Posted on 12/06/2004 6:49:35 AM PST by Raycpa
Urinal Etiquette: Embrace the Space By Mike Kennedy
Among men, a set of unwritten rules exists. An example of one is that friends never let friends wear Speedos. Recently, however, the 1-3-5 rule-or just your simple spacer urinal rule-has been embraced by our generation.
Rather than break the rule, many men choose to wait rather than violate. However, violations do occur, severely disturbing the original urinal user. Matt Esposito, a senior and victim of the broken rule said that when it happens, "I feel like the sanctity of my manhood is violated." Stephen Swigut, a senior, echoed Esposito. "I get a little freaked out. Sometimes I give them the eye to get them to move down."
With the assistance of field researchers Greg Hassel and Steve Masi, this reporter set out to document the phenomenon to understand whether the men of Harrison High School embrace the space, so to speak.
Time and again, field researchers positioned themselves in clear violation of the rule on an unsuspecting urinal user. Time and again, the men of Harrison High School were outraged, disturbed, or violated. "Is this completely necessary," one victim said. "Don't you know proper urinal etiquette?" After our week's worth of research and lots of trips to the men's room, the researchers came to their conclusion. The phenomenon striking bathrooms across the country has taken hold in the hallowed hallways of Harrison High.
A few exceptions to the rule do exist, however. At professional sporting events, it is essential to get in and out of the bathroom as quickly as possible so as to not miss game-breaking plays. In such instances, it might be necessary to violate the spacer rule. In this situation, fellow fans understand the need, and the rule is forgotten. In fact, it is not rare that fans relieving themselves will share game time updates or insight regarding the game--also an "ok" for sporting events. Recent experiences by researchers at Giants Stadium proved the exception, as men stood side by side in perfect bathroom harmony.
For the sake of journalism, the researchers flushed their fears of embarrassment and ridicule down the drain. They did, however, feel anxiety over their violation. Steve Masi said, "I was a little hesitant at first, but I knew what I had to do. Once I stepped into the bathroom I was ready. It was go time!"
Now that the urinal phenomenon has been documented, a few words of advice. If violated, remain calm. Look straight ahead at a crack or crevice in the wall. And go as fast as possible. Good luck, men.
serious journalism from erudite students i see.
too much time on their hands perhaps?
http://www.albinoblacksheep.com/flash/urinal.php
Two guys were in the restroom doing their thing. One guy looked down at the other and commented " boy thats a beauty ". The other guy commented " ya but I would trade it for one that works ".
Given our "diverse" culture, it is ever important to remember and enforce the "eyes forward" unwritten rule.
The important thing is to 'hold my own' no matter what the spacing.
LONDON Dec 1, 2004 — A porcelain urinal is the most influential work of modern art, according to a survey released Wednesday.
The poll of 500 arts figures ranked French surrealist Marcel Duchamp's 1917 piece "Fountain" an ordinary white, porcelain urinal more influential than Pablo Picasso's "Les Demoiselles d'Avignon," Andy Warhol's screen prints of Marilyn Monroe and "Guernica," Picasso's searing depiction of the devastation of war.
Yeah, and its deep too.
Do NOT aim diagnally at another urinal while another patron is "busy" in said urinal unless you have a death-wish.
The whole point of unwritten ettiquette is that it is not specified. It is this lack of formality which allows flexible interpretations (such as that noted at sporting events).
This study really does fall into the 'to observe is to affect' problem.
You mean, while we women are standing in long lines for the next available stall, the men are in there eyeballing each other if the urinal next to them is being used? Do I sound sympathetic?
Man's got a point. :D
A series investigative journalism ping.
And as my husband says, there's one thing women will never be able to do -- write on the ceiling.
Urinal Ettiquette:
If you can keep at least 1 vacant urinal between you and others you should do so... never select a urinal right next to someone else, if you can use one that is not.
Always look straight ahead... no wondering eyes. Sometimes you can find interesting limerics written on the tile grout.
Flush - probably the most ignored rule.. as long as this one is ignored, there is no way to counter the "men are slobs" argument.
Anything more than 2 shakes is considered pleasuring yourself and not appropriate.
Great award which sums up modern art. When I see most modern art I get the urge to relieve myself on it.
OOPS. I was logged in as my husband. I made comment 16 above. Mu husband does not have a husband.
Whenever he was seen in the lav, a one-time average-height co-worker would always go to the boy's urinal at the end of the line, even when none of the others were occupied.
Thinking this strange (and with eyes straight ahead ;-) he was once asked why he seemed to be doing this. His reply:
"Proper tip-to-floor distance..."
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