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Journalism of Courage
A British company’s ‘solution’ to prevent people from spending too much time on the toilet—a sloping toilet—has gone viral, but has also come in for backlash on social media.
UK’s Standard Toilet received a patent for a toilet seat that is at a 13-degree slant, that makes it difficult for people to sit on it for more than five minutes. However, as the images of the design were shared online, it got a lot of attention online, most of which was criticism.
The creator of the toilet Mahabir Gill spoke to Wired about the unusual invention, saying the design was inspired by constantly finding co-workers asleep in the toilet. Gill designed the toilets that he claims are perfect for offices, shopping malls and public spaces.
In a press release, the company said,”It is estimated that in the United Kingdom alone, extended employee breaks costs industry and commerce an estimated £4 billion per annum. With the advent of flexible zero hour contracts it is easy to see why our StandardToilet can be an asset to a business.”
The company argued that it comes with health benefits. “Increased comfort through promoting the engagement of upper leg muscles, including Rectus Femorus, Vestus Lateralis, Vastus Medialus, and lower leg muscles, namely Gastrocnemius & Soleus. This also helps in reduction of musculoskeletan disorder,” the company’s website said.
However, people on social media responded saying that they couldn’t care less about the health benefits. The Twitter handle for the ailment Crohn’s & Colitis UK slammed the company for toilet-shaming people. Others mocked the company.
Here are some reactions:
https://twitter.com/harp_ta/status/1207362819949092865
https://twitter.com/WhaleHorned/status/1207034407363710985
The British Toilet Association reportedly approved of the design in November and the unit is on sale at prices between £150 and £500.
