Horizon : The joy of farting
【明報專訊】On average, a person farts 14 to 23 times a day. While often viewed as a source of embarrassment, farting is actually a sign of a healthy digestive system. Around the world, cultures embrace this phenomenon, with unique performers turning farting into an art form and some seeing it as a form of social interaction.
France
Le Pétomane
In France, where attitudes toward farting are relaxed, Le Pétomane captivated audiences in the late 1800s with his extraordinary ability to control his gas! This tuxedo-wearing stage performer had a 27-year career, with audiences paying to watch him blow out candles and play music with his farts. He often mimicked popular melodies of his time. His unique talent demonstrated that farts could be viewed humorously and artistically, making him one of the highest-paid entertainers of his era.
UK
Mr Methane
Mr Methane holds the Guinness World Record for the longest career as a farter, spanning over 30 years. He began performing for friends in the early 1980s at high school and made his professional debut in 1991. He gave up his job as a train driver to perform on TV shows, in advertisements, and on stage internationally. His act involves producing gas at various pitches and requires yoga practice due to its physical demands. He has even released farting music albums.
Brazil
The Yanomami tribe
The Yanomami tribe in the Amazon rainforest embraces farting as a friendly greeting and social interaction. This cultural norm contrasts with the common belief that farting is impolite. Both men and women fart as a greeting, but men particularly enjoy loud farting and sometimes control the sounds with their hands. This unique practice highlights the rich diversity of cultural views on bodily functions and emphasizes the tribe's playful approach to social interactions.
■Gear up
(Answer on next text)
1. The Yanomami tribe views farting as an impolite action.
(True /False)
2. What record does Mr Methane hold?
A. the highest-paid entertainer
B. the longest career as a performer of farts
C. the funniest performer
■Glossary
interaction (n) 互動
mimic (v) 模仿
span (v) 持續
demand (n) 需求
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[Smarties' Power English 第436期]
