Buzz
Few topics are as universally avoided as the activities that occur behind the closed door of a restroom. While it’s a basic human necessity, we often mask the reality with humor or embarrassment. Here are ten fascinating and sometimes shocking stories about bathroom practices worldwide, showcasing both our differences and our shared humanity.
10. Improvised Electric Chair
Convicted of sexual assault and murder, 28-year-old Michael Anderson Godwin faced the death penalty in South Carolina. Although an appeal spared him from execution, fate had other plans. In March 1989, while sitting on a metal prison toilet and trying to repair his TV headphones, Godwin bit into a wire and was tragically electrocuted.
9. Singapore's Flush Fine
Singapore, the city-state, is famous for its unusual and often strict regulations. Chewing gum sales, pornography, and carrying durian fruits on public transport are all banned. Penalties can include hefty fines, imprisonment, corporal punishment, or even the death penalty. Among its peculiar laws is one related to public restrooms: failing to flush after use can lead to arrest by randomly patrolling police. Offenders may face a $500 fine or even public caning for leaving an unpleasant surprise for the next user.
8. The Beaver
The first toilet ever depicted on television is thought to have appeared in a 1957 episode of the sitcom “Leave It To Beaver.” In this episode, Beaver and his older brother Wally purchase a pet alligator named “Captain Jack” from a comic book advertisement. To keep their new pet hidden from their parents, the boys decide to conceal Jack inside the toilet tank. Notably, network censors were so worried about public reaction that they only allowed the tank to be shown, omitting the rest of the toilet.
7. Carson and the Toilet Paper Crisis
In 1973, Wisconsin congressman Harold Froelich raised concerns about an impending paper shortage in the United States. The story initially received little attention until the staff of “The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson” stumbled upon it. Known for his humorous takes on current events, Carson mentioned the potential toilet paper shortage during his December 19, 1973, broadcast. Viewers took his comments seriously, leading to a nationwide panic. The next day, shoppers cleared store shelves of toilet paper, and some retailers exploited the situation by inflating prices. Despite Carson clarifying the next night that his remarks were meant as a joke, the frenzy had already taken hold.
6. The Eternal Throne
In February 2008, authorities were called to the home of Kory McFarren in Ness City, Kansas. McFarren claimed there was “something wrong” with his girlfriend. The issue was that 35-year-old Pam Babcock had been sitting on his toilet for nearly two years, to the point where her skin had fused with the seat. Paramedics had to remove the seat, which was later surgically detached at the hospital. It was later revealed that Babcock suffered from a mental disorder; whenever McFarren urged her to leave the bathroom, she would respond, “Maybe tomorrow.
While there was initial uncertainty about whether McFarren would face charges, he was ultimately found guilty of misdemeanor neglect of a dependent adult for delaying seeking help. He received a sentence of six months’ probation. Interestingly, this isn’t the only case of prolonged toilet occupation; a woman in Singapore also spent two and a half years on the toilet starting in March 2009, claiming she “felt a force holding her down.”
5. Life Before Toilet Paper
The toilet paper we use today is a relatively modern invention, dating back just 150 years. Before its existence, people relied on various materials like leaves, corncobs, and shells. In parts of Asia, it was common to use the left hand and water for cleaning. This practice explains the stigma against left-handed individuals in regions like India and the Middle East, where the left hand is deemed unclean and using it to hand objects is considered offensive. The introduction of paper for this purpose coincided with the popularity of department store catalogs. However, when Sears & Roebuck switched to glossy, non-absorbent paper for photos, it sparked significant backlash.
4. Air Toilets
Modern bathrooms are a luxury many cannot afford; billions globally lack access to proper sanitation. In numerous Third World countries, a simple hole in the ground is considered fortunate. In densely populated slums, even this basic facility is often unavailable. In Nairobi, Kenya’s capital, the “flying toilet” is a grim reality. This term refers to plastic bags used for defecation, which are then thrown as far as possible. Streets are littered with such waste, creating breeding grounds for diseases like malaria and typhoid. The rainy season exacerbates the problem, as floodwaters carry the waste into homes and water sources. While some entrepreneurs have introduced pay-to-use public toilets, progress remains slow.
3. Advanced Toilets
Toilet design has remained largely unchanged for decades in the Western world, typically featuring a basic flush mechanism. However, there’s a rising trend toward computerized “smart toilets,” with Japan leading the way in high-tech bathroom innovations. Some models exceed $5,000 and come equipped with features more advanced than those in many cars. These luxury toilets include automatic lids, temperature-controlled bidets, heated seats, air dryers, deodorizers, music players, and even medical sensors that can measure pulse, blood sugar, and body fat. Beyond practicality, Japan has also introduced bathroom video games like Sega’s “Toylet,” a urinal game controlled by the user’s stream.
2. Toilet Attacks
Few moments leave us as vulnerable as when we’re seated on the toilet. Bathroom visits can sometimes bring unexpected dangers from wildlife. While modern plumbing has reduced encounters with threats like the black widow spider, which once thrived in outhouses, it hasn’t eliminated the risk of rats. These rodents have been known to swim through pipes, enter homes via toilets, and even attack unsuspecting users.
1. German Toilets
In Germany and Austria, “washout toilets” are a common sight, featuring an inspection shelf designed to catch waste. This design allows users to examine their deposits for health reasons, such as checking for worms or parasites. While this setup prevents the dreaded “splash back,” it’s said that a quick flush is necessary to manage the resulting odor. As a result, many Germans prioritize hiring skilled plumbers to handle any urgent issues.
