Why are people so embarrassed of passing gas in public or having a bowel movement in a public restroom? I realize that they both smell bad, but is that really any reason to be so embarrassed about it? Everyone farts and everyone poops, and everyone knows this. So why?
2006-09-18 06:21:34 · 15 answers · asked by brevejunkie 7 in Society & Culture ➔ Etiquette
Who said anything about discussing it? I know it's rude to get up from the dinner table and say, "I'll be right back guys--I have to go take a sh*t." then come back and describe it in great detail. That's just wrong. LOL I mean the actual act of farting. For example--you're on a crowded elevator and you let one rip. You'd be embarrassed, right? My question is why?
2006-09-18 06:41:08 · update #1
it's a social stigma we've been imprinted with since birth. people are a little more relaxed than they used to be, but the stigma is still there.
2006-09-18 06:28:03 · answer #1 · answered by mr_resistor2003 2 · 1⤊ 1⤋
It comes from the belief that ANYTHING having to do with the body is unclean. In some countries, men and women share the same restrooms - with no stalls, just holes in the floor. In other societies, a loud burp after a meal is considered a compliment. Differnt stokes for different folks. In France, they have open air urinals for men.
2006-09-18 13:25:43 · answer #2 · answered by Spirit Walker 5 · 4⤊ 0⤋
The correct etiquette when someone has flatulence is for everyone to politely pretend that nothing happened. One is assumed not to be in control of such things. Anyone saying or doing anything to call attention to it, including the "culprit," is rude. Nothing to be embarrassed about.
This is different from a burp, which one is assumed to be in control of, and requires an "excuse me."
So you are right, such things are all part of life. The less of a deal made about it, the better.
2006-09-18 13:33:07 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
From the time we start talking, manners are drummed into our heads ( or should be ) & we are usually taught that any body function is a very private matter.
Belching, passing gas, coughing or sneezing shouldn't be something to be ashamed of but most of us are & always will be. That is the way we were taught to be.
2006-09-18 13:47:17 · answer #4 · answered by baby_girl 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I don't know. The funny thing is we don't mind saying we have to go pee but anything else, and well, we are embarassed. I think the gas thing goes back to grade school when we made fun of our friends for doing it. It is kinda like having a hacking cough and everyone stares at you like they have never had a cough before.
2006-09-18 13:25:24 · answer #5 · answered by reallyfedup 5 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Polite people don't discuss it at all.
Manners is about making other people comfortable and discussing bodily functions is rude.
I get embarrassed when people discuss it because it's nasty to think about someone else 'doing their business' and I don't want the visual. No thank you. Yuck.
2006-09-18 13:28:45 · answer #6 · answered by exclusiveindigo 2 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Someone would tell you because Eve had Adam swallowed an apple to allow man to feel "shame".
But then again,it's not entirely a bad "etiquette" to have or it would be an "interesting" scene to see when you get everyone to fart as commonly as they laugh in the public.
I suppose etiquette is also what differentiate us from our far ancestors who lived in caves and our near cousins like the apes (for example).
2006-09-18 13:42:46 · answer #7 · answered by Geo C 4 · 0⤊ 2⤋
I don't think that they are embarrassed to use the bathroom to poop in public. I think they are more embarrassed because they smell bad.
2006-09-18 13:28:57 · answer #8 · answered by THOM K 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Its personal. Everybody has sex, but you dont want to see them in public. Won't you tell them to get a room? Same here.
2006-09-18 13:29:23 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
Its just how it is. Its a personal thing and people dont WANT to smell it!!!
2006-09-18 13:29:18 · answer #10 · answered by ♠♣♥Rogue♣♥♠ 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋