You turn on the TV and on your favorite series there's a scene with an actor saying: "G--d--mit, man have you lost your mind?" You get in the car with your kids, and a song is playing that references "video h-s" in the lyrics. You walk into the office, and your co-worker is staring at his computer screen when suddenly he blurts out: "What the f--k!" Everywhere you go, you hear it. We all do. We all do it. Whether it's mild profanity or straight up vulgarity, most of America seems to have no qualms about spewing out a few words that would make their mothers blush--unless she's using those very words herself.
What's the impact of profanity on our communications? The answer is as wide as the range of profane words that we choose to express ourselves. They can have no impact at all or they can immensely offend someone. It depends on the individual, the place, and the circumstance. If you're amongst friends in a social setting, and you drop a few F-bombs while telling an outrageous story, it may have no impact. Especially if they use those words as well. For some people like me, even if I don't use foul language, I don't care. However, there are others who travel in circles where they rarely hear profanity, and it may stick them like a pin when they finally do. They are immediately turned off, and they begin to view you differently. Or if you're at work in a meeting, and a disagreement ensues that results in a nasty verbal exchange peppered with curse words and threats, witnesses to this argument may find both parties unprofessional and lacking self control. Interestingly enough, as common as coarse language is, few people will address it. Maybe because it's become so acceptable in our society, we choose to ignore it. Or we accept people's right to free speech. But that doesn't necessarily mean people approve.
One reason we may be reticent to make complaints about cursing is because all of us do it at some point. It might not be a part of our regular conversation, but when we become reactionary to some offense, we might let an expletive loose. Think about it: the person who cut you off on the interstate, an irritating boss who embarrasses you at work, the discovery of a betrayal by one that is close to you. Any of those situations might send you shouting, "A-hole!" I don't advocate foul language, but I can understand your reaction. In that circumstance, it is just that--a reaction. But in every day conversation, do we really have to talk BS about SOBs who p-ss us off with their f---ed up choices? The challenge becomes in how we exchange that interaction for something less egregious because there's nothing more it could actually become except offensive.
At last count, I read that the English dictionary has over a million words in it. Surely with that many options, we can find a better way to express ourselves. Too often in our conversations, we opt for the same eight or ten profane words to say how we feel. But anything we can say with curse words, I believe we can say without. Probably even better if we choose to expand our vocabularies.
The long and short of it boils down to respect. First, do you respect yourself enough to clean up your language? Others will judge you based on what you say. At work, it detracts from your professionalism. Outside of work, it detracts from your dignity and intelligence. Secondly, do you respect others enough to clean up your language? Consider people who just don't want to hear filthy language. Must they be subject to yours? Moreover, consider children and young people, older and elder people, group settings and those who you don't hear using profanity. Think it through and choose a better way to express yourself. It is a matter of self control and self respect.
What's the impact of profanity on our communications? The answer is as wide as the range of profane words that we choose to express ourselves. They can have no impact at all or they can immensely offend someone. It depends on the individual, the place, and the circumstance. If you're amongst friends in a social setting, and you drop a few F-bombs while telling an outrageous story, it may have no impact. Especially if they use those words as well. For some people like me, even if I don't use foul language, I don't care. However, there are others who travel in circles where they rarely hear profanity, and it may stick them like a pin when they finally do. They are immediately turned off, and they begin to view you differently. Or if you're at work in a meeting, and a disagreement ensues that results in a nasty verbal exchange peppered with curse words and threats, witnesses to this argument may find both parties unprofessional and lacking self control. Interestingly enough, as common as coarse language is, few people will address it. Maybe because it's become so acceptable in our society, we choose to ignore it. Or we accept people's right to free speech. But that doesn't necessarily mean people approve.
One reason we may be reticent to make complaints about cursing is because all of us do it at some point. It might not be a part of our regular conversation, but when we become reactionary to some offense, we might let an expletive loose. Think about it: the person who cut you off on the interstate, an irritating boss who embarrasses you at work, the discovery of a betrayal by one that is close to you. Any of those situations might send you shouting, "A-hole!" I don't advocate foul language, but I can understand your reaction. In that circumstance, it is just that--a reaction. But in every day conversation, do we really have to talk BS about SOBs who p-ss us off with their f---ed up choices? The challenge becomes in how we exchange that interaction for something less egregious because there's nothing more it could actually become except offensive.
At last count, I read that the English dictionary has over a million words in it. Surely with that many options, we can find a better way to express ourselves. Too often in our conversations, we opt for the same eight or ten profane words to say how we feel. But anything we can say with curse words, I believe we can say without. Probably even better if we choose to expand our vocabularies.
The long and short of it boils down to respect. First, do you respect yourself enough to clean up your language? Others will judge you based on what you say. At work, it detracts from your professionalism. Outside of work, it detracts from your dignity and intelligence. Secondly, do you respect others enough to clean up your language? Consider people who just don't want to hear filthy language. Must they be subject to yours? Moreover, consider children and young people, older and elder people, group settings and those who you don't hear using profanity. Think it through and choose a better way to express yourself. It is a matter of self control and self respect.
Comments
Post a Comment