Friday, February 29, 2008

Just When You Think You've Heard it All...

As bloggers, students of life, in late night conversations, over dinner, the myriad of subjects have been discussed. We've talked about every stage of human development, every kind of love, every political position, and even sex. Well, I just came across this article in the New Yorker which tackles a subject that has only been a punchline. The culture of the public restroom.

An entire course on the subject? I have no desire to sign up, but thought it was worth at least a blog.

As much as women have bemoaned the lines in a women's restroom (and more than one of us has ventured to the men's in desperation), I'm not sure we're really ready for the thought of public restrooms going unisex outside of "Ally McBeal."

Is it sexist? Most likely. But for the first time ever, I'm wondering if that's such a bad thing.

It's one thing to have a private unisex bathroom that only one person can use at a time, but actually going into a stall while some random guy's at the urinal? I'm not so sure about that. I'm not one of those women that must be with friends when I venture into the ladies' room, but I might become one if I knew there was that possibility!

Can you picture it? This ultra modern public restroom with the changing table, the comfy chair for the breastfeeding mom, the family stall, the urinals, the private stalls, and the inevitable line with the men cutting in front of the women for the urinal, the total macho jerk making comments about how these women can't wait to see "his," the metros and the teenage girls fighting over the mirror...

Is it just me? Or is this taking equality a bit too far?

15 comments:

Momo Fali said...

No, I can NOT picture it!! I don't even want to picture it! Ew.

LunaNik said...

I'm with you girl. Although, men's bathrooms are considerably cleaner than women's. Seriously. When I worked at the bar, at the end of the night the girls room was DISGUSTING...the guys was clean. Weird, eh.

Momisodes said...

Hmm..no thanks. I don't think I would want to share. I'd feel a bit awkward...especially with me standing at urinals *shudders*

MarĂ­a said...

Eww! Never! You know people will be having sex left and right in those stalls.

JennyWhiskey said...

I'm as open minded as the next girl, but I don't think i'm ready for this! I was in France when I experienced something similar to this. Since I don't speak french, i was spared hearing locker room tales, but they didn't seem to bat an eye when I entered facing them relieving themselves. It was uncomfortable for me to say the least. They didn't seem affected. While in france this seemed like no big deal, HERE is quite a different story. I can only imagine the sexual harassment that will go on if our one safe haven in a public place is co-ed!

Anonymous said...

Well, I've certainly hit the men's room when the women's line just looked too long to bear, but I have also always done that when the men's room was empty.

I have to say I'm amazed that there is actually a class on bathroom etiquette. Seriously?

Anonymous said...

I'm with you! No thanks!

Happy Saturday! Blog Hoppin'! :-)
"Margarita Mom"

BookMamma said...

EWWW. No way. Why would I want strange men around me in a moment where I'm TOTALLY vulnerable?? That's a terrible idea!

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Mackenzies Momma said...

Mmm, No, I'll pass. one of our malls has a 'family' bathroom with a sitting room outside with several couches, and chairs and 2 family stalls than a segregated 'nursing room' for mommies....

Blog Hoppin'

The Spacer

Anonymous said...

This concept would last as long as it took for the first 250 lb man to ravage a toiletbowl. They keep us separate for your protection.

Unknown said...

Nope, I would not use a shared restroom. Besides, imagine the stench. Nope, lets keep them separated.

Anonymous said...

Yikes! No thank you!

Jen said...

I still remember sleepily staggering from a train into the Florence train station, wandering into the restroom, and seeing the line of men at the urinals. The urinals had these sort of bubble things around them so you couldn't see folks' business, but I wasn't happy.

So, yeah, these are around here and there, but from our cultural view, in any case, it's pretty disturbing.

Peggy Sez.. said...

I have boys at home..I KNOW how it rolls. Keep'em separate I say!


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Anonymous said...

Keep the restrooms seperate!! This freaks me out just thinking about it!!