We encounter bathroom signs almost everywhere we go. To many, they may appear innocuous and devoid of meaning. But bathroom signs are actually a way of upholding the male-female gender binary. As Marissa from This is Hysteria! wrote on Sociological Images, "Washroom signs are very telling of the ways societies construct gender."
In this case, the common, gendered man in pants vs. woman in dress bathroom sign has been taken a step further. The man is not only wearing pants, but blue pants. The woman is not only wearing a dress, but a pink one. The signs conflate gender with sex and assume certain types of gender performance (i.e. wearing a pink dress). They essentialize the idea of who a woman and/or man is.
Signs can designate bathrooms by depicting gender, even though bathrooms are segregated by sex, because most people assume gender and sex are synonymous. But, of course, they're not! This makes bathrooms a space where sex, gender, and sexuality are carefully policed and traditional binaries are reinforced. Trans people know this, as huge battles have been waged over who is allowed to use which bathroom. Fathers also know this, as they frequently struggle to find changing tables in men's rooms (a staple in women's restrooms).
I joked to myself as I entered the women's restroom that I should be using the other one, because I was wearing pants and the color blue. For others, however, the incongruity between their genitalia and their gender performance - and the difficult choice they have to make every time they enter a sex segregated bathroom marked with such gendered signs - is no laughing matter.
This photograph is obviously taken at the airport in Atlanta, where it is impossible to miss the obviously gendered bathroom signs! I myself think it would be a great experiment to change the colors of the little figures--the men would be pink and the women blue--and then sit, observe, and record the number of people who mistakenly wander into the wrong restrooms. I have a suspicion that the findings would be dramatic and telling (though not surprising).
ReplyDeleteAnyway, I was struck by this distinction between gender and sex. I come across it before, but I must admit that I have never been able to understand exactly what the difference is between the two. Perhaps someone can offer some clarity on this and articulate why gender and sex are not synonymous?
As one who travels to all parts of the world...and having been in places where I can NOT read their alphabet..I am extremely thankful for international signs like these (as I am sure the foreign travelers to ATL are as well!) I really don't think it is necessary to post pictures of vaginas or penises to get the point across. It is not meant to be a literal translation..not does it infer that women should only where dresses (pink) or men should only wear pants (blue ones at that) nor should it offend anyone who does not conform to such attire (including the Scotsmen in their kilts!)Just my take on the subject....
ReplyDeleteTwosie4444, that's a really good point to keep in mind. It actually didn't occur to me. In that case, it is still interesting to note that the world at large perceives gender in a certain way and advertises it so that all cultures will understand, often based on clothing and colors. But your practical point is well-taken.
ReplyDeleteI joked to my husband this morning..I am not sure when the last time a wore a skirt was. Skirts are bothersome creations..when its cold you're really cold...they impair sitting positions and may lead to a "Brittany Spears" moments. Whose ever tried to play sports in a skirt..yes tennis but you wear a bloomer like a baby does why don't we just put on a diaper. I know Shannon isn't bent on changing the iconic signs but just making a social commentary on the idea of men and women and gender ideas..I would have been in the men's room too because I have worn blue pants and infinite amount more than a pink skirt.
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed reading your post. Mostly at public places, we see such signs for wash rooms. To add courtesy the customers, posting of the bathroom signs is very necessary. Installation of ada restroom door signs in offices not only shows your good management but also helps your visitors to locate the restrooms easily.
ReplyDelete