Toilets Signs of the Times

Summary

The website content discusses the cultural and personal significance of toilet signs and usage preferences across different countries, highlighting the author's experiences and observations.

Abstract

The article "Toilet Signs of the Times" delves into the author's reflections on the societal implications of restroom signage, particularly the distinction between "Ladies" and "Men" or "Gentlemen." The author shares personal anecdotes from visits to various countries, including Malaysia and Japan, where she encountered different toilet styles, such as squat toilets and seated toilet bowls. She humorously ponders the expectations of being a "Lady" versus the straightforward anatomical classification for "Men." The piece also touches on the adaptability required when faced with the choice of sitting or squatting, as well as the cultural nuances that influence toilet usage preferences. The author emphasizes the importance of respecting these preferences and the occasional necessity of using whatever facilities are available.

Opinions

The author finds the sign distinguishing "Ladies" from "Men" amusing and slightly perplexing, questioning the societal standards associated with being a "Lady."
She believes that men have it easier when choosing a restroom, as they do not have to consider societal propriety standards.
The author has a fondness for the inclusive and humorous bathroom sign she encountered in Tampa, FL, which proclaims "Women are always right!"
She recalls the adjustment of using squat toilets during her time in Malaysia and appreciates the current availability of both squat and seated toilets in Asian public facilities.
The author has observed women waiting for their preferred toilet style despite other types being available, indicating strong comfort level and preference.
She emphasizes the importance of sitting on toilet bowls rather than squatting, as demonstrated by an informative sign at the Kuching airport in Malaysia.
The author shares an experience in Japan where local women would direct her to the handicapped toilet, assuming she would prefer a seated toilet.
She concludes with a light-hearted plea to users to not leave footprints on toilet seats, regardless of their sitting or squatting preference.

Ladies and Gents?? Which toilet and how to use it ….

photo by author

The photo above is one of my favorite bathroom signs. It is from a small restaurant here in Tampa, FL. My husband saw it before I did and told me to go back to the toilet area just to see the sign. I did, and I agree, of course. Women are always right!

The two signs below are from a private member-only club in Penang, Malaysia. Why “Ladies” and “Men”? Wouldn’t it be more comparable to be “Ladies” and “Gentlemen” or “Women” and “Men”? I wonder every time I see the sign if I fit the “Ladies” classification.

What is a “Lady?” Should I be wearing pearls and white gloves to enter? Is my conduct fitting for the classification of being a “Lady”?

The men get off easier in their decision-making about which to use. They don’t have to decide if they conform to a high standard of propriety or correct behavior to be classified as a Gentleman. All they need are the correct anatomical parts to classify as one of the “Men”.

photo by author

and

photo by author

And then, there are the “how to use the toilet” signs. Sit or Squat? One of the first adjustments I had to make when I was a Peace Corps Volunteer in Malaysia 50 years ago was to learn to use squat toilets. Back then, finding a bathroom with a toilet bowl to sit on was rare.

I am happy that now in many public toilets in Asian airports, restaurants, hotels, etc. there are usually some that are squat and some that have toilet bowls to sit on. People have their comfort levels and preferences. I’ve seen women continue to stand in line waiting for access to the preferred type of toilet style even though there is a bathroom stall empty with the other style.

However, sometimes you have to use whatever is available. The photo below is a sign I saw at the airport in Kuching, Malaysia last year explaining that it is best to sit on a toilet bowl and not to squat on it. Please, don’t leave footprints on the toilet seat!

photo by author

Sit or Squat? Which is more comfortable for you? (photos by author)

When I lived in Japan 20 years ago, most public toilets were squat toilets but there was usually one marked “Handicapped” with a toilet bowl to sit on. Sometimes I ended up in line for a toilet in a public area. The Japanese women would often politely point me to the handicapped toilet just assuming that the tall, white foreign woman would be happier using a toilet that she could sit on. I was.

Male and Female? Men and Women? Ladies and Gentlemen?

Sit or Squat? Just don’t leave footprints, please.

The Signs of Dublin by Erie Astin — I think I have some of those same signs. I remember the Temple Bar from our Dublin visit.