whats with the gap between american public restrooms?
(toilets to me but know some find this word offensive)
there is a huge gap between cubicles and there is no privacy,
is anyone else bothered about this?
I found it disconcerting to be in there and people walking past, they could have easily looked. And also the door is at knee/calf height so people could see under.
Also why is the word toilet' offensive in america???
What do you think?
2007-09-25 07:31:37 · 10 answers · asked by uk.housewife 2 in Society & Culture ➔ Other - Society & Culture
I saw an interesting book at Barnes and Nobles (book store). It was a book of photographs of toilets from all over the world and public bathrooms. There are many variations. It is interesting to look through an get a perspective.
Going to the bathroom can be a very private, intimate thing...or it can be routine and ordinary to some ...as drinking a glass of water. I have done some traveling...I just follow the adage: "When in Rome...do as the Romans do"
There are atleast 10 words in U.S. language that refer to a toilet. The word brings up an mental picture. So adult women tend to use words that refer to a room rather than to the pumbling. Like may I use your "bathroom"? Can you tell me where the "ladie's room" is? They avoid saying why they are going for...they talk about "freshing up", makeup, washing their hands or hair....rather than the primary reason.
If you think public restrooms are something...you should see some of the facilities in a "men's room" at large sporting arenas or where there are giant groups of people...say at concert. I will save you the details...(you can ask someone you are comfortable talking with about that). Lets just say it is a situation of 100+ males all voiding at the same time. I think it would be a shock to you.
Culture differences and languages are very interesting. It is fun to explore the variety and differences between countries.
That is my BEST ANSWER....I hope I gave you some insight! "I have to go to the poddie"
2007-09-25 07:59:34 · answer #1 · answered by Steve 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
The gap isn't there in all restrooms. Some have the private doors. I don't know that we really think too much about it because no one looks since you wouldn't want anyone to look at you.
Not sure why the door was designed the way that it was but you can easily tell if it's occupied without having to knock or jiggle the door while someone is using it so that's a plus.
The word isn't offensive per se, it's just considered common.
The seats are different than in Europe as is the water level but I found things a little disconcerting over there at first. I guess it's just what you're used to.
2007-09-25 07:48:35 · answer #2 · answered by I'm back...and this still sucks. 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I know what you mean but sometimes in Europe I find people waiting in line for no reason because they can't tell if someone is in the WC or not.
I like that in America we usually have seat covers for public toilets but then again in Europe you have more privacy.
I am just glad to find a free one anywhere when I need it.
Also, don't know about England but in Hungary you must pay to use the public WC. Some are has high as 65 cents to go and they are nothing special.There aren't enough public toilets anywhere it seems.
2007-09-25 08:04:50 · answer #3 · answered by Marilyn T 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, when I went to America is bothered me. I was so annoyed if people were looking or not. Also, the toilet seats are weird, the water inside is almost full to the top. A big fish could swim in there.
2007-09-25 07:35:29 · answer #4 · answered by Hope 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I'm not offended by the word "toilet", "can", blah blah.
It is what it is...people have to be so damned P.C. nowadays... I do see what you mean. I hate that "crack" on either side of the door where people can see you inside.
But, hey, it's just a toilet/loo...you're not going to start an advocacy group/PAC for this problem are ya??
Signed,
That cRaZeE American
2007-09-25 07:36:49 · answer #5 · answered by gobraghomagh 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I hated this when I went to Florida. I went to Florida again 10 years later and had fogotten about this-til I went into the rest room and thought 'not still like this'. Always tried to stay away from public loos but you can't when your at the theme parks. They must think it's great when they come here or go to other countries.
2007-09-25 07:40:37 · answer #6 · answered by Paula B 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Have no idea what you're talking about. Yes, public restrooms aren't the most private places in the world, but then, they aren't supposed to be a substitute for your home.
2007-09-25 07:36:44 · answer #7 · answered by Brent Y 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Do you really think that is a problem, then go to an Arab country and squat over a hole in the floor out in the open.
2007-09-25 07:57:43 · answer #8 · answered by Jim J 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
That word is not offensive here. I've lived here my whole life so I guess I'm not used to any other kind of toliet stalls.
2007-09-25 07:35:47 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
so you can tell if someone is in their
for example you go in and there are 3 cubicles
you're about to go in one but you notice someone's feet on the bottom
and its really weird when someone tries to open the door and you're in it
2007-09-25 07:36:00 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋