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The United States is a whole other world. From its enormous cars and cowboy-like freedom to the word "y’all" — and what’s up with the large restroom stall gaps? — there are so many little quirky things that the rest of the world simply can’t wrap their heads around. No wonder the land of opportunity often finds itself in the spotlight where people try to decipher the perplexities of the American lifestyle.

And if you really want to get a full picture of the world in the US, you have to see its weirder sides too. So good news to all the fellow fans of the American way of life! Today, we have a real treat that comes in the form of a 'No Context USA' Twitter account. This online destination offers a wild collection filled with entertaining, bizarre, and hilarious pictures, and we firmly believe that people who bleed blue, white, and red will also appreciate the tongue-in-cheek comments about their beloved nation.

"God bless America," says its description, and hey, thanks for being the perfect source of entertainment! Continue scrolling to check it all out, upvote your favorite posts, and don’t miss the chat we had about American stereotypes with travel writer and blogger from the US, Megan Starr

#1

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Queen Jackson.
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

If you’re not from the U.S.A., a lot of times there are trucks like this but with confederate flags, trump flags, and racist s**t. So the joke of you first look at it and think “oh god racist redneck” then boom

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Sophie Dorothea Hill
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I'm a Christian (in the UK) and I don't believe that God wants us to be miserable and live a lie. I will continue to support and defend anyone who isn't hurting anyone else with their life choices. Also, the Bible was written by dudes thousands of years ago; furthermore, NOBODY I know follows the Bible 100%. So let's not pretend we are infallible, and let's not judge as God is meant to judge.

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It seems that funny and incredibly out-of-context pics from America have quite a fanbase on Twitter. With over 103k people following the 'No Context USA' account, it’s easy to see why the page is quickly gaining popularity. Everyone enjoys a good laugh, and the land of the free is notorious for unique quirks unheard of in other parts of the world that are almost begging to be gently poked fun at.

Before we get started, let’s remind ourselves that everyone should find the courage and the ability to laugh at themselves. To mock both little and serious things, and embrace cultural weirdness in all of its glory. Every culture has oddities and peculiarities, after all. Some we understand, others — not so much. But it doesn’t mean we can’t chuckle at them like there’s no tomorrow.

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Whether you’re local or not, you’re well aware that the internet’s obsession with the United States has gone beyond control. And the ideas about the American way of life have become pretty polarizing, with different sides blaring their truths without a second thought. While opinions about the country are usually far from great, it’s clear that not all typically American characteristics are negative.

So to gain more insight from someone who knows what they’re talking about, we reached out to Megan Starr who is originally from Virginia, US. She is one of the voices behind the acclaimed travel blog called Megan & Aram that’s dedicated purely to visiting Scandinavia, the Eastern bloc, and beyond. Before going on her adventures to explore and learn more about the world, she also traveled across the US, visiting every undeniably beautiful corner from Hawaii to the Great Lakes.

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According to Megan, blanket statements about her homeland are rarely accurate, and most attempts to generalize the entire US are likely to be at least a little off. "It is one of the most diverse countries on the planet," she told Bored Panda. "A person from Washington DC is not going to have the same beliefs as someone from rural Nebraska."

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Megan revealed it would be quite foolish to believe any one stereotype about the US is true. "Exposure and our surroundings play a lot into our beliefs and ideals," she added.

"As someone who has spent 12 years living in Europe, I have realized that it seems to be okay to generalize the entire United States into one stereotype but if we were to do that about another country, we’d be that 'ignorant American' (yet another stereotype)."

#11

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Jon Steensen
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Even Trump's MAGA hats are made in China, and so while he preach Only America first, he makes a profit off of his fans going against that principle.

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We were curious to hear what common misconceptions Megan has heard throughout her travels. And it turns out, she’s heard them all. "'Loud Americans' — yea, we do speak loudly and confidently. But so do Canadians, the Spanish, the Italians, Brits, etc. It also helps that everyone can pinpoint an American accent and can understand English, meaning they are far more tuned into what someone is saying when they are speaking that way."

Another typical cliché Megan often hears a lot is "Ignorant Americans." But interestingly, the travel blogger added that if you’re meeting an American abroad, chances are you’re meeting the country’s best people.

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"Some of the most ignorant people I have ever met have been European or Australian but I would never generalize an entire nation based on a chunk of its people," she added. "Again, I think this is something that is just deemed acceptable when you say it against Americans, but how dare anyone generalize a nation anywhere else. It’s kind of weird, really."

Of course, let’s not forget how easy it is for outsiders to come up with stereotypes when the complexity of this enormous nation is usually too hard for them to understand. After all, with such a diverse population and a melting pot of cultures, getting the full view of the country is definitely challenging. And Megan absolutely agrees with this line of reasoning.

"The complexity of ANY country is beyond the scope of a foreigner to grasp," she said. "That is why it is important to live abroad for a bit and understand a place before you make ignorant judgments about the society as a whole. The US is not a homogenous nation."

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Steve Robert
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Most accurate depiction of one of the worst animals on the planet and an insult to pigs everywhere

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Christian Fuller
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me seven times ... when's the next time you'll be here?

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But the likely false conclusions foreigners draw about the US make it an easy target for laughs, Megan continued. "The world sees our media and knows our movies. They think they understand the dynamics of our society."

"Not to get dark here, but it baffles me when I see people make jokes (yes, jokes) on TikTok or other social media platforms about kids getting shot in American schools. This would NEVER be acceptable in any other country," Megan continued. "And those same people don’t seem to realize that most Americans do want gun control, but the power lies in the hands of some rich, corrupt people in our society."

What’s even more frustrating, Megan has noticed that the same words and giggles would never be pointed in the direction of other societies. "For example, what is going on in Iran now. Lives lost anywhere in the world are not a joke or a reason to make humorous stereotypical comments."

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#20

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NuClea Bomb
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

He was actually forced to sell his soul to create such musical mastery. He's now down south, paying off the debt. It seemed like a good idea at the time

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But there is some good news, thankfully. "I do see people taking a stand against these types of jokes nowadays," Megan said. "But, I am baffled at the people that think that these are funny."

"Nevertheless, I think most stereotypes have underlying meanings for almost any country and a backstory and I think these differences make the world a beautiful place (as long as it doesn’t oppose any groups in society)."

At the end of the day, everyone is entitled to their own opinions. But "if someone can make a joke against a country but has never stepped foot in it or has only been to one city, the joke is kind of on them."

#23

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I see your school lunch and I raise you a dinner on a US navy ship.

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Firstname Lastname
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1 year ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

According to the poster, it is Salisbury steak and canned squash. And they had run out of forks. Somehow exploring my curiosity made it worse...

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Lastly, Megan wanted to ask people to stop stereotyping. "Simple as that. Realize that if you see a video of 'people not knowing a single country in Africa', you’re likely seeing the highlights of the worst of the people just as you see the funniest bits when you see a movie trailer."

"If you’re traveling abroad and you have run-ins with a society being rowdy and obnoxious at your hotel or hostel, chances are there are some people from that same society at a nearby hotel holding themselves together a bit more," Megan concluded.

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#34

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Jaguarundi
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It would seem that they had swapped paint, but she decided to get back together with her ex.

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madbakes
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Welcome to the US, where far too many of questionable judgment have far too many guns

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Christian Fuller
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

*Whistle blows. "Personal foul, brother-in-law, for double-dipping. 15 yard penalty, enforced from the spot of the foul."

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#39

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For Europeans, this is what a public bathroom stall in the USA (Seattle) looks like

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AnnaB
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I live in Seattle. I don't know where, or why, this stall exists - but I can assure you, this is NOT what stalls look like ANYWHERE but in this picture.

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Laura Ketteridge
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Thank you! I've heard horrific things about public loos in the USA. I was thinking 'Is this real?! Is it the 'logical' conclusion of all the horrible 'mind the gap' stories I've head?!' Thanks for the clarification.

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Amy E
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Normal stalls do lack privacy, there are gaps around the door which comes up pretty high. Often locks aren't the best and they don't have toilet paper. But they are not this.

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Christian Fuller
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Heaven help you if you find one of the few remaining men's restrooms with a trough instead of a line of urinals.

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Uni tee
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This is perfect for when your stall runs out of TP and you need a loan from your neighbor.

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Dee
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Yeah, no. No bathroom stall anywhere in America looks like that. Pretty sure that is literally illegal here.

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The Auditor
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1 year ago

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Mary Kelly
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

also, i see so many europeans complaining about the tiny gap in u.s. public restroom doors, which are free and plentiful...are these the same people whose countries have nude beaches and barely any free public restrooms?...

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ohjojo (you/your's)
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Yes it seems that the floor gap ceiling gap and side door gap have never been figured out in America. It's seriously lazy manufacturing and buying the cheapest products. Meanwhile I've never figured out how to use the bathroom in Europe that's just two footprints and a hole. Are you supposed to get completely undressed? And where's the paper for wiping?

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Lisa Lisa
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I don't get all the fuss about American bathroom stall doors. When I lived in Germany, they would have people sitting IN the bathroom, waiting for your money and to clean up after you. I'll take my American doors over someone waiting to pounce on my toilet and my change purse any day!

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RoanTheMad
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

For all American Toilets suck and lack privacy, they're still better than the ones in China... where you're lucky if there's a door. Some of them don't even have dividers.

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Beth Bartel
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I don't know where this toilet is, but I've lived in the United States all my life and have never seen a public one like this before

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Bobby
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It's meant to show Americans how Europeans feel about our public toilets. They think our real ones are only slightly less ridiculous than this

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Random K-pop Stan
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

No but my highschool bathroom has stalls that some people can see over and it's terrifying

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Sandy D
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I've lived my entire 57 years in the US and have never seen a bathroom anything like that. They're not anywhere as secure as they should be because it's cheaper to make low quality, not secure ones

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Bi-Polar Express
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Seriously, I've been in 49 of 50 states and never seen anything like this. I've been in Seattle and never seen anything like this.

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J
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I've used this washroom before somewhere in Pike Place Marketplace!!! 10/10 the most social and communal experience while going to the loo

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aubergine10003
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I've literally never seen a public restroom in the US that this looks like

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Glen MacLeod
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I live in Florida, home of Florida Man, world's dumbest super villain, and these stalls don't exist here either.

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Dolly_of TheCowboy
Community Member
1 year ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Not just in USA. Went to a high school science comp that was being held at a different school to mine. All the cubicles had a door that barely covered you when seated and the walls were cut down so that you could see who was in the cubicles all along the row from the shoulders up and knees down. It was horrifying. I asked a group of the students from that school what the go was and they said it was to prevent people from hiding out in the toilets at any time and smoking or banging. Apparently they had a real problem with the senior students going at it like rabbits and some of the teachers getting in on the action too O.o

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Jessica Massie
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Maybe one instance, but no, this is not the norm. I've been out of the U.S. for half of my life, and if you wanted bad pictures of public bathrooms? Seriously. I could give you much, much worse.

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Mikey Kliss
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Ya I've been all over the country and I've never seen a stall like that

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David
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This is not a common bathroom but for reference, this might be a bathroom in an elementary school. It's not too uncommon for "little kids" bathrooms to have stalls with low walls so nobody can trap a kid in a stall and do bad things to them in private. Usually there is not an adult there 'hovering' so they do sort of have privacy but it makes it almost impossible for an adult to hide in the stalls.

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This panda be like...
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1 year ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

They have bathroom stalls like this in Pikes Market in downtown Seattle because of all the drug use in the bathrooms.

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Me
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Definitely unusual for an American bathroom. Looks like it's intended for a nursery class where the teachers had to help potty-train children.

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AtomKat
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I have had nightmares with this situation but I never believed it was real!

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Mathieu Brouwers
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I traveled with the trans-siberian express, backpacked in Mongolia, China and Vietnam. Public bathrooms; some are nice, some can´t be unseen.

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Bunnie Elyse
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Wait Wait! I live in Seattle and logged on just to comment! This is totally a bathroom in Westlake Center on Pine and 5th! I walked in, said nope and left. I'll just hold my pee, thank you. To all non-American, I promise our bathrooms don't look like this, but this one is in a not-so-great area with theft and drug use. So it's probably like this to help security monitor.

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Heather
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Ok, this is extreme. BUT, having said that, there are plenty of public bathrooms in the US that take the idea of "public" just a bit too seriously.

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Wonderful
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

My middle school in the early 90's did this cause a bunch of girls kept trashing the bathroom. So they did this and they had hall monitors watching the area throughout the day. I had just started my period when they did this. I was miserable.

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Gonna Get Better
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I've been in the men's room - it is in the Seattle Convention Center on the main floor. The ridiculous open viewing features are likely in response to illegal activity happening in the stalls - such as heroin use, a big problem in downtown Seattle.

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A Jones
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This looks like something from my nightmares about wacky horror public bathrooms.

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Scp_049
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

WHAT THE HECK! Why are there holes in the side the size of windows? And they still have the top of the stall wall above them.

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Christos Arvanitis
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This is not what our stalls look like in the US. Maybe one somewhere but this is not a thing. Yes, when the door is closed you can see in a bit, but not this FFS.

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Aboredpanda
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The picture represent what US bathroom stalls make people from the rest of the world feel, when we have to use them. *shudders* (it's a joke)

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The Scout
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Certainly exaggerated to make a point, but there really is no justification for toilets to have huge gaps between the door and the doorframe or the door and the floor. A toilet is a place where privacy is needed. Those extreme "see-in-toilets" like this one have been in use at kindergardens and nurseries for some time, though, as they make it easier for the personnel to supervise children that might not be fully potty-trained yet. While I myself see that as an unnecessary violation of privacy, too, I understand the logic behind it.

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Tamra
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Why, because you view gay people as crazed, sex-hungry exhibitionists? Because you view them as being less than human, incapable of wanting privacy, just like anyone else? Yeah, I've read some of your other posts, and my mind is poorer for it. How ignorant and fearful you are.

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Sheila Stamey
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Anybody else hear, " I'm loving it" , the ad song when they saw this? Gosh I'm more programmed that I thought!

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