@#$%&@#$%&!
PROFANITY!
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By Dexter B. Wakefield
rofanity—the first resort of the inarticulate. Yet, we’re in the middle of a profanity epidemic. The use of obscenities in routine conversation has moved from the dockyard to cable news, and it has become the new normal. In the past, one would occasionally hear a president use a bit of “salty” language in public. Today, though, prominent political figures litter their speeches with obscenities that would never before have been uttered in public. Movies and TV programs pepper the viewer with scatological references and “four-letter words” as though such language should be everyday usage. The media often varnishes coarse discourse to make it seem “cool” and even sophisticated. It is standard fare on late-night television, and the vulgarians are often the in-crowd. Decency has been defined down. For centuries, individuals here and there have used profanities and obscenities in their speech and conversation to give emphasis and force to their utterances. However, while anyone can choose to use foul language, the best speakers rarely do, outside of the occasional lazy moment. Those who possess a good vocabulary and sharp wit often avoid it, because their verbal skills are quite adequate without profanity. Not everyone hearing foul language thinks it is “cool”—and in fact, very many do not. People may listen tolerantly, but what they are thinking may not be obvious to the speaker. They can feel put off and un-
30 Tomorrow’s World | July-August 2019
comfortable, yet remain silent, unwilling to confront the speaker about it. Meanwhile, their opinion of the vulgar person goes down the drain: Crude language, crude person. After all, who really wants to have their ears assaulted by expletives involving blasphemy, excrement, and fornication? What About the Listener? Some female authors view the use of obscenities as a tool of male power and claim that there is a “swearing double standard.” They conclude that all women should be as foul-mouthed as some men. A writer in a prominent women’s magazine asserted (expletives deleted): Swearing is powerful…. Profanity commands attention, and in some contexts, even earns a degree of respect. For example, research shows that swearing is seen as a sign of sincerity, honesty, and commitment. But— and it’s a big but—that only works for sure if you’re a man. If you’re a woman? Swearing is the weapon that just might backfire (E. Byrn, “There’s a Swearing Double Standard—and Women Can Change It,” Elle, March 21, 2018). The author doesn’t seem to realize that offensive language backfires for men as well as women. It’s an equal opportunity offender, and speakers, both men and women, should take into consideration not only their own needs, but the ears of the listener as well.
TomorrowsWorld.org
