Those Who Spit

This is an unpalatable subject, but one that invites comment. As I have traveled around this city, I have routinely encountered those individuals, who I refer to as the "spitters." They may be pathetic, disgusting and laughable, but they are in earnest. My presence sets off lots of hocking and spitting. Their discharges accompany me everywhere. Many have even attempted spitting on me from moving vehicles, which is particularly inept, as their spittle more often than not ends up right back in their faces. I have encountered tens of thousands of these individuals over the years. Largely male, with a sprinkling of particularly absurd females, these people are not dangerous. Indeed, their affect and particularly their eyes reflect intense fear. I tested this on occasion, when given the opportunity, by approaching them in a non-threatening manner. I would simply position myself in close, but not intrusive, proximity and await developments. Occasionally I would comment, "Do you understand homophobia?" or "What do you imagine?" Virtually without exception, I would encounter either paralysis or instant flight, as though they had encountered a particularly dangerous predator.
These expectorating lowlifes have been with me since day one. I was shocked not only by their intense involvement, but also by their need to comment in such a manner. I am loathe to speculate on motivation, but they are dealing with an absolute stranger. I am merely someone that they have heard something about. Could this behavior be based on the lie that I use prostitutes or is it some other imagined failing? I am sure that they would maintain that they are merely indicating their displeasure with my rumored inclinations. What I observe in these individuals is a powerful need to eliminate some aspect of their own being. The discharges come from them. It is a visceral need to expel a part of their own persona.
Their lack of self-awareness is stunning. They are projecting wildly without the slightest hesitation, triggering the most extraordinary and revealing behavior. My rumored sexual inclinations are embraced without a second thought, which, of course, is just the point. Both their immediate acceptance of the lies and their reaction in such a manner suggests that this is their conflict. Their loathing and disgust is of their own persona not mine.