why are we being told what words we can say and what words we cant?

Answer 1

Some words are offensive and, as this is a public forum, they are not acceptable here. You can say what you want when you are speaking in private, or with friends, or in personal communications, but for public consumption, let's keep it clean.

Answer 2

I believe that it is not so much about being "told" what you can or cannot say; it depends on the situation and environment you are in, and keeping that in mind, it is important to choose your words carefully in order that the impression you give or yourself is one that speaks not only of your knowledge, but also represents your social standard.

Answer 3

Because when you control what someone says, you essentially control thought. That's what our Judeo-Christian-Puritan oppressive tradition is all about: control. It's not about offense, because I happen to be offended by a lot of what the right-wing says, but it is free to say insulting things because it doesn't use any swear words (well... except Cheney). The minute you throw a four-letter word in, it becomes "offensive" to someone... usually housewives in Michigan, it seems.

Answer 4

What's a matter? Yahoo Answers Gestapo just branded your question or answer a public nuissance or offense?

Answer 5

I suppose that the powers that be are very sensitive and want to make this experience kind of homogenous. Did you have an example? Best of luck to you!

Answer 6

Have you read 1984? Mr. Orwell was a few years out but basically correct.

Answer 7

Shouldn't matter to you, because you can't get any of them placed in the correct context anyway.

Answer 8

cuz of old people