Daily Egyptian Editorial 05
Sponsored by 710 BookStore - - - http://www.seventen.com/Guest Columnist: Bathroom etiquette
Wilton Eldridge
The joy of eating can become compromised by the after - and sometimes side - effects of our appetites. Knowing this, we make certain adjustments and accommodations to fully enjoy our meals of choice.
Aside from the occasional "cheesy this" or "beany that" foods that have adverse effects, there are still the normal bodily functions that need to take place. And when this occurs, we want to feel safe and comfortable.
It is a shame when you enter the restroom in a place of business and the conditions are worse than a port-a-john at a construction site. Yes, college is a place of business contrary to popular belief. Consider a college campus as a training facility for society. That is why when you go into the restroom of a fortune 500, 200 or 100 company, you are not likely to read some corny scribble about someone's mother or race. It almost always winds up becoming a type of bathroom blog that others feel obligated to respond to.
The scribble on the wall is extremely minor in comparison to the real problem. Let's be honest, cultural differences make public restrooms an issue when it comes to usage. What is so difficult about flushing? It is bad enough when the urinals look like tang or orange juice dispensers, but what possesses a person to pick their nose while urinating and then wipe it on the wall?
Before I continue, allow me to say I am not referencing all the restrooms on campus and definitely not directing comments towards the maintenance staff or student workers. Because anytime a stall door is open and you are greeted with what resembles a possible explosion at Nestle or a mishap at Willie Wonka's chocolate factory, and there is no toilet paper in it, that goes beyond nasty. Especially when there are two full industrial size rolls of toilet paper on the dispenser, just not in the toilet. At least try to fake somebody out and tear off a little sheet and lay it on top.
Here is where I would like to offer suggestions for bathroom etiquette. If you have to go number one: Approach the urinal, flush, take care of business, flush again, run finger tips (at the very least) under the faucet, then exit restroom. If someone else is present - maintain proper urinal distance, make no eye contact and only speak if eye contact is made in the mirror while washing hands. If you have to go number 2: Enter the stall, flush (this ensures a working toilet), line the seat with toilet paper and when you are finished, flush your deposits to include the seat lining paper. Look back before you exit because sometimes a double flush is required. Wash your hands and leave the restroom.
If you experience unforeseen problems during your visit, please administer the "courtesy flush." This says to others, "hey, sorry about the smell, but I am not finished." Plus, when timed properly, the "courtesy flush" can mask any loud noises. By the way, for the ladies that are thinking it is just the guys - I did some investigation in your stink tanks too. Let's just say some of you should have your public restroom privileges revoked. Remember: we may not recognize your face at first, but those shoes look awfully familiar.
The Daily Egyptian, the student-run newspaper of SIUC, is committed to being a trusted source of information, commentary and public discourse while helping readers understand the issues affecting their lives.
The Daily Egyptian is published by the students of SIU at Carbondale. Except during vacations and exam weeks, The Daily Egyptian is published Monday through Friday during the fall and spring semesters and TWThF during the summer semester. The Pulse, Carbondale Entertainment Guide, is published once a week on Thursday.Last update: Monday, February 27, 2006 at 7:41:43 PM
Copyright 2009 Daily Egyptian Editorial 05