselves regularly to remove parasites, dirt, and dead skin. Grooming also plays a role in social bonding, especially among primates, where individuals groom each other to establish and reinforce social hierarchies (Kummer, 1995).
Birds: Birds engage in preening, where they use their beaks to clean and arrange their feathers. This behaviour is crucial for maintaining the insulation properties of their plumage and for removing parasites (Clayton & Moore, 1997).
Fish and Reptiles: Some fish rely on "cleaner fish" to remove parasites and dead skin from their bodies. Reptiles, on the other hand, shed their skin periodically as a form of natural hygiene (Mader, 2006).
Insects: Insects like ants and bees groom themselves and each other to remove dirt and parasites. This behaviour is essential for preventing the spread of disease within the colony (Zhukovskaya et al., 2013).
Dirty People and Why They Are That Way
In cultures where bathing is not particularly difficult, the reasons why some individuals neglect hygiene can be complex:
Mental Illness: Mental health conditions like depression, schizophrenia, and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) can lead to a lack of interest in personal hygiene. Individuals may feel overwhelmed by the task, may not perceive the need for cleanliness, or may be too preoccupied with other concerns (American Psychiatric Association, 2013).
Addiction: Substance abuse, whether involving alcohol, street drugs, or prescription narcotics, can also lead to poor hygiene. Addicted individuals may prioritize obtaining and using their substance of choice over personal care, or they may lose the capacity to care for themselves due to the effects of the substance (Koob & Volkow, 2010).
Homelessness: Homeless individuals face significant challenges in maintaining hygiene, including lack of access to clean water, bathing facilities, and hygiene products. Even in societies where these resources are available, individuals without stable housing may find it difficult or impossible to stay clean (Institute of Medicine Committee on Health Care for Homeless People.,1988).
Neglect and Isolation: Some individuals may become dirty due to neglect, whether self-neglect or neglect by caregivers. This can be particularly common among the elderly or those with disabilities who may not be able to care for themselves and have no one to assist them (Lachs et al., 1994).
Challenges Faced by People on the Streets
Maintaining hygiene is particularly difficult for people living on the streets:
Limited Access to Facilities: Many homeless individuals lack access to basic hygiene facilities such as showers, sinks, or even clean water. Public restrooms, when available, may not offer the privacy or cleanliness needed for proper hygiene (Leibler et al., 2017).
Stigma and Isolation: The social stigma associated with homelessness can exacerbate the challenges of maintaining hygiene. Many homeless individuals face discrimination, which can prevent them from accessing facilities that might otherwise be available (Phelan et al., 1997).
Physical and Mental Health Issues: Physical and mental health problems can make it difficult for homeless individuals to care for themselves. Chronic illnesses, disabilities, and mental health disorders are prevalent among the homeless population, and these conditions can impede their ability to maintain personal hygiene (Folsom et al., 2005).
Possible Mental Illness Conditions Resulting in Negligent Hygiene
Several mental health conditions are associated with poor hygiene:
Depression: Individuals suffering from depression often experience a loss of interest in activities they once found important, including personal hygiene. They may lack the energy or motivation to bathe, groom, or change clothes (American Psychiatric Association, 2013).
Schizophrenia: Schizophrenia can lead to disorganized thinking and behaviour, making it difficult for individuals to maintain regular hygiene. They may not recognize the need for cleanliness or may be too preoccupied with delusions or hallucinations (Mueser & McGurk, 2004).
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD): While some individuals with OCD may be excessively concerned with cleanliness, others may avoid hygiene practices due to obsessive fears or rituals that make the process overwhelming (Stein, 2016).
Hoarding Disorder: Hoarding, often considered a subtype of OCD, can lead to extreme neglect of personal hygiene as individuals become overwhelmed by the clutter in their living spaces (Frost et al., 2011).
Psychosis: Individuals experiencing psychosis may have impaired insight and judgment, leading to neglect of hygiene. They may not recognize the need for cleanliness or may have delusional beliefs that discourage bathing or grooming (American Psychiatric Association, 2013).
Behavioral and Neurological Correlates in Animals
In animals, poor grooming or lack of hygiene can be indicative of underlying issues:
Stress and Anxiety: Animals that are stressed or anxious may neglect grooming. For example, a stressed cat may stop cleaning itself, leading to a matted, dirty coat. This behaviour is often linked to changes in the environment, such as moving to a new home or the introduction of a new pet (Overall, 2013).
Depression-like States: While we can't equate animal behaviour with human depression exactly, animals can exhibit depression-like states, often as a result of social isolation, illness, or loss of a companion. In these states, grooming behaviour may decline (Hennessy et al., 1998).
Neurological Disorders: Some neurological conditions can lead to changes in grooming behavior. For example, animals with brain injuries or certain neurological diseases may lose the ability to groom themselves properly.
Parasitic Infestation: In some cases, animals that stop grooming may be suffering from a parasitic infestation or skin disease that makes grooming painful or uncomfortable (Mader, 2006).
Summary of the Issues
The intersection of mental health, social conditions, and hygiene is complex and multifaceted. Historical and cultural practices around hygiene have evolved significantly, yet the challenges faced by individuals who neglect hygiene, whether due to mental illness, addiction, homelessness, or other factors, remain pressing concerns in modern society. Understanding the psychological, neurological, and social factors that contribute to poor hygiene can help in developing more effective interventions and support systems for those affected.
References
American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed.). https://doi.org/10.1176/appi.books.9780890425596
This manual provides comprehensive criteria for diagnosing mental disorders, including conditions that may lead to negligent hygiene, such as depression, schizophrenia, OCD, and hoarding disorder.
Cajete, G. (1994). Look to the mountain: An ecology of Indigenous education. Kivaki Press. ISBN: 9781555911443 https://www.amazon.ca/Look-Mountain-Ecology-Indigenous-Education/dp/1882308654
This book explores the ecological and educational practices of Indigenous cultures, including their approaches to hygiene and cleanliness as part of holistic living.
Grilli, P. (1985). Furo: The Japanese bath. Kodansha International. https://www.amazon.ca/Furo-Japanese-Bath-Peter-Grilli/dp/0870116010.
Classen, C. (1992). The odor of the other: Olfactory symbolism and cultural categories. Ethos, 20(2), 133-166. https://doi.org/10.1525/eth.1992.20.2.02a00010
This article discusses the symbolic and cultural meanings of smell, particularly how different cultures interpret body odors and cleanliness.
Clayton, D. H., & Moore, J. (1997). Host-parasite evolution: General principles and avian models. Oxford University Press. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17040708/
This book explores the relationship between hosts and parasites, focusing on birds. It provides insights into grooming behavior in animals as a defense against parasites.
Institute of Medicine (US) Committee on Health Care for Homeless People. (1988). Health problems of homeless people. In Homelessness, health, and human needs. National Academies Press (US). https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK218232/
This report provides an in-depth examination of the health challenges faced by homeless populations, including issues related to access to care, the prevalence of mental illness, and the difficulties in maintaining hygiene and overall health.
Folsom, D. P., Hawthorne, W., Lindamer, L. A., Gilmer, T., Bailey, A., Golshan, S., & Jeste, D. V. (2005). Prevalence and risk factors for homelessness and utilization of mental health services among 10,340 patients with serious mental illness in a large public mental health system. American Journal of Psychiatry, 162(2), 370-376. https://doi.org/10.1176/appi.ajp.162.2.370
This study explores the prevalence of homelessness among individuals with serious mental illness and the barriers they face in accessing mental health services, including issues related to hygiene.
Frost, R. O., Steketee, G., & Tolin, D. F. (2011). Comorbidity in hoarding disorder. Depression and Anxiety, 28(10), 876-884. https://doi.org/10.1002/da.20861
This article discusses hoarding disorder and its comorbid conditions, particularly how hoarding behavior can lead to neglect of personal hygiene.
Hennessy, M. B., Zate, R., & Maken, M. (1998). Social buffering of the cortisol response of adult female guinea pigs. Physiology & Behavior, 63(3), 381-388. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.physbeh.2007.12.005
This study investigates how social support can buffer stress responses in animals, with implications for understanding grooming behavior under stress.
Koob, G. F., & Volkow, N. D. (2010). Neurocircuitry of addiction. Neuropsychopharmacology, 35(1), 217-238. https://doi.org/10.1038/npp.2009.110
This review discusses the neurological pathways involved in addiction and how substance abuse can lead to neglect of basic self-care, including hygiene.
Kummer, H. (1995). In quest of the sacred baboon. Princeton University Press. https://press.princeton.edu/books/hardcover/9780691628929/in-quest-of-the-sacred-baboon?srsltid=AfmBOop6woUckz447h85pSeGNqfTE2byjcswR9sD2E3csGh8yslHN97f
This book provides a detailed account of baboon behavior, including grooming rituals and their significance in social bonding and hierarchy.
Lachs, M. S., & Pillemer, K. (1995). Abuse and neglect of elderly persons. The New England Journal of Medicine, 332(7), 437-443. https://doi.org/10.1056/NEJM199502163320706
This article explores the critical issue of abuse and neglect among elderly individuals, discussing the prevalence, risk factors, and the role of healthcare professionals in identifying and addressing these issues.
Leibler, J. H., Nguyen, D. D., León, C., Gaeta, J. M., & Perez, D. (2017). Personal hygiene practices among urban homeless persons in Boston, MA. Journal of Health Care for the Poor and Underserved, 28(3), 1270-1282. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5580630/
This study examines hygiene-related self-care practices among homeless individuals in Boston, MA, highlighting the challenges they face in maintaining personal cleanliness and the associated health risks.
Mader, D. R. (2006). Reptile medicine and surgery (2nd ed.). Saunders.
This textbook covers a wide range of topics in reptile medicine, including skin conditions and the role of grooming and shedding in reptile hygiene. https://evolve.elsevier.com/cs/product/9781455757268?role=student
Mueser, K. T., & McGurk, S. R. (2004). Schizophrenia. Lancet, 363(9426), 2063-2072. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0140-6736(04)16458-1
This article provides an overview of schizophrenia, including its impact on behavior and personal hygiene.
Overall, K. L. (2013). Clinical behavioral medicine for small animals (2nd ed.). Elsevier.
This book focuses on behavioral medicine in small animals, with a section on grooming behavior and how stress can affect it. https://www.amazon.ca/Clinical-Behavioral-Medicine-Small-Animals/dp/0801668204
Phelan, J. C., Link, B. G., Moore, R. E., & Stueve, A. (1997). The stigma of homelessness: The impact of the label "homeless" on attitudes toward poor persons. Social Psychology Quarterly, 60(4), 323-337. https://doi.org/10.2307/2787093
This article examines how the label of "homelessness" contributes to stigma and affects public attitudes, impacting access to resources like hygiene facilities.
Ibn Zakariya, M. S., & Idris, A. I. (2015). The worth of cleanliness and hygiene in Islam and Holy Quran. Journal of Islamic Studies and Culture, 3(1), 71-78. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/279512185_The_Worth_of_Cleanliness_and_Hygiene_in_Islam_and_Holy_Quran
This article explores the significance of cleanliness and hygiene in Islam, as emphasized in the Holy Quran, and discusses the religious and cultural practices that promote these values.
Stein, D. J. (2016). The proposed grouping includes obsessive-compulsive disorder, body dysmorphic disorder, hypochondriasis, olfactory reference disorder, and related conditions. Journal of Psychiatry and Neuroscience, 41(3), 123-125. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/255/
This article discusses the categorization of several psychiatric conditions, including obsessive-compulsive disorder, body dysmorphic disorder, and olfactory reference disorder, and the implications for diagnosis and treatment.
Taylor, J. H. (2001). Death and the afterlife in ancient Egypt. University of Chicago Press. ISBN: 9780226791647 https://www.amazon.ca/Death-Afterlife-Ancient-Egypt-Taylor/dp/0226791645
This book delves into the rituals and practices surrounding death in ancient Egypt, including the importance of cleanliness in both life and the afterlife.
World Health Organization. (2020). 2019 WHO WASH strategy implementation report: Progress and insights. World Health Organization. https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/2019-wash-strategy-implementation-report
This report details the progress and key outcomes of the World Health Organization's WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene) strategy for 2018-2025, focusing on the critical developments and direction provided during the year 2019.
Yang, C. K. (2004). Religion in Chinese society: A study of contemporary social functions of religion and some of their historical factors. University of California Press. https://scholar.google.ca/scholar?q=Yang,+C.+K.+(2004).+Religion+in+Chinese+society:&hl=en&as_sdt=0&as_vis=1&oi=scholart
This book provides a comprehensive study of religion's role in Chinese society, including how it has influenced cultural practices around hygiene and cleanliness.
I work in a retail environment.
We have an elderly man who comes in every day to use the cafe*.
He drives a fairly smart car, which always looks clean.
However.
Even without seeing him, I can tell when he has entered the main doors and I usually have to leave the store.
The same clothes are always worn and are covered in absolutely filthy stains.
The smell is visceral.
The sort of smell that discolours your teeth and clothing and bleaches your hair.
Weeks or months old urine is the overwhelming one.
Beyond that, my ability to breathe or identify odours shuts down.
I get that some elderly people become incontinent, but not washing yourself or your clothes is inexcusable and is surely a sign of mental illness.
I'm sorry for the guy, but he is really not helping himself.
*I always wonder what the other customers in the cafe feel as he sits down near them, or the ladies at the checkout, as he stops in the queue.
Hopefully I never have to administer first aid, as I'm not sure that I could.
Poor sod.
I gave a tramp a lift once and he was intensely odorous, but in a nice way. It was eucalyptus so I suspect he slept rough in the leaves, or maybe had a bush still to get the oil.