Breaking Wind Raises Questions – Friday February 26th

fartDear Poor Lucky Me,
I’m curious about something that other people might find crass. I don’t mean to be controversial or crude- I just want some answers. Or at least confirmation that my wonderings don’t make me weird.

 

Here’s the issue: All humans pass gas. But the smell of broken wind seems to be universally repugnant. Well maybe not universally, but I’ve lived in both the United States and England and place populaces frown at the smell of flatulence. Interestingly, my dog doesn’t seem to mind it. Anyway, the point is: why are people so repulsed by something that is so natural…so very human?

 

Best,
Sensitive Stomach

 

Dear S.S.,
While doing research for this answer I learned so much about mammalian flatulence that I can say with confidence I will no longer be ashamed of this natural process. I may still excuse myself for the sake of polite society, but accidents happen (especially in yoga class) and I will embrace the results.

 

People are repulsed by gas passing because A. it stinks and B. They’re afraid of their own cheese-cutting being judged. No one wants to be thought of as grosser or nastier than their neighbor, so it’s safer just to judge first and ask questions later. I, of course, have long disagreed with this notion. I always assume what I do is not only socially acceptable but delightful!

 

I saw a show on the Science Chanel a few years ago about the military developing non-lethal weapons. One idea they were working on was a stink bomb- to be used mainly to disperse crowds. But scientists kept bumping up against a major problem: they couldn’t find an odor that was universally repulsive. What might make German crowds run screaming might not phase a crowd in India.

 

The good news is that you can take your sensitive stomach on a world tour, and find a wonderful place to live where people aren’t shocked by your bodily odors. Some cultures even find flatulence hilarious. Like the culture in my apartment.

 

Sincerely,
Poor Lucky Me

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