An Indian man recently shared his unsettling experience encountering a “human tissue paper dispenser” at a high-end restaurant. In a Reddit post, user @rohilaltro described how he witnessed a man being employed in a role he found both unusual and demeaning.
The incident occurred in the restroom of a modern, upscale restaurant. “When I entered the washroom, I noticed a person standing next to the sink holding a stack of tissue paper,” he explained. Initially assuming the man was a regular staff member, he didn’t pay much attention. However, he soon realized the man’s purpose was specific.
“I used the toilet, and he watched me the entire time, waiting for me to finish. After I washed my hands, he respectfully leaned forward and handed me a tissue,” the user shared, adding that the experience left him feeling deeply uncomfortable.
‘Why Are You Doing This?’
The man felt compelled to ask, “Why are you doing this?” The attendant replied, “Because my manager asked me to.” Reflecting on the exchange, the Reddit user expressed sadness. “It seemed like societal and capitalist pressures were forcing someone into such a demeaning role just to earn a living,” he wrote.
He noted that this wasn’t an isolated incident, recalling a similar encounter at another establishment. “I strongly believe we should not treat our fellow human beings this way, forcing them to perform such tasks under the guise of providing ‘superior service,'” he added.
Tissues Valued Over Humans?
The post quickly garnered responses from others who shared their own experiences. One commenter said, “I had a similar experience in a Bangalore mall. They think it’s part of a premium experience, but it leaves a disgusting impression of the management.”
Another user wrote, “I’ve seen this in Mexico too. It’s ironic that tissues seem to hold more value than the person handing them out. They don’t want tissues to be wasted, so they use this practice.”
Some suggested that such attendants are tasked with keeping the restrooms clean or preventing illegal activities in areas where CCTV cameras are not allowed. Nonetheless, the overwhelming sentiment in the comments was one of discomfort, with many agreeing that the practice diminishes the dignity of the individuals involved.
