There are lots of bodily functions we as a society could do without. Nobody likes burping, body odor, or –ahem- passing gas, but at least there are ways to discreetly handle these problems, be it through manners or personal hygiene. However, there is one habit I just do not understand – spitting.

Ok, maybe it’s because I’m a girl, or maybe it’s because I don’t enjoy carefully stepping over the contents of someone’s mouth on my way to school in the morning, but I don’t understand why people spit. I mean, you’re sauntering along one minute, but you suddenly feel the urge to hock up saliva the next?

Apparently, spitting is a “good feeling” because you can get rid of all that “gunk” in your mouth and/or throat. While I empathize with people who are sick and who simply have no other way to dispose of all that gross stuff, isn’t this why we invented tissues? Do we really need to spew all sorts of unmentionables on the ground in a putrid spectacle for others to see?

I understand that many of you are probably wondering why I’m making such a big deal out of this simple action. And I probably wouldn’t make such a big deal if it wasn’t for the fact that spitting is indicative of a shift in our society towards the coarse. People are losing their manners when it comes to these matters – where bodily functions were once regarded as embarrassing, it has now become cool to light farts on fire and belch the alphabet. Now, if a guy spits on his way to school, people don’t turn their noses up at him – they think he’s just “being a guy” – expressing his masculinity with a spitty strut.

Once a few people see that spitting is socially acceptable, what’s to stop more and more people from following suit? And once that happens, it could only be a matter of time before picking one’s nose and belching become no big deal. Sure, it’s bit of a stretch, but I’m surprised just seeing people reacting to this stuff so nonchalantly.

Guys, I’m not asking for you to lose your manhood. Girls, I’m not asking for you to be uncomfortable. All I’m saying is to think before you hock up spit onto the sidewalk or the floor. If you MUST do so, just use a trashcan or do so into a bush. Catonsville – and all of us living in it – will appreciate you for it.