Ridiculous History: CLASSIC Episode Summary Title: Why Don't Americans Use Bidets?
Release Date: January 4, 2025
Hosts: Ben Bowlin and Noel Brown
Produced by: iHeartRadio

Introduction to the Topic

In this classic episode of Ridiculous History, hosts Ben Bowlin and Noel Brown delve into the curious case of why bidets, a common fixture in many parts of the world, remain largely absent in American bathrooms. The discussion is light-hearted yet informative, peppered with humor and insightful observations about sanitation practices.

Toilet Paper Consumption in the United States

The episode opens with alarming statistics that set the stage for the conversation:

• Ben (04:31): "The average American uses 23.6 rolls of toilet paper per year per capita."
• Noel (04:55): "With over 300 million people in the U.S., that totals 7.4 billion rolls of toilet paper used annually."

These figures highlight the significant reliance on toilet paper in the U.S. compared to other regions, underscoring the environmental and economic implications of such consumption.

Historical Origins of the Bidet

The hosts trace the bidet’s origins back to 16th-century France, where the term “bidet” referred to a small horse or pony used by French royalty. This evolved into a sanitation device resembling a sink integrated into wooden furniture, used primarily by the upper class.

• Noel (10:14): "The bidet was inherently intertwined with the story of class in France, which is why it’s still seen as an upper-crust item today."

Bidet Proliferation in Europe and Beyond

From the 1700s onward, bidets became more widespread across Western Europe and eventually reached Latin America and parts of Asia. However, their adoption in the United States lagged due to various cultural and economic factors.

Attempts to Introduce Bidets to America

One notable effort was made by Arnold Cohen, founder of the American Bidet Company in the 1960s. Despite innovative approaches, including installing bidets across New York, his efforts struggled against the entrenched toilet paper industry.

• Casey (27:18): "Charmin Ultra Soft made more than a billion dollars in 2017 alone."

The dominance of the toilet paper market, exemplified by brands like Charmin generating billions in revenue, posed a significant barrier to bidet adoption in the U.S.

Cultural Resistance and Misconceptions

Several factors contributed to the American aversion to bidets:

• Association with Prostitution: U.S. troops stationed in Europe during World War II encountered bidets in bordellos, leading to a stigmatization of the device.

  • Noel (19:46): "They started to associate bidets with sex work because of their experiences in bordellos."

• Perception of Cleanliness and Privacy: The intimate nature of using a bidet in personal spaces like bedrooms further alienated potential users.

  • Noel (22:02): "The bidet was associated with managing menstrual hygiene, which was a taboo topic, further hindering its acceptance."

Modern Bidet Innovations and Adoption Trends

Recent advancements have made bidets more accessible and affordable in the U.S.:

• Low-Profile Attachments: Products like Satushi’s bidet attachments mimic the original designs from the early 20th century, making installation easier without extensive remodeling.

  • Casey (32:02): "Thanks to our pal Satushi, we’ve got a super low-profile bidet attachment that’s gaining popularity."

• Technological Enhancements: Companies like Toto have introduced high-tech bidet seats with features such as heated seating and adjustable water jets, appealing to modern consumers despite their higher price points.

Environmental and Health Benefits

The hosts underscore the environmental impact of excessive toilet paper use and highlight bidets as a sustainable alternative.

• Casey (18:51): "Using bidets significantly reduces toilet paper consumption, which is both wasteful and resource-intensive."

Additionally, bidets offer health benefits by providing a more hygienic alternative for personal cleansing, which can prevent issues like hemorrhoids and improve overall sanitation practices.

Conclusion and Reflections

Ben and Noel conclude by reflecting on the cultural shifts that could facilitate greater bidet adoption in the United States. They express hope that as awareness of environmental and health benefits grows, Americans may increasingly consider integrating bidets into their daily lives.

• Noel (33:08): "We hope that the bidet revolution continues on full force. And I'll be leading the charge, my friend."

The episode wraps up with a humorous nod to future discussions, maintaining the podcast’s signature blend of education and entertainment.

Key Takeaways

• Historical Context: Bidets originated in 16th-century France as instruments associated with the upper class, evolving into sanitation devices integrated into furniture.
• Cultural Barriers: Associations with prostitution, hedonism, and menstrual hygiene taboos hindered bidet acceptance in the U.S.
• Economic Factors: The dominant toilet paper industry in America presents significant competition to bidet adoption.
• Modern Innovations: Advances in bidet technology and design are making them more accessible and appealing to American consumers.
• Environmental and Health Benefits: Bidets offer a sustainable alternative to toilet paper, reducing environmental impact and improving personal hygiene.

Notable Quotes

• Ben (00:17): "There are going to be a lot of poop jokes in this one."
• Casey (06:23): "I'm a huge bidet fan. I'm not just saying that because of the sponsor."
• Noel (13:09): "It's strange because we spend so little time thinking about how important sanitation is."
• Noel (20:34): "In Anglo Saxon communities where bathrooms are notoriously cold and joyless rooms, the very presence of a bidet would have been regarded as a symbol of sin."
• Casey (27:18): "Charmin Ultra Soft made more than a billion dollars in 2017 alone."
• Noel (33:08): "We hope that the bidet revolution continues on full force."

Further Engagement

Listeners are encouraged to share their own experiences with bidets and participate in the ongoing conversation about sanitation practices. The hosts invite feedback through email, social media, and their dedicated Facebook group, fostering a community of curious and engaged "ridiculous historians."

For more intriguing episodes and historical explorations, visit the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you enjoy your favorite podcasts.