Spitting–Missing the Mark

Spitting in public is nothing new. It’s not unsual when out and about to see youngish swaggering guys launch their slobbery marks in an attempt to appear awesome.  However, rather than being a cool macho thing, spitting has long been recognized as inconsiderate, rude, and even childish.  It’s bad manners. In fact, many communities and cities, for obvious health and sanitary reasons, have laws against spitting on sidewalks, streets, or in other public places. Some youngsters know this or have figured it out, but many don’t unless they are told.

Often, when asking young ladies what manners they find offensive in young men, spitting ranks high. Take heart Miss PM friends, I think our culture’s improving in this regard since most men outgrow this practice. And, most contemporary spitters aim only at asphalt or concrete, which is an improvement according to the following guide to good manners:

“Children are guilty of unpardonable rudenss when they spit in the face of a companion; neither are they excusable who spit from windows or on walls or furniture”. from The Rules of Christian Manners and Civility circa 1695, St. John Baptist De La Salle.  I think our culture has gained some ground since then.

Yours for helping young men know that ladies think random spitting is gross and such seemingly small actions in protocol matter.