Voyeurism is no laughing matter

On Monday, a restaurant in Shanghai drew the ire of netizens after someone posted a video on a social networking site showing something in its restroom: A neon sign prompting men to climb the short wall on their side of the toilet to peer at the women's side.

The restaurant at first responded by saying it was intended to be humorous. However, on Tuesday the restaurant apologized, saying they had removed the sign.

It was shameless of them to equate voyeurism with humor in the first place.

How can invasion of a woman's privacy in this manner be humorous? Worse things are known to happen, with hidden cameras recording private moments inside hotel rooms.

And such voyeuristic acts may be a prelude to sexual assault. While those who discover they have had their privacy intruded on in this manner often get nightmares even years later.

Those engaging in such voyeuristic acts should be punished. They are also likely to have psychological problems for which they need help.

The best way to prevent people from invading others' privacy is to strictly enforce the law against those committing voyeuristic acts, while also strengthening psychological screening to be able to give urgent medical attention to those displaying early disturbing behavior.

Many restaurants and bars have shown their creativity while coming up with signs to attract customers. It is good for them to be creative and flaunt their artistic side, but they should never cross the line between humor and vulgarity.