# Pornography and pin-ups in men's restrooms **URL:** \ **Category:** The BBQ Pit\ **Created:** [January 8, 2020, 6:47am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pornography-and-pin-ups-in-mens-restrooms/846112 "2020-01-08T06:47:48Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 4
**Author:** ![EinsteinsHund](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/einsteinshund/32/8400_2.png) [@EinsteinsHund](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/EinsteinsHund)\ **Post date:** [January 9, 2020, 8:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pornography-and-pin-ups-in-mens-restrooms/846112/61 "2020-01-09T20:36:59Z")
> [@Larry\_Borgia](#): > > I am utterly baffled by this thread. I just can’t wrap my head around being upset with a few topless photos in a men’s room at a french restaurant. It’s like being upset at seeing a squirrel in a tree. Why? What are you on about? > > I very very rarely go to Le Diplomat ($$$), but I have been there a couple of times, once on someone else’s dime. Pretentious it may or may not be, but the food is delicious. The rest room walls are covered in old magazines intending to evoke an atmosphere of 60’s Parisian high life. There are a couple of naked breasts. I can’t remember if there were any full nudes. At any rate, I barely paid any attention to them, and I doubt anyone else did either. I can’t imagine why anyone would. > > And please spare me the “Won’t someone please think of the children” rhetoric. If little Billy is going to turn from being a fine upstanding citizen to a syphilitic sex addict because he saw a 1960’s French starlet’s breasts on a bathroom wall, well, there wasn’t much hope for him anyway. I’ve never been to the US, but I traveled a lot around Europe including France and I’ve never seen pin up photos or other erotic art at a restroom. But then, I don’t frequent fancy restaurants, let alone French ones. But there’s one funny thing in Germany: all the male restrooms (I don’t know about the female and never asked) in autobahn rest stop restrooms have vending machines for erotic articles, condoms, masturbation aides and such. I have never seen this in any other country. ---
**Author:** ![QuickSilver](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/quicksilver/32/7832_2.png) [@QuickSilver](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/QuickSilver)\ **Post date:** [January 9, 2020, 8:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pornography-and-pin-ups-in-mens-restrooms/846112/62 "2020-01-09T20:45:44Z")
Perhaps that accounts for Germany’s ongoing lack of interest in invading Poland: \*“I vass on ze Autobahn speeding towards Polen ven I realized I needed to pee. Now I just vant to haff a napp. Perhaps tomorrow.” \* ---
**Author:** ![CalMeacham](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/calmeacham/32/35_2.png) [@CalMeacham](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CalMeacham)\ **Post date:** [January 9, 2020, 8:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pornography-and-pin-ups-in-mens-restrooms/846112/63 "2020-01-09T20:46:00Z")
> [@EinsteinsHund](#): > > I’ve never been to the US, but I traveled a lot around Europe including France and I’ve never seen pin up photos or other erotic art at a restroom. But then, I don’t frequent fancy restaurants, let alone French ones. But there’s one funny thing in Germany: all the male restrooms (I don’t know about the female and never asked) in autobahn rest stop restrooms have vending machines for erotic articles, condoms, masturbation aides and such. I have never seen this in any other country. Some American rest rooms, especially in gas stations, have vending machines with condoms\*. Most vending machines I’ve seen in rest stops, malls, and the like though, have things like breath mints and deodorant. Whenever I see one of these, I strongly suspect that they _wanted_ to be selling condoms, but the Powers That Be won’t let them. Have to admit, though, I’ve never seen erotic items or masturbation aids in any such vending machine in the US. just condoms. - (This is actually portrayed in some movie that involved teenage girls trying to lose their virginity – can’t recall which one) ---
**Author:** ![EinsteinsHund](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/einsteinshund/32/8400_2.png) [@EinsteinsHund](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/EinsteinsHund)\ **Post date:** [January 9, 2020, 8:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pornography-and-pin-ups-in-mens-restrooms/846112/64 "2020-01-09T20:54:48Z")
> [@CalMeacham](#): > > Some American rest rooms, especially in gas stations, have vending machines with condoms\*. Most vending machines I’ve seen in rest stops, malls, and the like though, have things like breath mints and deodorant. Whenever I see one of these, I strongly suspect that they _wanted_ to be selling condoms, but the Powers That Be won’t let them. > > Have to admit, though, I’ve never seen erotic items or masturbation aids in any such vending machine in the US. just condoms. Of course you can also buy hardcore porn magazines at almost every gas station in Germany. ---
**Author:** ![Grrr](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/grrr/32/146_2.png) [@Grrr](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Grrr)\ **Post date:** [January 9, 2020, 9:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pornography-and-pin-ups-in-mens-restrooms/846112/65 "2020-01-09T21:28:18Z")
I think it’s worth noting people simply like looking at nudes with out having any intention of beating off. That isn’t the sole purpose of pin ups. ---
**Author:** ![digs](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/digs/32/14889_2.png) [@digs](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/digs)\ **Post date:** [January 9, 2020, 9:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pornography-and-pin-ups-in-mens-restrooms/846112/66 "2020-01-09T21:36:27Z")
NOW you tell me… _cleanup in aisle nine!_ ---
**Author:** ![Max\_S](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/46a35a/32.png) [@Max\_S](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Max_S)\ **Post date:** [January 9, 2020, 9:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pornography-and-pin-ups-in-mens-restrooms/846112/67 "2020-01-09T21:58:07Z")
> [@Grrr](#): > > I think it’s worth noting people simply like looking at nudes with out having any intention of beating off. > > That isn’t the sole purpose of pin ups. I guess. meh. ~Max ---
**Author:** ![kaylasdad99](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kaylasdad99/32/3398_2.png) [@kaylasdad99](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kaylasdad99)\ **Post date:** [January 9, 2020, 10:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pornography-and-pin-ups-in-mens-restrooms/846112/68 "2020-01-09T22:11:41Z")
> [@EinsteinsHund](#): > > I’ve never been to the US, but I traveled a lot around Europe including France and I’ve never seen pin up photos or other erotic art at a restroom. But then, I don’t frequent fancy restaurants, let alone French ones. But there’s one funny thing in Germany: all the male restrooms (I don’t know about the female and never asked) in autobahn rest stop restrooms have vending machines for erotic articles, condoms, masturbation aides and such. I have never seen this in any other country. Old Coot reminiscence: in American dive bars in the Seventies, you could pretty much count on finding a coin-operated condom dispenser. ---
**Author:** ![Procrustus](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/procrustus/32/2994_2.png) [@Procrustus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Procrustus)\ **Post date:** [January 9, 2020, 10:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pornography-and-pin-ups-in-mens-restrooms/846112/69 "2020-01-09T22:19:44Z")
> [@Grrr](#): > > I think it’s worth noting people simply like looking at nudes with out having any intention of beating off. > > That isn’t the sole purpose of pin ups. That’s what art museums are for, right? ---
**Author:** ![kaylasdad99](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kaylasdad99/32/3398_2.png) [@kaylasdad99](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kaylasdad99)\ **Post date:** [January 9, 2020, 10:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pornography-and-pin-ups-in-mens-restrooms/846112/70 "2020-01-09T22:27:11Z")
> [@Procrustus](#): > > That’s what art museums are for, right? Well someone upthread DID describe the restaurant as pretentious… ---
**Author:** ![madmonk28](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/madmonk28/32/20811_2.png) [@madmonk28](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/madmonk28)\ **Post date:** [January 10, 2020, 1:48am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pornography-and-pin-ups-in-mens-restrooms/846112/71 "2020-01-10T01:48:17Z")
> [@kaylasdad99](#): > > Well someone upthread DID describe the restaurant as pretentious… Someone who had never been there, or heard of it before this thread. ---
**Author:** ![IvoryTowerDenizen](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ivorytowerdenizen/32/17937_2.png) [@IvoryTowerDenizen](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/IvoryTowerDenizen)\ **Post date:** [January 10, 2020, 2:21am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pornography-and-pin-ups-in-mens-restrooms/846112/72 "2020-01-10T02:21:23Z")
> [@MrDibble](#): > > You’re right, I was too forceful in what i said. You should certainly\* be able to\* take your kid there. I’ve done the same. > > You should not, however, expect the restaurant to pitch its decor at a PG level if it’s not what they want their theme to be. Agreed ---
**Author:** ![Darren\_Garrison](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/darren_garrison/32/92_2.png) [@Darren\_Garrison](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Darren_Garrison)\ **Post date:** [January 10, 2020, 3:42am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pornography-and-pin-ups-in-mens-restrooms/846112/73 "2020-01-10T03:42:43Z")
> [@EinsteinsHund](#): > > masturbation aides What, like [Tengas](https://soranews24.com/tag/tenga/)? (Which I swear I have heard about only because I frequent that site.) ---
**Author:** ![MrDibble](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mrdibble/32/114_2.png) [@MrDibble](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MrDibble)\ **Post date:** [January 10, 2020, 6:26am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pornography-and-pin-ups-in-mens-restrooms/846112/74 "2020-01-10T06:26:37Z")
> [@madmonk28](#): > > Someone who had never been there, or heard of it before this thread. …but who is familiar with Stephen Starr and his work, and is also perfectly capable of reading website descriptions. Pretentious is an apt description for any restaurant where the decor gets as much attention as the food. It’s not really a harsh pejorative, it’s more a descriptive of a restaurant style. Pretentious in the “ostentatiously intended to impress others” sense, not the “over-inflated sense of self-importance” sense. I’ve eaten in plenty of pretentious places and liked it. Like I said, the food there sounds delicious, and I wouldn’t pass up an opportunity to eat there. I just wouldn’t take anything about it _seriously_. Especially the toilet decor. It’s restaurant-as-theatre. ---
**Author:** ![madmonk28](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/madmonk28/32/20811_2.png) [@madmonk28](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/madmonk28)\ **Post date:** [January 10, 2020, 6:33am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pornography-and-pin-ups-in-mens-restrooms/846112/75 "2020-01-10T06:33:27Z")
> [@MrDibble](#): > > …but who is familiar with Stephen Starr and his work, and is also perfectly capable of reading website descriptions. > > Pretentious is an apt description for any restaurant where the decor gets as much attention as the food. It’s not really a harsh pejorative, it’s more a descriptive of a restaurant style. Pretentious in the “ostentatiously intended to impress others” sense, not the “over-inflated sense of self-importance” sense. > > I’ve eaten in plenty of pretentious places and liked it. Like I said, the food there sounds delicious, and I wouldn’t pass up an opportunity to eat there. I just wouldn’t take anything about it _seriously_. Especially the toilet decor. It’s restaurant-as-theatre. Oh, get the fuck over yourself. You walked back you nonsense and now you’re doubling down. ---
**Author:** ![MrDibble](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mrdibble/32/114_2.png) [@MrDibble](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MrDibble)\ **Post date:** [January 10, 2020, 6:53am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pornography-and-pin-ups-in-mens-restrooms/846112/76 "2020-01-10T06:53:28Z")
> [@madmonk28](#): > > Oh, get the fuck over yourself. You walked back you nonsense and now you’re doubling down. Well, which is it, walked back, or doubled down? Did I walk back the double-down? Or did I double down on the walking back? Is it a late drinking night, _chez_ **monk**? ---
**Author:** ![Bryan\_Ekers](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bryan_ekers/32/183_2.png) [@Bryan\_Ekers](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bryan_Ekers)\ **Post date:** [January 10, 2020, 9:14am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pornography-and-pin-ups-in-mens-restrooms/846112/77 "2020-01-10T09:14:08Z")
Mixed metaphors make my skin crawl on end. ---
**Author:** ![QuickSilver](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/quicksilver/32/7832_2.png) [@QuickSilver](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/QuickSilver)\ **Post date:** [January 10, 2020, 2:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pornography-and-pin-ups-in-mens-restrooms/846112/78 "2020-01-10T14:22:33Z")
> [@MrDibble](#): > > …but who is familiar with Stephen Starr and his work, and is also perfectly capable of reading website descriptions. > > Pretentious is an apt description for any restaurant where the decor gets as much attention as the food. It’s not really a harsh pejorative, it’s more a descriptive of a restaurant style. Pretentious in the “ostentatiously intended to impress others” sense, not the “over-inflated sense of self-importance” sense. > > I’ve eaten in plenty of pretentious places and liked it. Like I said, the food there sounds delicious, and I wouldn’t pass up an opportunity to eat there. I just wouldn’t take anything about it _seriously_. Especially the toilet decor. It’s restaurant-as-theatre. You seem a decent sort, **MrDibble**. But you’re full of shit on this subject. I’ve enjoyed meals at multiple [Stephen Starr restaurants](https://starr-restaurants.com/). From more to less formal, but none seemed pretentious in any way. The only arguably “pretentious” meals I’ve had were at a couple of Michelin star restaurants. Notably at one, when I put my reading glasses on the table, a server swiftly brought me a little footstool as a place to keep my glasses instead of on the formal french service table. Now\* that’s\* fucking pretentious. But it also lent an atmosphere of formal occasion and added to the enjoyment. You don’t get _that_ at a Starr restaurant. Motherfucker. ---
**Author:** ![MrDibble](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mrdibble/32/114_2.png) [@MrDibble](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MrDibble)\ **Post date:** [January 10, 2020, 4:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pornography-and-pin-ups-in-mens-restrooms/846112/79 "2020-01-10T16:26:20Z")
> [@QuickSilver](#): > > Now\* that’s\* fucking pretentious. That’s pretentious, _sensu inflatus_. That’s not what I meant by pretentious. Do you deny that _Le Diplomate_ is done up to look like a 60s French brasserie, when it is in fact no such thing? At considerable effort (like the story of the safe full of replacement vintage magazines). That’s pretentious, _sensu infigo_. ---
**Author:** ![QuickSilver](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/quicksilver/32/7832_2.png) [@QuickSilver](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/QuickSilver)\ **Post date:** [January 10, 2020, 5:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pornography-and-pin-ups-in-mens-restrooms/846112/80 "2020-01-10T17:20:59Z")
> [@MrDibble](#): > > That’s pretentious, _sensu inflatus_. That’s not what I meant by pretentious. > > Do you deny that _Le Diplomate_ is done up to look like a 60s French brasserie, when it is in fact no such thing? At considerable effort (like the story of the safe full of replacement vintage magazines). That’s pretentious, _sensu infigo_. No more so than if you go to a 50’s style diner or a Hard Rock Cafe. They’re trying to provide their guests with a “themed” dining experience. Hell, walk into many Thai/Asian restaurants and look at the tacky faux decor. I suppose they’re all guilty of pretense by that yardstick. I really don’t see how Le Diplomat is somehow more guilty of such obvious pretense. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pornography-and-pin-ups-in-mens-restrooms/846112.md?page=3) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pornography-and-pin-ups-in-mens-restrooms/846112.md?page=5)