Toilets: Crisis or Laughing Matter?

Oct 28, 2010

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Janie Hayes
communications consultant, DefeatDD

This morning, I woke up to a rare occasion: Two stories on the topic of toilets in my local newspaper.

First up: UN Probes Base as Source of Haiti Cholera Outbreak

As the toll widens, at least 300 people have died and 4,722 been hospitalized in the first outbreak of the deadly diarrheal disease in Haiti in 50 years. Allegations continue to swirl about the source of the cholera, but one thing is clear: shoddy access to water, toilets, and hygiene are contributing to its spread. Even before the outbreak, only 20 percent of Haitians had access to a toilet, according to Oxfam.

An earlier AP story on the crisis noted, “Cholera is not a major threat in countries such as the United States because of advanced water and sanitation systems.” This fact made possible the Post's second toilet story of the day: As Stewart gets ready to restore sanity, potty installers will provide the relief.

This second story revealed that hundreds of portable toilets will be shipped across the United States (presumably at great expense) to mollify the organizers of the Jon Stewart spoof political rally, the Rally to Restore Sanity, which will  be held on Saturday, and the Marine Corps marathon which will run down Washington's DC national mall the following day. The event organizers cannot agree on a porta-pot sharing arrangement, so each will shell out thousands of dollars or more to provide the mostly American crowd attending its two events a place to do their business while they enjoy their recreational activities.

I will be participating in both of these events, and must admit that a part of me is relieved to know that I will likely have a clean-ish toilet on both occasions. But the glaring disparity between the urgency and the news value of both of these stories nearly side by side couldn't help but jar me a little.

These two stories highlight the great divide within our world not only in access to sanitation, but also in the way that we talk about it - and our various levels of comfort with the issue. Tonight, a film intended to bridge these divides, “The World's Toilet Crisis” will screen at an event hosted by AED, PATH and the Pulitzer Center on Crisis Reporting. The film's producer will be on hand to chronicle the illuminating and gnarly journey that was the film's production. We welcome you to attend, to contribute to the dialogue - and to talk some crap if you're willing.

More information on the screening and how to RSVP (it's free!) 

 

--Janie Hayes is a communications officer focused on PATH's diarrheal disease advocacy efforts.