I find this post very interesting. I never knew that bathroom signs could be so difficult. I also found most of the signs very humorous, especially the one with the sticks that look like the instruments used while in the bathroom.
I think that people put too much emphasis on gender, whether it’s for bathroom signs or how boys and girls should act. People care way too much about what everyone else is doing. If you didn’t worry about or judge Mike for dressing up in drag every Tuesday, your life could be fulfilled with more productive projects. Having two bathrooms is plenty, I know there are individuals that are transgender that might disagree but I don’t see a problem with having them use which ever bathroom they want and either sit down or stand up. Just pick the one that makes you feel more comfortable and stop analyzing the bathroom signs.
I think the reason why we have such an issue with negativity of individuals that act or dress like the opposite gender is because we still have so many closed minded people. If that person’s actions don’t affect me I’m alright with it. I think the reason why so many people dress like the opposite sex these days is to get a raise out of people. I knew/know so many teenagers that all they want is attention. Like when walking into the Waffle House they want everyone to look at them. I do have a few friends and coworkers that happen to be gay and they like to dress up in drag and go to clubs and I think it’s great they can do that.
Gender performance these days is at an all time high. When someone has a baby they always have pink for the girls and blue for boys. Even up until they’re in high school, boys typically have longer or no curfew while girls have earlier curfews with more consequences for breaking them. Girls are supposed to like “chick flicks” and Opera, while boys are supposed to play sports and get dirty. Everyone knows someone who is either a male or female that doesn’t follow the stereotype. I have some guy friends that would rather get a manicure than work in the yard and gal friends that would rather watch the ball game than go shopping.
The bathroom signs are just a generic sign that helps the majority of the population find a place to relieve themselves. If you don’t follow the norm then find the one that best suits you and proceed with you mission. Don’t make this more complicated than it has to be.
We almost need what we can't and can do while on the toilet!
I agree with you that transgendered people shouldn't complain about the bathroom signs,and I think its because you can't satisfy everybody.
ReplyDeleteGender emphasis can be looked at as a thing of the past but its shadows still cast a shadow to the present and perhaps the future. The signs are over analysed
ReplyDeleteThe way I see it, it's either that we keep our current bathroom labeling system, we make individual bathrooms for every possible gender identity (resulting in every building having dozens of bathrooms), or we get rid of the separation of bathrooms by gender resulting in single huge common bathrooms. I don't really foresee building owners adding extensions to their buildings to contain bathrooms for every possible gender identity combination, nor do I foresee everyone using the same bathrooms. So, basically, since it doesn't seem like anything is going to change, I agree with your last point. If a person has a different gender identity, that person should go to whatever bathroom they feel comfortable in. It's society's duty, at that point, to not make a big deal about it when a person with a different gender identity from them uses their bathroom.
ReplyDeleteI totally agree with the fact that people care way too much and that they should just mind their own business. If the transgendered people aren't being creepy and weird in whatever bathroom they choose to use, the other people in there should care less and let them do what they're going to do
ReplyDeleteDo you think that transgendered people are looking for more than two options? Cshone said people are looking for a place to use the restroom where they feel comfortable: I think it is possible that a person born of the gender they don't identify with is looking to enjoy his or herself in the other, more fitting restroom, and not a third option.
ReplyDeleteIf gender roles "are at an all time high," it is because we enjoy the distinction. There is something to appreciate in how men and women can embody different traits to an expert degree.
I agree with you and Daniel. "Transgendered people shouldn't complain about the bathroom signs."
ReplyDelete