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Beaumont 06/24/2009

We've been told since we were very young, by others if not by our parents, that certain types of verbal expression are inappropriate, especially the kinds called swearing, cursing, obscenity, and profanity. We may come to believe that they are unacceptable in public, around young children, around women, around members of the opposite sex, in the presence of authority figures, at formal events, etc. And some individuals may believe that such language is always appropriate and express themselves with it whenever and wherever they please.

Is swearing an indication of mental weakness? A character flaw? A bad upbringing? A lack of self-discipline? A small vocabulary? Is the use of profanity in speech a sign of no respect for the other people present? Is bad language a crime?

Are those who don't swear meek little nothings of human beings? Are they uptight prissies or prudes? Are they not quite grownups? Are men effeminate if the don't swear? Are women low forms of life if they don't swear? Are they self-righteous blankety-blanks if they can't curse?

When should we tolerate offensive language? When should we not? When should we join in and throw bad words around to show we're one of the gang? When should we punish those who make inappropriate utterances?

Is swearing verbal abuse? Is profanity usually followed by threats of violence and violence?

Why do people use such language? As a leader of a discussion group, and perhaps in your life, what is your position on offensive language?

Beaumont 06/29/2009

What do you think about 'substitute' swear words and phrases?
-peach pits
-blame it all
-dang nabbit
-for the love of Pete
-oh, botheration

deleted_user 07/15/2009

i dont think offensive language is any of those things! offensive language is simply saying bad words. it doesnt matter how u were brought up it doesnt matter how smart u are. it is what it is. ppl say bad things because they want to so i do admit that offensive language is a way of expressing yourself.

Beaumont 07/15/2009

My opinion is that swearing is always verbal abuse, and I side with those who believe that it is simply never appropriate, but for me to say that to anyone I know would get me labeled with several swear words. I am increasingly disappointed in my fellow human beings who somehow believe that absolutely anything they want to do or say is acceptable. I believe that we as a society should punish people who use offensive language. Parents should punish their children for swearing, and we as a society should punish adults who swear. It's that simple. Do we wish to live in a hell or a heaven of our own making?

deleted_user 07/20/2009

Thats just it, we aren't in heaven yet so we really have no control over it. Same as the naughty avatars, wldn't that look good in a christian group??? Some ppl just don't use their brain. I have even seen an angle in a bikini a black leather one and some in much less. what bothers me is I protect my child from seeing some of this filth and yet she sees it right over my shlder not counting the usernames.

Beaumont 07/22/2009

I have banned people from some of my groups for having offensive, lewd, or obscene avatars, and I will continue to do so. That's just my personal policy. We have no right to complain about the state of our world and then do nothing about it - we can't wait for other people to stand up for what's right, we must do it ourselves. If we wait for others, good may never happen. Anyone who isn't willing to risk the consequences of taking a stand really doesn't have grounds for complaining, either. Just my opinion. What's yours?

deleted_user 07/25/2009

Offensive language is called that for a reason - it IS offensive. To offend someone, whether they are a Christian, child or adult, whether it is to deliberately show disrespect or simply to get attention, should not be acceptable under any circumstances. If the premise of any communication, verbal or print, cannot be expressed without being bolstered by offensive language, there probably wasn't much substance to begin with.

deleted_user 07/26/2009

I don't like hearing it but it is everywhere. On my group we will tolerate it except in circumstances where it is directly toward another person. I still don't like it but then I was taught that swearing would not be tolerated by my parents and seniors when I was growing up. I would imagine that if you grow up with swearing all around you, you might have a different perspective.

What I do not understand is why people take the trouble to add it in as an extra word for emphasis or impact, when so many other less offensive - and descriptive - words are available.

The absence of swearing offends no-one!

Beaumont 07/29/2009

Wow, Gailly, I like that phrase: The absence of swearing offends no-one! I will try to remember it, and hopefully I will have many opportunities to spread it around. : - )

deleted_user 07/30/2009

to me one that swears is just at the end of his rope and has nothing else to say .. they do not want to see that there is a life a wonderful life without using those ugly comments and words, they try to make others miserable because they are.. anyway I wont allow it in my groups and I have had no problems with it so far.. but I also must say that I love that phrase as well.. it is a good one to use .. if you dont mind.. :) thank you

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