Spit or Swallow?

Spitting is the act of forcibly ejecting saliva or other substances from the mouth. Let’s let this image linger for a minute...Spitting. It is a disgusting habit. It seems to be much more common in America than where I come from in Australia. If my friends, family or a bystander every saw me spit, I would be looked at as if I had just handed them tuberculosis. Because that is what spitting can do, it can rapidly spread disease and infections.

Spitting is seen in many parts of the world as a disrespectful action. It is considered taboo as it transmits disease and illness. Julian Neabauer is a Brazilian exchange student and has seen many people spitting on the streets of Honolulu. Neubauer said, “Spitting is poor behaviour and a poor way of treating the society. I think it is also shows yourself as a person that doesn’t have any manners,” the exchange student added, “It is uncivilised behaviour.”

Another international student Mimi Tian from Denmark believes, “it is literally dirty.” Social attitudes towards spitting has changed extraordinarily since the middle ages. It was once a part of everyday life and was seen as rude to swallow your saliva, although no longer societies believe this in our current day and age. The early 1700’s started the revolution; it was seen as something that need to be hidden, concealed and not for public display. American local, Rei Champion said “I think it is unnecessary and disrespectful.”

During the 1850’s it had developed into one of the most disrespectful actions, spitting on the floor or street had become a habit seen as vulgar. Australian student Ashleigh Hussein was threaten by teachers that she would receive severe consequences if caught spitting. As a child, Hussein’s schooling prohibited the act. “When I see someone spitting, I feel like making them like lick it up,” said Hussein.

Apart from the disrespect and cultural conflict views of the action, spitting is a fast way to spread infections. Through the spread of respiratory droplets people can rapidly transmit illness, such as tuberculosis, influenza and the common cold. Australian tourist Jason Rijnbeek was shocked to see the amount of people walking the streets and spitting, He thinks it is a disgusting habit. “Why not swallow,” said Rijnbeek.

Styling the Globe: Fashion from the fashion capitals

The web definition of ‘Style’ is ‘a way of expressing something that is characteristic of a particular person or group of people or period.’ So depending on where you are in the world, environments can influence what you wear and how much you wear. The latest surveys shows the economic climate has had a huge effect on New York fashion prowess being taken over by Milan as the worlds new fashion capital. Tightening America’s belts, and waists, meant the glitz and glamour of the fashion world was toned down, replacing Louis Roederer Champagne with Chandon. Fashion lovers understand that cheap and nasty is never the best. So move aside New York, Milan is first down the runway.

Currently Milans leading trends express all things tiny, from the models to the clothing. Models were seen wearing mini dresses, skirts, shorts, and getting most parts of the lower region out in the spotlight, daylight and limelight. New York is taking the more innocent approach with schoolgirl chic, showing all the skin with an air of innocence. Sporting these new looks might give you the chills, so keep room in your wardrobe for this season Paris must have... enormous coats! Paris, number one fashion capital in our hearts is third on our media list, although once again not letting us down with this year’s beautiful trend. Coats, coats and more coats. These bed-sized garments will allow layers upon layers to be hidden underneath. Accommodating plus sized and petites all rolled into one.

Next on our media ‘Fashion Capitals’ list is Rome. The Eternal City still reigns strong in the fashion world and what better city to champion ‘Vintage’ as their dominant fashion element. Elegance is present with a step back into the past. Finely detailed blouses and military style jackets all beautifully put together with perfect tailoring… all fashion roads lead to Rome.

Following Rome is London, home to the fashion elite, Kate Moss’ Top Shop infamously publicizing the fascinating and the glamorous. Followed closely with Los Angeles, Hong Kong and the remarkable rise to 8th place is Sao Paulo. The Brazilian beauty is now leading Latin America and taking over Argentina’s once dominant position in the Medias eyes.

Down Under, certainly isn’t hiding, solidly in the Top 10. Sydney has replacement Melbourne in the 'Fashion Capitals', pushing the Southern city even further down to number 25. Finally, due to its intense media spotlight, Las Vegas gets number Ten.

A little glimpse of the future shows sweatpants on every corner of the globe. This trend doesn’t give you the OK to bring out the matching Adidas lycra suit, but does give an approval for a more relaxed and casual style.

So what bought on this new trend? Was it Katie Holmes on her new movie set taking ‘boyfriends baggy jeans’ to the new level, or the obesity epidemic taking over and needing more flexibility in the waistband?

Either way, love it or hate it, you’ll be wearing it!