Posted by Destroyo on November 16, 2003, at 20:28:48
I'm from The Old South, and we have an old tradition of being very deferential to the elderly; when we are around them, we respect their traditionalism, and swearing is taboo. Still, I have trouble believing that words like a** and s***, should cause a conniption fit in anyone over the age of fifty. Television is not circumscribed these days in this regard; no question, elderly people may be watching, but they do not, nor should they, have veto power as "language Nazis". Courtesy to those of a more sensitive bent is an admirable goal....when considered in isolation. Yet, it is a mistake to regard the extension of said courtesy as a painless, wholly beneficent practice that does not come with a price. Creativity is stifled, and the levity so crucial to the elevation of the mood of those who suffer from depression is compromised. Beside that, I think it's obvious to any objective observer that oftentimes, people who claim to be offended by swearing are merely being petty little tinhorns who like to watch others dance to their iconoclastic and archaic tune. Their behavior is dysfunctional, and should be neither validated nor encouraged. In fact, I'd go so far as to say, that should one have one's priorites so disordered, such that they consider minor profanity to be cause for becoming upset, then....they need to seek out a good therapist.
poster:Destroyo
thread:280350
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/social/20031113/msgs/280350.html