Walking from the changing rooms to the swimming pool, I realised that living in Britain for the first 19 or so years of my life actually really affected the way I think. Maybe it is obvious, but I have never been consciously aware of this fact. And it was a window that made me realise.
I was shocked and uncomfortable because the route from the changing rooms to the pool involves walking past a huge, unfrosted, streetside window, past the reception area and then down to the pool, all, of course, in your swimming costume. Although obviously I am not that bothered about that level of undress, my mind instantly wondered about perverts and paedophiles sitting all day on the beautiful fountain just outside the window, having free access to children and human bodies all day every day, even on public holidays.
I then got over the shock, had a great swim and went home, without seeing a pedo or a perv. I discussed my reaction with a Swiss person who instantly burst out laughing and told me not to be so ridiculous. Not being a particularly ridiculous person in general I then linked my reaction to the British media-hype over free-range paedophiles and perverts, and our obsession with protecting children from real life. We Brits (particularly those that only read the Sun and watch Jeremy Kyle) are conditioned to believe subconsciously that the world is jam packed with evil, and I think the Swiss (and perhaps many more), have a more sensible approach. Of course paedophilia and perversion do get some media attention, but less.
Why shouldn't it be normal to walk past a window in your swimming cozzie?
Besserwisser
6 years ago
