Why do they bleep "god" when they say "goddamn" on TV or radio? Important info in details?

Question

First let me get this out of the way. I'm not a Christian, nor am I against Christianity. It doesn't effect me either way. I'm not a religious man, I can't really buy into all that, but that's just me.

But that doesn't stop me from being curious as to why "god" is censored from the word "goddamn" in most broadcast media.

Now let's get one thing straight. I want answers on this, not religious opinions. I don't need to know that you're anti-Christian and you think the word "god" should be banned from public exposure. Alternatively, I don't need to know that you're a bible-thumper and hear a sob story about how Jesus is the saviour and god's name should have a place in every corner of the world. I don't need that, I just want an answer to my question.

Meh, I know I'm gonna get a bunch of opinions regarding beliefs anyway. Whatever, fire away...

*sigh* This is why I almost didn't ask this question.

Scott, listen, I know it's taking the lord's name in vain. In fact, that sentiment should only strengthen my case against this practice. Wouldn't you, as a Christian agree, it'd be better for them to bleep the word "damn" as opposed to the word "god"? I'm sure you do.

Now, since I can assume that you feel that way, we can see there is only one difference between you and I. You want them to bleep "damn" because you don't think the word "god" should be covered up. I want them to bleep "damn" because I find it a more offensive word than "god" (which is not offensive). But let me make it abundantly clear, I don't think either word should be censored.

Answer 1

This is an excellent example of why there is NO proper reasoning behind censorship. It is ALWAYS arbitrary and illogical.

Why do people think individual words can cause harm? The phonemes "sh" "i" and "t" are a way of refering to a bodily excrement. Why can I say "excrement" or "poo" or "number 2" but not "Sh*t?" They all refer to the same thing, but one has been deemed "Naughty" or "immoral."

They are just words. The real danger comes from ideas. The idea that sex is dirty (as opposed to violence, which is almost NEVER censored) is ridiculous. I'd rather my kids watch some good 'ol lovin as opposed to Lethal Weapon 98.

What NEEDS to happen is that people need to know what channels show what kind of things, AND HOW TO WORK THEIR POWER BUTTON/CHANNEL CHANGER and tell the FCC to go step off and figure out how to get private citizens some bandwidth and not worry about what grouping of vowels and consanants reach our ears.

Answer 2

I understand the thinking of taking the lord's name in vain (not commenting on it here though).

Thing is, 'God' is a denomination, not a name.In essence, they are censoring an idiom, or at least an 'expression'. Even an atheist can say 'oh my god!' and not not mean it religiously. God dammit is the same.

Answer 3

I think it was decided a long time ago and no one in the industry has stopped to ask why. Much like Carlin's 7 words you can't say on TV, which i think only 3 of them are still beeped, it was a set standard back in the day and until a South Park or some show w/ as much brass as them challenges it It will remain so

Answer 4

I know this is old, but I know the answer. They want to lessen the blow of the lords name being used in vain, yes. But to further answer your question, it's also because it's the only part of the word you can censor and still have it make sense. So instead of having a second-long pause, and instead of having a phrase not make sense, they censor "God" to lessen the curse word. I don't believe in censorship either, but since they have to, it's the lesser of a few options.

".. Haven't you people ever heard of shutting the God**** door?"
Vs
".. Haven't you people ever heard of shutting the ***damn door?"
-I Write Sins Not Tragedies-

So it's "shutting the God door" vs "shutting the damn door"

Answer 5

Because you are taking the the Lords name in Vane.I'm truly sorry that you are not Christian.
If you were you would know how lame this question is!!!!!