On Offensive Language

[lhynard]

In this day and age, we hear a lot about intolerance; we hear a lot about offending others. We have this thing called "political correctness," so that we don't accidentally offend or insult anyone

Comments

[aefenglommung]

I'm particularly bothered by the use of bad-language-as-normal in books by mainstream authors. Tommy Franks, for instance, is only one example. His autobiography had several instances of "soldier talk," I guess you could call it. But I also think that if some of these authors live long enough, they will be very embarrassed by the literary monuments they are leaving behind.

Salty talk is fine. Salty talk as reported by others is fine. Putting my own roughest expressions in print only makes me look crude and unrefined, and I'm sure I'd regret it.

[lhynard]

true

[izaaksmom]

I recently reviewed this with my students online. I asked them "What do you do when you read a book and the author swears?" and gave them time to discuss it. It was interesting--a lot of them said that they were more lenient when it was a biography or a quote, but not as much in fiction. The soldier thing came up, and while many said it added versimilitude, others said it's just as easy to write "He swore, then said..." with the same effect. The general consensus seemed to be that they were much more willing to forgive/overlook swearing in parent or teacher assigned reading (*gulp* in my responsibility!), but not as much in their leisure reading. One girl wrote, "My respect for the author's talent diminishes with every curse, and if they add up to enough, I won't even bother finishing the book. I'll pick something else to read." Another one said that she believed swearing was a reflection on a lack of creativity, so why should she waste her time reading a non-creative book? Granted, these kids are Christians, but I also found

[lhynard]

Another one said that she believed swearing was a reflection on a lack of creativity,...
a brilliant observation for a 14-year-old

[dogs_n_rodents]

I really think that in this day and age, small kids are going to be exposed to more swear words than I ever recall hearing before the age of 10. It doesn't help that works like b--ch, a--, and similar terms are now allowed to be used on primetime TV if it's not "overly used." Personally if you're going to allow some swear words, allow all of them because saying a-- in front of some small child is just as bad (in my opinion) as dropping the f-bomb in front of them too.

IMO, I think the most horrible swearing I ever hear is when people take the Lord's name in vain or some variation thereof. I mean, I have my moments, but I NEVER do that, and I hate, hate, hate how they say JC in such a tone that is even more painful to my ears than some spoiled college student telling me I'm a f---ing wh--e. :-\

[earthminor]

I agree totally; hearing people use Jesus' name as a swearword causes me real pain.

I wonder how people would feel if I started using their spouse or child's name as a swear word? Not great I suspect, but Christians endure hearing a loved one's name denigrated constantly.

[lhynard]

I really think that in this day and age, small kids are going to be exposed to more swear words than I ever recall hearing before the age of 10. It doesn't help that works like b--ch, a--, and similar terms are now allowed to be used on primetime TV if it's not "overly used." Personally if you're going to allow some swear words, allow all of them because saying a-- in front of some small child is just as bad (in my opinion) as dropping the f-bomb in front of them too.
It may well be "just as bad", but not all parents even let their children watch TV. (I know plenty of people with and without kids who do not even own televisions, myself included.) To assume that they've "already heard it" is just that, an assumption

[izaaksmom]

Have you seen the commercial for "Role Model"? I only watch commercials during football games (I DVR everything else so that we can fast-forward the commercials and watch tv that is appropriate and edit it as needed, as well as setting our own parameters of when to watch). As a result, Izaak is simply mesmerized by commercials and thinks they are equal to the game--in fact, he will act out/along with the game, but sit slack-jawed and won't respond when you talk to him during commercials.

Anyway, in this commercial for "Role Model," Paul Rudd says some line like "Dammit Billy, did you do this?!" Ummmm...since when was a rated-G preview (which all of them are supposed to be on TV!) allowed to swear??! It ticks me off. And they are showing it like three or four times a game right now. I feel like i'm chained to the couch with my finger on the mute button. It's annoying.

[saizai]

Have you seen Steven Pinker's talks about this, esp. about euphemisms and dysphemisms?

[lhynard]

No, do enlighten me. sounds interesting

[lhynard]

a link?

[saizai]

Google "ted pinker" for his talk at TED.