NPR features author who claims hygiene is a social construct – has not showered in 5 years

NPR interviewed an author who quit showering in 2016 and hasn't looked back since. James Hamblin is a physician and health reporter, according to NPR. One of the most interesting aspects of the interview is that Hamblin claims hygiene is a social construct, largely dictated by privilege.

When NPR asks him "How did your identity as a cisgendered white male influence your reporting on this subject?", he replies with the following.

"Probably one of the main reasons I've been able to go so long without using [shampoo and deodorant] is because of the privilege of my position in American society. To the degree that these standards are culturally determined, I am coming from the group that has created these norms. That is why I believe I was able to push against them without more discriminatory consequences. I mean, people call me "gross." But I didn't suffer professionally to my knowledge. And other people would have.", replied Hamblin.

He continues saying, "I'm not telling anyone that they should do less, basically. I'm only trying to understand why we do the things that we do."