Inappropriate language has become common in many areas, including politics, television, and everyday life. The article points out that in the past, profanity was not allowed on television or in newspapers but has recently been everywhere. The big question now is will our newly adopted language change people? Some experts say that this new language is a normal evolution and will not affect culture. Popular magazines, singers, and movies are using words like “suck” and “ass” all the time, but these used to be extremely rude, taboo words. The problem comes when people’s language starts to represent them. When this happens, people can get offended by language and judge the speaker as an offensive person. The article points out that the Internet has greatly contributed to the increase in profanity because the Internet is not censored. The article comes to the conclusion that language is circular. Words appear and then disappear and appear again. This does not mean our society is getting more profane, but rather that it is in one phase of the cycle.
The full article is here.
Those are multiple examples from many different kinds of people using inappropriate language. Clearly, profanity is everywhere, and it is becoming less and less taboo. Kids are learning words younger and younger. However, I don't think this a sign that our society is becoming more informal or more disrespectful. Teenagers tend to cuss because they think it makes them cooler and because they know they shouldn't use those words. The words become more attractive because they should not be used. I probably hear a greater amount of profanity because I am in college, where students are at the age that uses profanity the most. I notice that adults use this language much less and only when they are in the company of people they know well. Of course there are some exceptions, but for the most part, I find that it is my age group that uses these words so much. We will grow out of this stage, just as other generations have. We may carry a few words with us, but I do not believe our culture or society will be corrupted by foul language.
A while back, I read an article about profanity, as well. I think it is interesting that a person's role and image (as perceived by the press and the public) is extremely important in determining whether or not foul language is accepted. For example, if a prominent politician swears, it can be considered a huge deal and a negative reflection on their character. On the other hand, if an entertainment idol said something like that, it might add to their intrigue or image.
ReplyDeleteI had also read an article about this issue a while ago. A difference was that the article claimed that people have always been profane but it has just recently become acceptable to publish such words in newspapers and online. I think that accepting the use of profanity in published sources will lead to even fewer rules about profanity in public.
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