Vietnam's Bum Gun Culture: A Symbol of Hygiene and Progress

In Vietnam, the 'bum gun' (or bidet shower) is widely prevalent in homes and public spaces, symbolizing hygiene and comfort over toilet paper. The author recounts their experience studying abroad in Singapore in the 2010s, where they struggled with toilet paper culture. Adapting to life in a vast city, including language, academics, and foreign customs, was challenging, but the most persistent issue was the absence of the 'bum gun' found in their homeland's toilets. While toilet paper is the norm in Singapore and many developed nations, the author highlights its drawbacks, such as clogging, skin irritation, and environmental impact, while emphasizing the comfort and eco-friendliness offered by the bum gun. In Vietnam, squat toilets, water basins, and ladles were common in the 1990s. However, by the 2000s, seated toilets and bum guns began to be installed during home renovations. The author has used the prevalence of bum guns as a personal indicator of Vietnam's progress while traveling across the country. Bum guns have appeared in rest stops along highways, shopping malls, and airports, transitioning from a luxury item to a staple amenity. The author expresses disbelief at the complete lack of bum guns at Singapore Changi Airport, considered one of the world's best. They note that many countries, including the US, UK, Australia, and China, do not have bum guns. While acknowledging that France is credited with inventing the bidet and Japan has gained international recognition for its multifunctional smart toilets, the origin of the bum gun remains unclear. Despite its unclear origin, the author asserts that Vietnam has cultivated a rich bum gun culture and believes Vietnam should take the lead in promoting its benefits globally. They advocate for the bum gun to become a 'basic human right,' achieved through a social movement spearheaded by Vietnam.