Does this say something?

[anotheoldgit]

http://www.dailymail....use-Western-loos.html

/// Explaining their decision, they blamed 'cultural differences' in the way the toilets are used by foreign students, some of whom are used to the 'squat toilets' common in parts of Asia and Europe. ///

Strange on all my travels abroad I have never seen such signs aimed at us Brits.

[jackthehat]

There is little confusion over how, exactly, to use a 'squat toilet', AOG.

Some people more used to that manner of using a loo (which incidentally is a healthier way) are continuing to do so on 'western-style' toilets. These signs are asking them not to.

I don't think it is a problem, really. Do you?

[China Doll]

Why is it healthier Jack? (Not argueing the case, just genuinely interested in the reasons why). Sorry AOG for the slight sidetrack.

[rowanwitch]

we had similar designs in the toilets at college a few years ago the pictures also suggested it was wrong to 'face the tank'

[Sqad]

AOG....by "cultural" I think that they mean "poor parental guidance as children" rather than a difference in race or culture.

[jno]

apparently squatting is a better position to help waste on its way. It uses more appropriate muscles or something (I used to know this sort of thing). But bladders empty better from a standing position.

[jackthehat]

There is less incidence of piles and 'strains' (apologies) because 'eastern' squatting opens the bowels more than 'western' sitting does.

[jno]

Sqad, no, I think they do mean cultural; the illustrations suggest they're meant for people accustomed to squatting rather than sitting, and that varies according to country, not according to lazy parenting.

[China Doll]

Ahhhh... Maybe we need to re-think our toilets then, sounds like a half decent reason.

Plus I doubt there would be so many 'bathroom books' needed if the squatting practice was adopted.

[sandyRoe]

If one tried to combine Eastern squatting with western bowls is there not a danger of accidents? Imagine the embarrassment if you slipped and got a foot caught in the bowl...

[Sqad]

jno...right :-)

[jno]

incidentally, it's not so very long ago that you expected to find squat loos in French and Italian campsites. For all I know they're still there.

[daffy654]

On a trip to Alton Towers many years ago I took my daughters into the ladies loos, we had to walk past lots of occupied cubicles to reach an empty one. In one of those that was engaged we were horrified to see a lady with both feet on the toilet seat, squatting above the bowl with her dress hitched up round her waist.

[jomifl]

An ex-colleague of mine told me that when he was at university(a long time ago) some foreign students used to sh1t in the showers because they thought that sit on w.c bowls were unhygienic. Though of course not very hygienic for anyone wanting a shower.

[sandyRoe]

Perhaps she was heeding the poem written on the walls warning about how high the youknowwhats could jump?

[anotheoldgit]

Are there no Disabled Toilets in these countries, I wonder how a person who cannot squat without support goes on?

Sorry to have to introduce Islam into the debate, (seeing that they get removed) but isn't there also a matter that the toilet should face away from Mecca?

http://www.dailymail....pect-Islamic-law.html

[jackthehat]

Why *do* you have to introduce Islam into this matter?

D'oh.......silly question.

Do you really have a problem with the way that different cultures arrange their toilet habits, or is it just another way of tutting about 'our' pandering to minorities?

[Brenden]

Is it not rather difficult to use a squat toilet if you have had replacement kneecaps?.

[pdust]

yeah aog but then if you had read your own link you wouldnt have needed to ask.....or if you did read it then why ask?

[anotheoldgit]

jackthehat

Is it any wonder I have to excuse myself first, with persons such as you ready as always to jump in to criticise me.

Just an innocent contribution into the debate, just as the reference of 'disabled toilets' was.

Nothing more, nothing less, but please feel free to make your own interpretations, i.e 'pandering to the minorities'.

I was even unaware that those of the Muslim faith were in the minority in their own country.

[jackthehat]

It was implicit from the start, AOG......it is there in your OP.

Sadly, it always blooming-well is....