The Unacceptable Act: Why Spitting Remains a Despicable Offense, Especially Post-Pandemic

In a world grappling with health crises and a heightened awareness of germ transmission, there’s one ancient act of aggression that stubbornly refuses to fade: spitting on another person. It’s an act universally condemned, a visceral expression of contempt that transcends cultural boundaries, yet it continues to rear its ugly head, particularly in the heated arenas of professional sports.

Consider the recent incident involving NBA star Chris Paul, who allegedly had a fan spit on his mother during a playoff game.

This isn't an isolated event. From soccer pitches to basketball courts, the act of spitting is a persistent stain on sportsmanship, leading to ejections, hefty fines, and suspensions. But beyond the athletic realm, it’s a deeply disturbing and potentially criminal act that crosses a fundamental line of human decency.

For centuries, spitting has been understood as a profound insult, a gesture designed to dehumanize and provoke.

But the COVID-19 pandemic introduced a terrifying new layer to this already repulsive act. Suddenly, a visible display of bodily fluids became a potent symbol of potential infection, transforming an insult into a perceived biological weapon. The very thought of someone spitting near or on you now carries an added, chilling fear of disease transmission.

Legal experts and societal norms agree: spitting on someone can escalate quickly.

Depending on jurisdiction and intent, it can be prosecuted as assault, battery, or even a hate crime if accompanied by discriminatory language. It’s a deliberate invasion of personal space, a declaration of utter disrespect that leaves the victim feeling violated and disgusted.

So, why does it persist? Psychologically, it often stems from intense anger, frustration, or a desire to exert power and humiliation over an opponent or perceived enemy.

It’s a primal, non-verbal scream of disgust. Yet, for an act so universally reviled and potentially dangerous, its continued presence in society, and especially in public forums, is baffling and deeply troubling.

As we navigate a world forever changed by a global pandemic, the message needs to be clearer than ever: spitting on someone is not just rude or unsportsmanlike; it’s a dangerous, unacceptable, and deeply offensive act that carries severe consequences, both legal and moral.

It’s time for this ancient, vile gesture to be consigned to the history books, replaced by respect and basic human dignity.