Mouth Shaped Urinals Removed from Australian Restaurant (PHOTO)
Photo credit: AAP
)
A pair of urinals shaped like women’s mouths have been removed from a Sydney, Australia restaurant amidst controversy over their allegedly sexist nature.
The Ananas Bar and Brasserie, a French restaurant, claimed in a statement that the urinals are “a commonly used European design piece from female Dutch artist Meike van Schijnde,” and that they’re meant to be “playful”.
Not everyone agrees. Former political adviser, writer, and outspoken feminist Anne Summers had this to say about the urinals:
“Misogyny is very widespread, and this is just an example of misogyny. The concept is pretty challenging and confronting. They’re asking men to put their dicks in these mouths as urinals.”
Due to complaints from Summers and those who share her opinion, Ananas has removed the urinals and replaced them with more standard models.
“We sincerely apologize if they have caused offence[sic]. They are being removed today,” said a spokesperson on Ananas’ Facebook page.
Personally, I think the urinals are tacky and tasteless. They would be more at home in a dive bar than a French restaurant. But deeming them “sexist” and calling for their removal seems like a bit of an overreaction. Don’t we have bigger things to worry about?
What do you think? Do you find the concept of mouth-shaped urinals offensive?
