Why are Vulgar words Labeld "vulgar" when there is freedom of speech??

Answer 1

Its because the supreme court decided that there are certain words and images that serve no purpose except to offend or appeal to prurient interests (a funny way to say it appeals to the pervert in all of us). So they decided that those are not purposes for words that deserve protection under the 1st amendment.
That's the basic thing; vulgar words aren't protected. That's why yahoo can *star them out.

Answer 2

Best question I've seen in weeks.

I believe, similar to the previous respondant, that it is determined by the mores of society and what limits it can handle. If you recall, the nation was shocked when Clark Gable said the word "damn" in "Gone With The Wind". These days, the word is almost as commonly used as "hello" - I actually once heard the word "damn" used in a G-rated movie.

What I try to teach my children is: there is a time and a place for language to be used. What is difficult is learning what are the appropriate times and settings. (Example: Yahoo! will block out any use of a certain word beginning with "F" - but that isn't because they object to freedom of speech, it's because there is an excellent chance that children may see what we're writing, and this maybe isn't the appropriate venue for such words to be used.)

So, freedom of speech is still very much in effect, but with that freedom comes great responsibility.

Answer 3

You don't yell "Fire" in a crowded theatre... that is beyond freedom of speech.

Too many Generation (D)umbs don't know the difference between PROFANITY and VULGARITY, and there is a difference and if you aren't smart enough to look it up and figure it out, then you can continue to get your postings flagged as abuse.

Profanity consists of the usual curse words. Vulgarity consists of describing crude bodily functions. Profanity can be overlook by most intelligent adults by just considering the source while vulgarity is disgusting to anyone with a mental age over 8 years of age.

Answer 4

You're free to say what you like, but there is still such a thing as etiquette. People like to sort out what is in good taste, and what is in bad taste.

The reason that many words are frowned upon in polite society is because their meaning or usage is hurtful or rude. Sure, you're allowed to say it, but there are times when you might not want to. Let's say for example you're at a job interview and you use a word that people think of as vulgar. Even if it's a word that the interviewer uses sometimes, do you think you'll get the job? People look at how you speak and how you present yourself to judge your maturity.

Answer 5

Because they are vulgar and not really need to make the point you want to make. Freedom of Speech has never expressly been Freedom to Offend. The English language is so expansive, that given enough thought, we can express our opinions without denigrating ourselves or others with vulgar expressions.

Answer 6

For the same reason that tall people are labeled "tall".

It's an adjective used to describe words, and a subjective one at that.

But just because people may not like a word and categorize it that way, that is entirely different than govt regulation based on such vague and over-broad categorization.

Answer 7

Because we have too many cry-babies in this country that get offended over the littlest things.

We defy the majority to appease the few. Those few who cant get over themselves.

Answer 8

Because some people in authority have decided what is offensive, and what isn't.

Answer 9

I was wondering the same thing about racism and opinion.