The Mudcat Café TM
Thread #64610   Message #1057441
Posted By: wysiwyg
19-Nov-03 - 10:48 PM
Thread Name: BS: Boy, did WE blow it!
Subject: BS: Boy, did WE blow it!
I'm so ashamed.... I think we actually missed it!

WORLD TOILET DAY

LOVE the logo at the World Toilet Organization. You can even get a sample constitution for establishing a local outlet. Hey! Maybe we could use their constition as a model here at MUDCAT!

These folks really know their business. Look--

Toilet as a Social Space   

By Lim Tai Wei, World Toilet Organization Volunteer

The toilet, though a humble instrument, is a microcosm of society at large. Though a functional instrument, social expressions, economic development, cultural character, hygiene standards and environmental factors are expressed through the humble but necessary instrument called the toilet.


Social Expression

Public toilets often contain graffiti that espouses social issues, social frustrations and social trends in the society at large. It is a vent for such expressions to come forth. A private space that creates awareness of issues, not necessary for oneself but for others as well. However, this is an anti-social form of behaviour at the same time, as vandalism, the damage of public property is illegal in most countries.

Thus, the social expressions comes with a sense of rebelliousness that compels one to be a rebel with a cause, no doubt behind the security of a private toilet. Penal enforcement to stop such anti-social is difficult as toilet is a secure space with very little leeway for monitoring and catching the culprits. A more useful avenue of rectification would be through social mass education in which people are directed to healthier forms of social expressions - through arts, public debates, participation in public organizations or legal interest groups.


~S~