A Call for Loogie-Free Sidewalks

Most people agree that it is disgusting, if not revolting, to see a newly spewed loogie shoot across as you walk down a sidewalk. Is it possible for those offenders to expel their slimy gob in a more discreet manner?

What about the baseball players who constantly spit on the field? I understand that they need to spit the chewing tobacco-filled saliva, but do we really need a close up, Mr. Cameraman?

Although difficult to impose, no-spitting laws have been around for many years. Chicago used to have a ban on spitting on a public street. In 2003, unaware that the law had been repealed in 1997, an officer arrested a young man for spitting in public. Many cities across America have laws against spitting in public places, but rarely are they enforced.

Why the fuss over a loogie? According to Yahoo Health:

The most common harmful bacteria in a sputum culture are those that can cause bronchitis or pneumonia...(and Chlamydia pneumoniae) or tuberculosis (Mycobacterium tuberculosis). Mycoplasma, a group of organisms similar to bacteria, can also cause a type of pneumonia. There are fungi there, too. 

From an etiquette standpoint: It's gross. It grosses out other people. It spreads germs. And any kind of grooming or bodily function should be done in private. 

And if this still doesn't convince those of you who believe you're just being yourself, hopefully this will help: spitting is a turn-off to the opposite sex. Are you convinced yet?

My questions to you:

1. Should spitting in public be against the law? 
2. Why does it seem that spitting is more prevelant among men? 
3. Gentlemen, how would you react if your girl hurled a loogie as you strolled together through the park?

Thank you.

Rosalinda Oropeza Randall is an etiquette consultant who owns Your Relationship Edge in which she teaches classes and presents workshops to a variety of audiences. She can be reached at rosalinda@yourrelationshipedge.com and her website is www.yourrelationshipedge.com. She can also be reached on Facebook.