[Anne]

I often see pictures of Middle Eastern men, usually lower class, squatting on the ground. Haven’t seen other men do this and it seems like there are other postitions that would be more comfortable, even if they did not have access to a chair. Any ideas on why this is?

User Detail :  

Name : Anne, Gender : F, Race : White/Caucasian, Age : 22, City : Iowa City, State : IA, Country : United States, Education level : 4 Years of College, Social class : Middle class, 

[A–Schurman]

It would seem to me that squatting is just common sense on their part. It is rather comfortable, and other than standing or sitting, I do not know of any other position that would work. Most parts of the Middle East where pictures like that are taken are hot and dry. If you sit on hot and dry dirt or sand, you notice that it’s rather uncomfortable. First, it burns your bum. Second, the seat of your pants get dirty. It’s usually not very practical to carry a chair around with you all day, so sitting is out. Standing works for awhile, until you want a break, thus the squatting. As for lower class doing this, I believe that unless you are wealthy enough to have someone running around after you with a chair on their back, that’s the standard for most economic classes.

User Detail :  

Name : A--Schurman, Gender : F, Age : 27, City : Ammon, State : ID, Country : United States, Occupation : Student, Education level : 2 Years of College, Social class : Lower class, 

[Jessica]

Well, I don’t think it’s just in the Middle East. In the United States, it would probably be seen as vulgar or odd, unless you escape society and enter the forests. Most forest people do squat. It actually stretches your back out nicely, keeps your bottom clean if it’s just rained, and the log seats around the campfire are wet, as is the ground. And, it makes for good, um, No. 2’s? Really it does! Our toilets are one of the worst things for our colons. As someone who lived many years in America’s wilderness, I’d say it’s pretty common here, too.

User Detail :  

Name : Jessica, Gender : F, Sexual Orientation : Straight, Race : mixed race, Religion : Eclectic, City : Jacksonville, State : FL, Country : United States, Occupation : freelance writer, 

[Rebekah]

It’s done in a lot of Asian countries, too. I tried it out while travelling, and it’s not too bad when you get used to it, but everything has its place – do it in some areas and you just look like you’re – ahem! – trying to use the toilet!

User Detail :  

Name : Rebekah, Gender : F, Age : 32, City : Melbourne, State : NA, Country : Australia, Education level : Over 4 Years of College, 

[mike19755]

Squatting’s comfortable for me for some odd reason.I also read in a health book that squatting strengthens some internal body parts.I’ve seen some professional coaches squat and they’re not lower class, so again I think it’s about personal comfort.

User Detail :  

Name : mike19755, City : Chicago, State : IN, Country : United States, 

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