SQUAT toilets should be considered for new buildings, says a leading pathologist who has had to instruct his staff in correct use of western toilets.
SA Pathology research director Professor Heddy Zola says it is probably time Adelaide acknowledged the cultural needs of its large migrant population.
Squat toilets, also known as Nile pans, are preferred in parts of Asia and Europe.
"In the research environment, the native-born Australian is a rarity," Professor Zola said.
"We do very well with our immigrant population.
"I'm a migrant myself and we do need to accommodate them."
In his monthly research newsletter, he has included a page on "toilet etiquette", which includes a diagram, with a cross through it, of a stick figure standing on a toilet seat.
The instructions also include an appeal not to throw water on the floor.
He said there had been a recurring problem with the state of the toilets in his IMVS building, on Frome Rd.
At one stage, a PhD student had cleaned up after others to spare the cleaners the task.
"I think it's a mixture of cultural differences and just people not giving a damn about who comes after them,'' Professor Zola said.
He said it would be "sensible" to install squats in new buildings, especially those used by large numbers of migrant students and staff.
"I wouldn't be surprised if in 30 years' time, all buildings had to have both styles,'' he said.
The University of Adelaide has "culturally sensitive amenities" to cater for students and staff from more than 90 countries, a spokeswoman told The Advertiser.
"We have prayer rooms with culturally appropriate ablutions at both Union House and Nexus10 as well as squat toilets in the Ingkarni Wardli building," she said.
"It is important to consider culturally sensitive amenities as part of building development planning.
"Feedback from occupants and visitors alike is invariably positive and it further reinforces the university's values of inclusivity and tolerance."
Flinders University also has installed squat toilets and special washrooms.
UniSA has none but has recognised a problem and placed signs on cubicle doors, asking users not to stand on seats.
Bunkerbob said
12:41 AM Dec 26, 2013
It would be like camping except you didn't need to take your own shovel. Don't know how my knees would handle it though as they are definitely feeling their age.
dorian said
06:43 AM Dec 26, 2013
When I lived in Japan, I was always amused to see instructions for the use of sit-down toilets. One would have thought that correct usage would have been self explanatory. However, my parents tell of an incident at a migrant hostel when a stupid immigrant left his/her excreta on the toilet seat.
That said, how many people are averse to sitting down on a public toilet? Don't all of us blokes lift the lid with our feet? Do any of us lay down a protective layer of toilet tissue before exposing our backsides to the pan? Do we grab the door handle with our fingers, or do we just push at it with a clenched fist?
If you're using a squat toilet, how do you cope with a wind assisted bowel motion? You know, that's when you sh*t and f*rt at the same time.
Cloak said
07:25 AM Dec 26, 2013
This is Australia, do it our way or bugger off.
I'm over pandering to other cultures.
Merry christmas everyone....
Cheers.
Rip and Rosie said
08:05 AM Dec 26, 2013
Cloak wrote:
This is Australia, do it our way or bugger off.
I'm over pandering to other cultures.
Merry christmas everyone....
Cheers.
This is Australia, and unless you are aboriginal, you are "another culture", and you have been "pandered to".
dorian said
08:54 AM Dec 26, 2013
I've travelled and I've lived in several countries, both in Europe and Asia, and I have found that many countries have dual signage to assist visitors. It's obvious to me that Australia is a major tourist attraction, and perhaps one day that will be one of the few remaining things that this country has to offer when one considers the decimation of our manufacturing industries. ISTM that there are one billion Chinese who would appreciate anything that makes them feel welcome.
"Culturally sensitive amenities" for the large foreign student population seems like good business sense to me, although I don't think I would like to see it in the wider community. Maybe I'm xenophobic, or maybe I'm just a realist. Let's face it, the worldwide trend is for countries with large cultural, racial, or political groups to dissolve into independent states, sometimes violently. The only amicable unification I can recall in modern times was the reunification of East and West Germany. Multiculturalism only works when it's non-threatening. ISTM that there is a critical mass below which a mixed society is relatively stable, but as soon as the minority groups exceed this critical mass, then the majority feels under siege. IMO immigration policy needs to take account of xenophobia, even if it may be perceived as discriminatory, because social cohesion is paramount. You'd have to be a clever politician to tread the fine line between the two, though.
BTW, has anyone noticed the "multicultural" signage at the entrances to our towns? You know, the ones that display the town's aboriginal name as well as its white-fella name. I wonder what would happen to a letter that was addressed to Parliament House in Djubuguli, if the postcode were omitted.
-- Edited by dorian on Thursday 26th of December 2013 08:57:23 AM
Dougwe said
08:58 AM Dec 26, 2013
I have never and more than likely will never go overseas, well if you include Phillip Island and Tassie overseas then I have been OS I don't fly well and by the time I have left Melbourne air space I start getting very uncomfortable indeed and need out and I don't think the cabin staff would take kindly to me trying to open the door, not sure why I say that though. I also only just cope with the boat trip to Tassie and I'll be on than in a few weeks BUT copper1 said he'll hold my hand so I hope to be OK
If I was to venture to other countries though I would expect to adjust my life style to theirs I spose, I wouldn't expect them to change or cater to my ways, after all, isn't that part of the experience of going OS to see and experience their country? I stand corrected of course.
Due to a few not so nice experiences with public toilets I now carry disinfectant wipes in my pocket when visiting public amenities. They are good for that after door opening experience as well.
When in Rome do as the Romans do.
Cloak said
09:36 AM Dec 26, 2013
***This is Australia, and unless you are aboriginal, you are "another culture", and you have been "pandered to".***
A logical fallacy called Ad Hominem. Care to try again?
The Phantom said
09:53 AM Dec 26, 2013
I lived in China for 2 years and found that, while squats dominate, increasingly Western style toilets are being installed. This was especially evident in the new airport terminals and hotels catering for foreign tourists but also in some of the most unlikely, out of the way places.
If they can do it, what is the problem here?
The Phantom
03_troopy said
10:06 AM Dec 26, 2013
When we lived in Malaysia in the early 80's, it was a fact that some Aussies did the same thing (commonly called the Kangaroo Squat) over there, so as not come in contact with the seat. But even worse than that, a phenomenom known as the "Phantom Crapper" exists in some work places. Depositing said matter on the floor instead of in the toilet. We had this happen recently at our workplace which is definitely not multicultural, and quite a few years back when I was still in the RAAF at one of the bases, again a non-multicultural situation.
Edit: I just noticed the post above mine and want to make it clear that no reference was meant to the poster, just a matter of unfortunate timing on my part. Sorry Phantom I must have been in the process of typing while you posted.
-- Edited by 03_troopy on Thursday 26th of December 2013 10:29:11 AM
NeilandRaine said
11:28 AM Dec 26, 2013
Rip and Rosie wrote:
Cloak wrote:
This is Australia, do it our way or bugger off.
I'm over pandering to other cultures.
Merry christmas everyone....
Cheers.
This is Australia, and unless you are aboriginal, you are "another culture", and you have been "pandered to".
Sorry Rip and Rosie I agree with Cloak, but let us put it a different way. People come to Australia because they like our way of life, or to experience our way of life. Why do we have to change to cater to theirs.
johnq said
11:39 AM Dec 26, 2013
It is all part of the 'diversity we have to have' that we never get to vote on.
With the number of science graduates out of work and many having to work as clerks I am surprised that the government allows 457 visas for pathology assistants, or gives citizenship to international students studying the same.
Amazing that the pathologist does not put proactive infection control first and foremost, speaking specifically of the oral-fecal transmission route of many serious diseases, such as dysentery that is a number 1 killer world-wide. In Australia, much of the disease that affects Aborigines could be prevented by a soap and water hygiene routine, for instance.
Engineers have done so much to prevent the transmission of disease. Then along comes some fellow who would send us back to the Dark Age. He is most 'Progressive' to always put immigrants' cultural needs first.
edited, spell
-- Edited by johnq on Thursday 26th of December 2013 11:41:05 AM
Vic41 said
11:49 AM Dec 26, 2013
Living in Malaysia for awhile, the house we were living in had two toilets in separate rooms, the Amah (servant) had the squat type and we had the upright type we have in Oz.
I saw it written somewhere once where some medical authorities said in an article that squatting is a more natural way of defecating and allows the passage of waste matter better.
Rip and Rosie said
12:14 PM Dec 26, 2013
NeilandRaine wrote:
Rip and Rosie wrote:
Cloak wrote:
This is Australia, do it our way or bugger off.
I'm over pandering to other cultures.
Merry christmas everyone....
Cheers.
This is Australia, and unless you are aboriginal, you are "another culture", and you have been "pandered to".
Sorry Rip and Rosie I agree with Cloak, but let us put it a different way. People come to Australia because they like our way of life, or to experience our way of life. Why do we have to change to cater to theirs.
Ah, your comments show that you do not know Australian history.
the early colonists did not "come because they liked our way of life", our convicts came because they were victims of the british government. Our Scottish settlers very the victims of highland clearances. Our post WW 2 refugees were escaping nazi aggression. Perhaps the ten pound poms came for a better life, but they are one group among many.
Why should we change? We already have and continue to do so. We speak English, we eat Chinese, Italian, Greek and Lebanese food. We happily accept American culture, entertainment and diction. We drive Asian cars and watch Korean televisions.
As Australians we have fought in other countries' wars except for the fight against japan in the latter stages of WW2.
Change is what we do, and have always done.
Cloak said
12:24 PM Dec 26, 2013
Rip and Rosie wrote:
***Ah, your comments show that you do not know Australian history.***
A straw man argument and a logical fallacy once again. Keep trying.
Gerty Dancer said
12:37 PM Dec 26, 2013
Regardless of how you identify "Australian"... we are all citizens of planet Earth, and because we are separated by oceans (mostly) from the other Earth Citizens, some of us have chosen to ignore them and their "foreign" (read "different from us") ways. With more travel in both directions Australians are now starting to become less isolated, and the learning curve isn't pleasant to some.
Change is inevitable here as everywhere, whether you complain about it or not.
johnq said
12:50 PM Dec 26, 2013
Just to lighten up the discussion, one of my casual jobs as a student was to deliver frozen chickens. A number of ethnic restaurants and take-aways were on the run. One of the worst for hygiene is still operating years later. It was finally mentioned in the local paper a few years ago, including photos of rodent carcasses that were painted over in a renovation.
Would sir and madam like some complimentary Blattella germanica eggs with the entre?
I could never understand the Beamers and similar high class cars parked outside. None of the patrons could ever have walked past down-wind after hours.
At home I had food provincial ordinaire, casserole with Red Ned, and none of the unexpected trimmings and flavourings.
In the country where Greek cafes dominated and even provided the 'new' Chinese and 'French/Mediterranean' food, locals were relieved when Maccas arrived on the scene. Of course some of them are now sliding down-hill too.
Just talking history, nothing cultural.
dorian said
12:50 PM Dec 26, 2013
I find it strange that Prof Zola hasn't mentioned the bidet. It seems that Asian countries are transitioning from squat toilets to Western style flush toilets, particularly bidets, so perhaps the Prof has been away from his birthplace for too long.
"Toilets in Japan are generally more sophisticated than toilets in other developed nations. There are two styles of toilets commonly found in Japan; the oldest type is a simple squat toilet, which is still somewhat common in public conveniences. After World War II, modern Western-type flush toilets and urinals became common. The current state of the art for Western-style toilets is the bidet toilet, which, as of March 2010, is installed in 72% of Japanese households."
BTW, I found the following historical note in Wikipedia:
"1980: Bruce Thompson, working for Caroma in Australia, developed the Duoset cistern with two buttons and two flush volumes as a water-saving measure. Modern versions of the Duoset are now available worldwide, and save the average household 67% of their normal water usage."
And here's an odd one. Apparently a clean bum can be dangerous.
The repetitive use of a "type water jet on a high-pressure setting for an enema, can weaken the capability for self-evacuation of the Washlet [bidet] user, which can lead to more serious constipation." If a Washlet high-pressure water jet is used on the anus repeatedly, it may cause excessive cleanliness, prompting other bacteria to adhere around the anus, causing skin disease (inflammation) around the anus. Some proctologists in Japan have named this "Washlet Syndrome" or "Warm-water toilet seat Syndrome".
I wonder if his missus/s would agree with him though?
dorian said
02:56 PM Dec 26, 2013
"I wouldn't be surprised if in 30 years' time, all buildings had to have both styles,'' [Prof Zola] said.
I've been looking at this statement from a different angle. ISTM that in 30 years' time all countries will have transitioned to sit-down toilets. In fact during my 3 years in Asia (in the mid 80s and early 90s) I never had to squat once. And it's not just because special amenities were provided for visitors. In Japan I lived in an apartment, and in Singapore I lived in two Housing Development Board flats, both built by the government for the locals. Each flat had a Western style toilet (not a bidet). However, I do recall that one of the Singapore toilets was shoddily constructed, with the lid severely askew, so that it felt like I was sitting sidesaddle.
Baz421 said
02:59 PM Dec 26, 2013
Cloak wrote:
This is Australia, do it our way or bugger off.
I'm over pandering to other cultures.
Merry christmas everyone....
Cheers.
Agree 100% we won't have any identity left soon,,,,,,,,meat pies and a beer at the footy are the next to go,,,,,,,,,,,,,no huggin and kissin in the back row of the pictures,, no drinking from the garden hose,,,,, etc etc.
Baz421 said
03:04 PM Dec 26, 2013
Vic41 wrote:
Living in Malaysia for awhile, the house we were living in had two toilets in separate rooms, the Amah (servant) had the squat type and we had the upright type we have in Oz.
I saw it written somewhere once where some medical authorities said in an article that squatting is a more natural way of defecating and allows the passage of waste matter better.
Same here Vic. The Aussie females hated the squats,,,, and at the border with Singapore they were often absolutely filthy,,, my poor Mum found out the hard way and came out almost sick and very pale,,, almost stopped her eating and drinking,,lol.
D and D said
03:56 PM Dec 26, 2013
Baz421 wrote:
Cloak wrote:
This is Australia, do it our way or bugger off.
I'm over pandering to other cultures.
Merry christmas everyone....
Cheers.
Agree 100% we won't have any identity left soon,,,,,,,,meat pies and a beer at the footy are the next to go,,,,,,,,,,,,,no huggin and kissin in the back row of the pictures,, no drinking from the garden hose,,,,, etc etc.
These are ridiculous statements that only have validity only if:
1. Australia was a mono-cultural society which it clearly isn't;
2. accommodating other cultural expectations can only be done at the expense of existing cultural norms (whatever they are); and
3. cultural identity is static and unchanging.
I doubt that providing squat toilets as an alternative (not replacement) to the sitting style dominant across the country poses any real threat to Australian identity.
Dave
msg said
04:45 PM Dec 26, 2013
Had to use one of those in a brand new shopping centre in penang. The pong was incredible. Even had dribbles going out the door. Made for a very quick and hasty visit. Would hate to have to use them at home.
Gerty Dancer said
05:13 PM Dec 26, 2013
There's hundreds of "squat toilets" all over Australia... mostly SA and WA... at rest-stops and free-camps. People squat, do their business, use paper and leave. Absolutely disgusting. It would seem the purpose-built ones are just as disgusting.
msg said
05:19 PM Dec 26, 2013
agree Gerty. Thats why I have my own on board.
dorian said
06:15 PM Dec 26, 2013
I wonder if Prof Zola has actually conducted any kind of survey to assess the demand, otherwise he may be asking the community to cater for a non-existent need. In fact the best people to ask would be the immigrants themselves. How many immigrants who have built their own homes in this country have chosen a squat toilet over a sit-down? Or perhaps a more appropriate question would be, how many of these immigrants would have chosen a squat had one been available, and at an affordable price? Remember, these people would have been brought up using squat toilets, so they would have had a natural preference for them.
Perhaps another question might be, should we treat immigrants the same as tourists and students? The former come to Australia to live, so they should perhaps be prepared to accept the status quo, at least until they've been here a while. OTOH, tourists and students are paying visitors, so it would be good business sense to make them feel welcome. That said, my research leads me to believe that affluent people in Asian societies (eg India) are opting for sit-down toilets, and since most paying visitors would probably come from wealthy backgrounds, then it stands to reason that squats wouldn't be too popular amongst them. But that's something that a survey could easily determine.
As for the "accidents" alluded to by Prof Zola, they raise two questions. The first is, what kind of student would be so stupid as to be unable to work out how to use our toilets? The second is, if these disgusting acts were deliberate, then why should we even allow these kind of people into the country, let alone cater for their special needs?
D and D said
06:35 PM Dec 26, 2013
dorian wrote:
As for the "accidents" alluded to by Prof Zola, they raise two questions. The first is, what kind of student would be so stupid as to be unable to work out how to use our toilets? The second is, if these disgusting acts were deliberate, then why should we even allow these kind of people into the country, let alone cater for their special needs?
I don't think knowing how to use a sit on toilet is a per-requisite for obtaining an Australian visa.
Vic41 said
06:37 PM Dec 26, 2013
Baz421 wrote:
Vic41 wrote:
Living in Malaysia for awhile, the house we were living in had two toilets in separate rooms, the Amah (servant) had the squat type and we had the upright type we have in Oz.
I saw it written somewhere once where some medical authorities said in an article that squatting is a more natural way of defecating and allows the passage of waste matter better.
Same here Vic. The Aussie females hated the squats,,,, and at the border with Singapore they were often absolutely filthy,,, my poor Mum found out the hard way and came out almost sick and very pale,,, almost stopped her eating and drinking,,lol.
The large tins (sunshine milk size) next to the toilets with water in them to wash your bum instead of toilet paper were different too, no wonder there is water on the floor. Still, these are on their turf and if you've gotta go, you've gotta go, any port in a storm.
SQUAT toilets should be considered for new buildings, says a leading pathologist who has had to instruct his staff in correct use of western toilets.
SA Pathology research director Professor Heddy Zola says it is probably time Adelaide acknowledged the cultural needs of its large migrant population.
Squat toilets, also known as Nile pans, are preferred in parts of Asia and Europe.
"In the research environment, the native-born Australian is a rarity," Professor Zola said.
"We do very well with our immigrant population.
"I'm a migrant myself and we do need to accommodate them."
In his monthly research newsletter, he has included a page on "toilet etiquette", which includes a diagram, with a cross through it, of a stick figure standing on a toilet seat.
The instructions also include an appeal not to throw water on the floor.
He said there had been a recurring problem with the state of the toilets in his IMVS building, on Frome Rd.
At one stage, a PhD student had cleaned up after others to spare the cleaners the task.
"I think it's a mixture of cultural differences and just people not giving a damn about who comes after them,'' Professor Zola said.
He said it would be "sensible" to install squats in new buildings, especially those used by large numbers of migrant students and staff.
"I wouldn't be surprised if in 30 years' time, all buildings had to have both styles,'' he said.
The University of Adelaide has "culturally sensitive amenities" to cater for students and staff from more than 90 countries, a spokeswoman told The Advertiser.
"We have prayer rooms with culturally appropriate ablutions at both Union House and Nexus10 as well as squat toilets in the Ingkarni Wardli building," she said.
"It is important to consider culturally sensitive amenities as part of building development planning.
"Feedback from occupants and visitors alike is invariably positive and it further reinforces the university's values of inclusivity and tolerance."
Flinders University also has installed squat toilets and special washrooms.
UniSA has none but has recognised a problem and placed signs on cubicle doors, asking users not to stand on seats.
That said, how many people are averse to sitting down on a public toilet? Don't all of us blokes lift the lid with our feet? Do any of us lay down a protective layer of toilet tissue before exposing our backsides to the pan? Do we grab the door handle with our fingers, or do we just push at it with a clenched fist?
If you're using a squat toilet, how do you cope with a wind assisted bowel motion? You know, that's when you sh*t and f*rt at the same time.
I'm over pandering to other cultures.
Merry christmas everyone....
Cheers.
This is Australia, and unless you are aboriginal, you are "another culture", and you have been "pandered to".
I've travelled and I've lived in several countries, both in Europe and Asia, and I have found that many countries have dual signage to assist visitors. It's obvious to me that Australia is a major tourist attraction, and perhaps one day that will be one of the few remaining things that this country has to offer when one considers the decimation of our manufacturing industries. ISTM that there are one billion Chinese who would appreciate anything that makes them feel welcome.
"Culturally sensitive amenities" for the large foreign student population seems like good business sense to me, although I don't think I would like to see it in the wider community. Maybe I'm xenophobic, or maybe I'm just a realist. Let's face it, the worldwide trend is for countries with large cultural, racial, or political groups to dissolve into independent states, sometimes violently. The only amicable unification I can recall in modern times was the reunification of East and West Germany. Multiculturalism only works when it's non-threatening. ISTM that there is a critical mass below which a mixed society is relatively stable, but as soon as the minority groups exceed this critical mass, then the majority feels under siege. IMO immigration policy needs to take account of xenophobia, even if it may be perceived as discriminatory, because social cohesion is paramount. You'd have to be a clever politician to tread the fine line between the two, though.
BTW, has anyone noticed the "multicultural" signage at the entrances to our towns? You know, the ones that display the town's aboriginal name as well as its white-fella name. I wonder what would happen to a letter that was addressed to Parliament House in Djubuguli, if the postcode were omitted.
-- Edited by dorian on Thursday 26th of December 2013 08:57:23 AM
I have never and more than likely will never go overseas, well if you include Phillip Island and Tassie overseas then I have been OS
I don't fly well and by the time I have left Melbourne air space I start getting very uncomfortable indeed and need out and I don't think the cabin staff would take kindly to me trying to open the door, not sure why I say that though. I also only just cope with the boat trip to Tassie and I'll be on than in a few weeks BUT copper1 said he'll hold my hand so I hope to be OK 
If I was to venture to other countries though I would expect to adjust my life style to theirs I spose, I wouldn't expect them to change or cater to my ways, after all, isn't that part of the experience of going OS to see and experience their country? I stand corrected of course.
Due to a few not so nice experiences with public toilets I now carry disinfectant wipes in my pocket when visiting public amenities. They are good for that after door opening experience as well.
When in Rome do as the Romans do.
***This is Australia, and unless you are aboriginal, you are "another culture", and you have been "pandered to".***
A logical fallacy called Ad Hominem. Care to try again?
If they can do it, what is the problem here?
The Phantom
When we lived in Malaysia in the early 80's, it was a fact that some Aussies did the same thing (commonly called the Kangaroo Squat) over there, so as not come in contact with the seat. But even worse than that, a phenomenom known as the "Phantom Crapper" exists in some work places. Depositing said matter on the floor instead of in the toilet. We had this happen recently at our workplace which is definitely not multicultural, and quite a few years back when I was still in the RAAF at one of the bases, again a non-multicultural situation.
Edit: I just noticed the post above mine and want to make it clear that no reference was meant to the poster, just a matter of unfortunate timing on my part. Sorry Phantom I must have been in the process of typing while you posted.
-- Edited by 03_troopy on Thursday 26th of December 2013 10:29:11 AM
Sorry Rip and Rosie I agree with Cloak, but let us put it a different way. People come to Australia because they like our way of life, or to experience our way of life. Why do we have to change to cater to theirs.
It is all part of the 'diversity we have to have' that we never get to vote on.
With the number of science graduates out of work and many having to work as clerks I am surprised that the government allows 457 visas for pathology assistants, or gives citizenship to international students studying the same.
Amazing that the pathologist does not put proactive infection control first and foremost, speaking specifically of the oral-fecal transmission route of many serious diseases, such as dysentery that is a number 1 killer world-wide. In Australia, much of the disease that affects Aborigines could be prevented by a soap and water hygiene routine, for instance.
Engineers have done so much to prevent the transmission of disease. Then along comes some fellow who would send us back to the Dark Age. He is most 'Progressive' to always put immigrants' cultural needs first.
edited, spell
-- Edited by johnq on Thursday 26th of December 2013 11:41:05 AM
Living in Malaysia for awhile, the house we were living in had two toilets in separate rooms, the Amah (servant) had the squat type and we had the upright type we have in Oz.
I saw it written somewhere once where some medical authorities said in an article that squatting is a more natural way of defecating and allows the passage of waste matter better.
Ah, your comments show that you do not know Australian history.
the early colonists did not "come because they liked our way of life", our convicts came because they were victims of the british government. Our Scottish settlers very the victims of highland clearances. Our post WW 2 refugees were escaping nazi aggression. Perhaps the ten pound poms came for a better life, but they are one group among many.
Why should we change? We already have and continue to do so. We speak English, we eat Chinese, Italian, Greek and Lebanese food. We happily accept American culture, entertainment and diction. We drive Asian cars and watch Korean televisions.
As Australians we have fought in other countries' wars except for the fight against japan in the latter stages of WW2.
Change is what we do, and have always done.
***Ah, your comments show that you do not know Australian history.***
A straw man argument and a logical fallacy once again. Keep trying.
Change is inevitable here as everywhere, whether you complain about it or not.
Just to lighten up the discussion, one of my casual jobs as a student was to deliver frozen chickens. A number of ethnic restaurants and take-aways were on the run. One of the worst for hygiene is still operating years later. It was finally mentioned in the local paper a few years ago, including photos of rodent carcasses that were painted over in a renovation.
Would sir and madam like some complimentary Blattella germanica eggs with the entre?
I could never understand the Beamers and similar high class cars parked outside. None of the patrons could ever have walked past down-wind after hours.
At home I had food provincial ordinaire, casserole with Red Ned
, and none of the unexpected trimmings and flavourings.
In the country where Greek cafes dominated and even provided the 'new' Chinese and 'French/Mediterranean' food, locals were relieved when Maccas arrived on the scene. Of course some of them are now sliding down-hill too.
Just talking history, nothing cultural.
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Toilets_in_Japan
"Toilets in Japan are generally more sophisticated than toilets in other developed nations. There are two styles of toilets commonly found in Japan; the oldest type is a simple squat toilet, which is still somewhat common in public conveniences. After World War II, modern Western-type flush toilets and urinals became common. The current state of the art for Western-style toilets is the bidet toilet, which, as of March 2010, is installed in 72% of Japanese households."
BTW, I found the following historical note in Wikipedia:
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flush_toilet
"1980: Bruce Thompson, working for Caroma in Australia, developed the Duoset cistern with two buttons and two flush volumes as a water-saving measure. Modern versions of the Duoset are now available worldwide, and save the average household 67% of their normal water usage."
And here's an odd one. Apparently a clean bum can be dangerous.
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Toilets_in_Japan
The repetitive use of a "type water jet on a high-pressure setting for an enema, can weaken the capability for self-evacuation of the Washlet [bidet] user, which can lead to more serious constipation." If a Washlet high-pressure water jet is used on the anus repeatedly, it may cause excessive cleanliness, prompting other bacteria to adhere around the anus, causing skin disease (inflammation) around the anus. Some proctologists in Japan have named this "Washlet Syndrome" or "Warm-water toilet seat Syndrome".
I wonder if his missus/s would agree with him though?
I've been looking at this statement from a different angle. ISTM that in 30 years' time all countries will have transitioned to sit-down toilets. In fact during my 3 years in Asia (in the mid 80s and early 90s) I never had to squat once. And it's not just because special amenities were provided for visitors. In Japan I lived in an apartment, and in Singapore I lived in two Housing Development Board flats, both built by the government for the locals. Each flat had a Western style toilet (not a bidet). However, I do recall that one of the Singapore toilets was shoddily constructed, with the lid severely askew, so that it felt like I was sitting sidesaddle.
Agree 100% we won't have any identity left soon,,,,,,,,meat pies and a beer at the footy are the next to go,,,,,,,,,,,,,no huggin and kissin in the back row of the pictures,, no drinking from the garden hose,,,,, etc etc.
Same here Vic. The Aussie females hated the squats,,,, and at the border with Singapore they were often absolutely filthy,,, my poor Mum found out the hard way and came out almost sick and very pale,,, almost stopped her eating and drinking,,lol.
These are ridiculous statements that only have validity only if:
1. Australia was a mono-cultural society which it clearly isn't;
2. accommodating other cultural expectations can only be done at the expense of existing cultural norms (whatever they are); and
3. cultural identity is static and unchanging.
I doubt that providing squat toilets as an alternative (not replacement) to the sitting style dominant across the country poses any real threat to Australian identity.
Dave
Perhaps another question might be, should we treat immigrants the same as tourists and students? The former come to Australia to live, so they should perhaps be prepared to accept the status quo, at least until they've been here a while. OTOH, tourists and students are paying visitors, so it would be good business sense to make them feel welcome. That said, my research leads me to believe that affluent people in Asian societies (eg India) are opting for sit-down toilets, and since most paying visitors would probably come from wealthy backgrounds, then it stands to reason that squats wouldn't be too popular amongst them. But that's something that a survey could easily determine.
As for the "accidents" alluded to by Prof Zola, they raise two questions. The first is, what kind of student would be so stupid as to be unable to work out how to use our toilets? The second is, if these disgusting acts were deliberate, then why should we even allow these kind of people into the country, let alone cater for their special needs?
I don't think knowing how to use a sit on toilet is a per-requisite for obtaining an Australian visa.
The large tins (sunshine milk size) next to the toilets with water in them to wash your bum instead of toilet paper were different too, no wonder there is water on the floor. Still, these are on their turf and if you've gotta go, you've gotta go, any port in a storm.