Umm, don't think I want a squat toilet, thank you.
I like mine just the way it is. Comfy :)

Me too. Holidaying in SE Asia and having to use the squat toilets was horrible.

Count me in with the "flushing toilets are great" group too.

I'm not saying that the countries where squatting over a hole is commonplace are uncivilised per se, but squatting over a hole in and of itself is uncivilised.

here here!

Right now, I don't have a flush toilet - I have an outhouse.

On the many days when I traverse, the world becomes my toilet - usually somewhere where there is a big rock to half lean on or a fallen tree to sit on, and honestly, I prefer this. I guess I'm joining the 'who needs flush toilets anyway!' team.

I don't think squat toilets will catch on, though. They are rather different compared to the way most first-world citizens are raised.

I've lived in a place that only has outhouses...and they are fine...but what happens when you have less than well formed bowel movements on a squat toilet??? Guess you get your shoes cleaned alot and pack extra pants. I can deal with any toilet you sit on.

Honestly, I think I'd prefer the squat toilet.

1. I believe your body is designed to defecate in a squat position. It's better for your bowels. Ever notice that when you have a bad stomach ache, or you're having trouble, you have tendency to lean forward.

2. You're not touching the commode. Don't most women squat over public commodes anyway?

3. It's probably easier to clean, takes less room, and like the article says, uses less water.

The only negative I could see with it would be that elderly people would probably have a harder time getting into position.

If "civilized" means "doing other than nature intended," then I'm not too big on the "it's uncivilized to squat" argument. Be honest about it and call it "inconvenient" or "against the way I was raised," not "uncivilized." (That was a lot of quotes, wasn't it?)

I agree with Alton. Our bodies were designed to eliminate waste long before flush toilets, or even chairs, were invented. It's just a cultural thing. A deep cultural thing. Going against what we learned when potty training is going to be way harder than altering the infrastructure.

It's all moot, anyway. In 20 years we'll just let nanobots scrub us from the inside out.

I too agree with Atlon, I myself have never used a squat toilet, but have had to squat to do my business.
Though I don't think this side of the world could ever embrace the squat toilets we should at least make the effort.
Count me in the "I like squatting toilets team". =P

Yep, maybe it's just me, but there is something liberating about doing your business in the woods.

Several weeks ago there was another article here that got me researching squat toilets. I even asked my fiancee what she thought about installing one in our bathroom, but I just got that "why did your parents ever teach you to talk" look.

Maybe I'll surprise her for her birthday.

It isn't just you.

I'll be using this line in the future. Thank you.

There are times, though, when sitting is ideal. Some BM's last longer than my legs would, and if one has diarrhea, well, squatting wouldn't be worth..um...squat.

I'll give up my flush toilet, when they pry it from my cold dead fingers!

I'd just like to pull all this together for your stalkers.