Whatever we think of our leaders and politicians, is it acceptable to use the C-word or any other form of swearing in public debates?
http://news.independent.co.uk/uk/politics/article1219716.ece
2006-08-16 20:25:30 · 24 answers · asked by Nothing to say? 3 in Politics & Government ➔ Government
I think the issue people are forgetting is that it was a remark said in A PRIVATE meeting, and was never meant to be made common knowledge. If he stood up at a formal government press conference and made the same remark, then obviously that would be a different matter.
Politicians have their own personal view, but have to appear united in public over issues (I'm certain that there are people you work with who you do not like, but would not say anything as it would create divisions / bosses looking at you in a negative light).
As for the C word, well, bearing in mind it was JP, I think that we should count ourselves lucky that was all he said. Although there is a part of me wondering if he DID say something else, and media types decided to use this less offencive word instead so they could broadcast the story !!
The word itself, is not exactly a swear word. It derives from a gentleman called Thomas Crapper, who I think invented a part of the modern day flushing toilet. This became known as a "Crapper" and then developed into a slang for the solid matter that we deposit into it.
2006-08-17 03:33:58 · answer #1 · answered by David 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
"Crap", like "pissed", has become more acceptable over the last decade or so and is used on pre-watershed television. Therefore, it probably is not counted as a swear word any more.
I believe no words should be censored per se, as they all contribute to the richness of our language - and in the words of Eric Cartman; "...why the f*ck not? It's just a word, it doesn't hurt anybody... fuckfuckityfuckfuck.... see?
It is the sentiment expressed by the words used which is the source of offense. Words are hurtful when when expressed with the intent to cause hurt. If I were to tell you I was going to break your legs, I imagine that you would be offended, despite me not saying "I'm going to break your f*cking legs, bugger face!" Here, the offensiveness stems from my making violent threats in both cases. How much more offended would you be if I used swear words?
Those whose vocabulary is limited are usually less intelligent than those able to communicate on a range of levels. I believe this is as true for fastidious types who are unable to understand new and vibrant coloquialisms because they believe it to be beneath them as it is for those who can only use monosyllablic profanities.
I believe that politicians would be more credible, if every so often they did say things were crap, or boll8cks, if that choice of word best expressed their sentiment at the time. I would, however, be concerned if the politician was then unable to expand on this expression of disdain with some reasoned argument.
As for Bush, I'd be inclined to agree with the other answers and say he was more of a c-u-n-t than just crap...
2006-08-16 20:52:00 · answer #2 · answered by lickintonight 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Prescott was originally a working lad from the North they speak their mind and tell it like it is. Maybe we could do with a few more plain speaking politicians.
Hat's off to Prescott
2006-08-16 20:35:25 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
The remark is said to have been made at a private meeting in Mr Prescott's Whitehall office. I think anybody should be allowed to say whatever the crap they want in private. And lets face it, he's right.
2006-08-16 21:18:29 · answer #4 · answered by V 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well Yahoo certainly dont think it's 'offensive' as they have allowed you use it in your question.
I personally don't find that particular C-word offensive either....altho' the other C-word, I do find offensive when it's used in front of women.
Bush is more of a [insert the latter c-word here] than he is crap! And my justification for saying that...the lack/non existance of WMD (the original reason for invasion) which politicians have seem to have gone a little quite on over the past few months!!!
2006-08-16 20:36:00 · answer #5 · answered by Pete Sweet 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Thomas Crapper designed toilets in the 19th century, hence (I suspect...though I may be wrong) the name being used as a put-down. But damn...there are worse words which I think Mr. Prescott would have used - another certain 'c' word would have been floating around between his wee ears!
2006-08-16 22:15:36 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I admire any Bush opponent with the self-control to use that particular C-word rather than the other C-word. I applaud Prescott's restraint.
2006-08-16 20:30:16 · answer #7 · answered by ? 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
i don't think this c-word is a swear word but for the first time in Prescott's life he has finally told the Truth
2006-08-16 21:04:32 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
I personally think they should not . I mean no matter how much you disagree with the President he still is the President and you should have respect for him especially when you are in that type of position. I wish more people would show respect these days.
Sad what are country has come to.
2006-08-16 20:37:28 · answer #9 · answered by Chosen 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
There is another c word which would have been much worse, and it wouldn't surprise me to hear it come out of prescotts mouth.
2006-08-16 20:29:54 · answer #10 · answered by Footy 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋