Ah, 2020, a year that will forever be etched in history. Not just for the major global events, but for the (ahem) roll it played in the “Great Toilet Paper Famine.”

The TP Crisis: Flushing Away Normalcy

When the world was coming to terms with the COVID-19 pandemic and its potential implications, a curious phenomenon swept supermarkets worldwide. No, it wasn’t the zombies of apocalyptic lore or even aliens demanding to know our leader.  It was the sight of empty toilet paper aisles.

It all began in early 2020, when news of the virus’s spread heightened. As whispers of potential lockdowns emerged, panic buying ensued. People rushed to hoard necessities. And in an odd twist, toilet paper became the white gold of our times.

The Theories: Why TP?

There have been several theories behind this mass TP hysteria:

  • The Snowball Effect: Once people saw others stockpiling TP, they believed it must be necessary and started doing the same. It’s like when one bird takes flight, and the whole flock follows, except this was more… in aisles and less poetic.
  • Herd Mentality: Social media and news outlets showcased images of empty shelves, convincing folks that if they didn’t act swiftly, they’d be, well, left in a crappy situation.
  • Comfort and Control: In uncertain times, people seek control over whatever little they can. Securing a supply of toilet paper, a daily necessity, might have provided a psychological comfort blanket.

History’s “Loo-sers” and Winners

Many lamented the TP famine. There were tales of folks resorting to old newspapers, magazines, and other alternative wiping methods. Pro tip: glossy magazine pages…not the most comfortable option.

However, where there’s a crisis, there’s opportunity. Some became TP entrepreneurs, selling rolls at exorbitant prices. Others crafted beautiful DIY bidets, heralding an age where the humble bum gun might rise to prominence in the Western world.

The Final “Roll-ief” of 2020

As with all things, the TP famine eventually found its end. Supply chains caught up, panic buying subsided, and sanity (at least concerning toilet paper) was restored. A few lessons lingered:

  • Humans Are Predictably Unpredictable: Who’d have guessed that in a pandemic, toilet paper would be our Achilles heel?
  • Flexibility is Key: Many of us learned to be adaptable, discovering alternatives and broadening our horizons beyond the 3-ply comfort.
  • Community Matters: Neighbors shared rolls, kind-hearted folks donated packets, and a sense of camaraderie emerged. Because when the going gets tough, the tough… share their TP.

In Conclusion

The Great Toilet Paper Famine of 2020 was a bizarre footnote in a challenging year. It gave us memes, stories to tell future generations, and perhaps a greater appreciation for the simpler things in life.

And as we reflect, let’s remember this: sometimes, history is not just about big battles and grandiose movements. Sometimes, it’s about those small, soft, white rolls and our attachment to them.

Here’s to hoping that future historians will be gentle with us and our TP tales. After all, when the world seemed to be unraveling, many were just trying to roll with it.