Government Bans Sale of Used Underwear



(Harare, Zimbabwe) According to Finance Minister Tendai Biti, the government of Zimbabwe has instituted a ban on sales of pre-worn unmentionables, i.e. skeevy skivvies, joining Rwanda and Ghana in outlawing the sale of hand-me-downs, recycled underwear and imported used underwear.

Mr. Biti has said that men who buy their wives used underwear are "shameless failures."

Under the new legislation, the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority will charge heavy taxes and duties on all underwear imports, plus a $3 penalty for every kilogram of underwear entering the country.

Cross-border underwear traders contend that the used underwear ban only hurts Zimbabweans who barely have enough money to buy food and can't afford new underwear.

Motivations for the used underwear ban in Zimbabwe largely appears to be humiliation and disgust (the ick factor) and suggestions that used underwear spreads disease and infection. In Ghana , the underwear ban was imposed "basically for health reasons."

Supporters and opponents have been vocal in their reactions to the used underwear ban. Supporters claim that jobs will be created. Allegedly the once-thriving Zimbabwean cotton industry will benefit and second-hand pantie inspectors will be hired to verify compliance with the law.

Opponents blame Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe for creating nationwide abject poverty and forcing people to choose between used underwear and no underwear since money is needed for food. Evidently, Mugabe wants his countrymen to go commando.

Frankly, I suggest nothing illustrates the degree of impoverishment of a country more than having to import used underwear. The exporting country likely considered it to be refuse.

As an aside, note that selling used women's underwear for questionable/salacious purposes, arguably a seedier aspect of human society and rarely discussed in polite conversation, appears to be relatively common. Examples are here and here - NSFW.

And then there's an episode segment of the popular Big Bang Theory television program where neighbor Penny asks Radjesh and Howard if either one wants to buy her underwear.



"So, either one of you weirdos want to buy my underwear?"
The characterization of the question was everyday normal, without surprise.

Companion post at TJR.