Language is the pillar of any civilization. Like it or not, the way in which we express ourselves communicates to others who we are as individuals and as a society.
Obscenities, like much, if not all, of our social interactions have been learned and inherited by each new generation, going back to the beginning of language itself.
The Egyptians expressed many pornographic images and ideas through their hieroglyphics, which today we consider explicit. As our country has evolved from the days of Washington and the Revolution, we have established rules and regulations to identify what is and is not appropriate expression.
While Washington was still a general in the Revolutionary War, he issued “general orders” admonishing the soldiers for their “profane cursing,” even going as far to say that any man of character despises it. He even suggested that profanity would lead them to hell. I find this so interesting because after the founding fathers got done arguing over how the government would be structured, the first thing they did was ensure freedom of speech for citizens in the First Amendment.
As a citizen of this God-fearing country, I take advantage of it every chance I get. I love that I can call an ex a “bitch” to her face. I take pleasure in the fact that I can tell someone what I think whenever I want.
Profanity expresses more in the context than many words do. The government uses words like excretory to define the nature of one type of indecency. Why not just call it shit? If you sit on the pot, let it come out how it was intended.
The First Amendment is so ingrained into our society that the Federal Communications Commission is prohibited from monitoring for content. They can only do something about indecent material after it’s been broadcast.
Here at college, profanity is common both in and out of the classroom, not only because we have the right to say whatever we want, but because this as an institution of learning. We must be able to express ourselves openly in order to understand each others ideas.
I obviously curb my language around children, but it’s out of general respect. I have children of my own and I don’t want them walking around saying things like “damn it,” at least, not at the age of 4.
Honestly, profanity is not something that can be avoided. Whether people say it openly or in private, it’s going to get said. You can’t stop people from talking unless you cut out their tongues.
You can preach to me about ethics, morality, the deterioration of our society, and I can say “fuck you,” which makes this country great. I respect the fact that people have their own ideas and value systems, and I’d hope that they respect mine.If they don’t, I really don’t care.
If you really disagree with me I would suggest grabbing some signs and starting a picket line so that you might influence public opinion to your advantage. It is always possible that someone would submit a bill to take the First Amendment out of the Constitution. But in reality, where I live, I have to snicker at all the expletives that would be tossed your way from passing motorists.