Americans don't fart

I have been in the US for 8 months now, and not once have I heard anyone fart. You know how you enter a lift (elevator) when someone is leaving it, and they have this embarrassed look because they know what they did? It does not seem to happen here.

In my boarding school days, evening study was a time of unusually increased farting especially on days we had meals with beans and/or cabbage for supper. We considered it normal, and it was so common, we could tell by the smell, which of our classmates had farted. I know what you are thinking, "Gross". And I understand that.

Farts ahead

Apparently, farting is a normal biological function of the human body, just like sweating, salivating etc. In fact, "holding it in" may lead to bloating, discomfort and even abdominal pain. It could also indicate an impending problem with one's gut. Scientists also think that smelling one's fart could be good for your health! Who knew!

Bottling up is an issue when it indicates in an individual the desire for political correctness. This leaves a lot of thoughts unsaid, leading to increased stress, depression and so on. If social media is a benchmark, increased intolerance, hate messages and downright unpleasantness is an indicator of a society that is deprived of the ability to speak its mind.

I find it comical sometimes, that we do not laugh at ourselves more, or at others, even though this is called for in a lot of situations. We are too sensitive and prickly with our feelings, because we recognize the craziness in us that cannot be let out. We have compelled ourselves to have it all together; to seem composed, prepared, stoic and unfazed by any situation. Deep within us however, we are screaming in pain and loneliness.

I think it's time we unclenched our buttocks and let out a fart. It's time we gave one another the dignity of letting out a laugh when they pass gas, and letting them know that it's ok, that we do it too. It's time we allowed ourselves to be human again.

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