Yesterday, while visiting a small English town with Mrs S, I saw in the street a young man (early 20s) wearing a t-shirt brearing the logo "I DON'T HAVE TOURETTE'S, YOU ARE A F****** C***" but without the asterisks. I found this pretty offensive. I have to admit, I do on occasion use language this strong, but only with people I am sure would not be offended. I wouldn't dream of swearing like this publicly or in front of children. This young man obviously thinks different. Who is right? Am I just a grumpy old man? Does this young man's right of freedom of expression take precedence over my and my children's rights to not suffer offence? Is this t-shirt offensive? Acceptable? Legal, even? Help me out on this one, folks. I don't like censorship, but I think we have to sometimes say "No, that's not acceptable". And I don't know where you would draw the line.
2007-03-04 00:51:48 · 20 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Other - Society & Culture
I think you are right on with your protest. But lets not stop at offensive language on clothing. Lets include audible offensive language, including racist signs, symbols and language. Why do I have to give up my rights so that some creep can express his or her vulgar personality? They do it on the streets, in shopping areas and in their vehicles. I believe I have the right to protect my children from these offenses. Ask yourself...would the person in question wear or say such things before a judge. Absolutely not. Why then must I be exposed to it.
2007-03-04 01:15:26 · answer #1 · answered by sarge 6 · 4⤊ 0⤋
Nah i agree its a bit over the top to wear stuff like that... But unfortunately it is okay to wear it. Because its their freedom of speech and choice of what they wear. They would say its just for a joke, but what they don't realise is that it actually is really offensive to people who have tourettes, and to everyone else who reads it. The only thing the government really cares about though is nudity. And well, most children are swearing by the age of 10 these days anyway.
2007-03-04 00:57:11 · answer #2 · answered by Doucheball 3 · 2⤊ 1⤋
blame French Connection, when they started their FCUK promotion.
that started the slippery slope in2 more outrageous slogans.
this isn't exactly New, is it?
the late 70s early 80s, with the Punk Era.
my brother wore his Never Mind The Bollox, until it fell apart.
people that wear these t-shirts want a Reaction,
don't give them the satisfaction, eh?
switch ur ignore button on the Full setting & let it go,
this has all been done b4.
the shock value will dwindle in time & the tide will turn, it always does.
human nature's just like that &
as a new generation wants 2 leave it's mark.
i just wonder what the following GENERATION intend 2 adopt 2 offend their elders with?
2007-03-04 01:05:16 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
I am not offended by crap like that, I have been in public and had my 5 year old with me. We were in a store once and walked passed this guy that had the words "f*** you b****". My son is deaf and learning to communicate so I am glad he can't read shirts like that.
To borrow your words: "Who is right?" - I don't think it depends on who is right or wrong, if you find it offensive then you find it offensive. If you were in a situation you could ask the guy to turn his shirt inside out so you don't have to see it then I would go ahead and do it if I were you.
" Am I just a grumpy old man? " NO! see answer above.
"Does this young man's right of freedom of expression take precedence over my and my children's rights to not suffer offence?" - No I don't think it does. Again refer to my first answer there. It is up to you if you find it offensive then say something or steer the child/ren away.
" Is this t-shirt offensive? " To me no. I find it very stupid. He should be embarresed wearing such crap in public. I don't care for the 'word' " c***". To me it is a disgusting word.
" Acceptable? Legal " - Of course it's legal. If he wears that crap maybe to a teacher confrence or something of that nature he should be literally thrown out yes. It has to do with the environment he is in.
Really you are the best judge for something like that, if you don't like it and don't want your kids seeing it then walk away, look the other way, say somthing to him.. etc. If you use these words, like you say you do, your kids are just going to look at you and think "dad says it , it must be ok. " I tend to swear a bit also but I don't go THAT far. If my son were to somehow pick it up (he is deaf) I would not be alarmed becuse I don't use words like c***!!
Phew, good luck
PINK ELLIE
2007-03-04 01:08:21 · answer #4 · answered by Mrs. K 3 · 2⤊ 2⤋
That is the mystery of the human, what appeals to some, others hate! I am pleased that people where such stupid T-Shirts, for I know that I will have nothing in common with them and I avoid them! Keep on wearing them I say, because thay then stand out as the inbred, redneck, moronic, humourless, racsist, bigoted scum that they are - and those t-shirts let us all know that and we can cross the street when we see them heading our way!
2007-03-04 00:57:04 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 1⤋
I find that offensive aswell. There is no need for it.
If he wants to wear it in his house thats up to him, but not to go out wearing it. He is obviously trying to shock and make a statement - but i think it makes him seem very foolish
I would never have worn that T Shirt, and I wouldn't now (I'm 24)
Some people don't have a clue.
2007-03-04 01:24:26 · answer #6 · answered by uk.housewife 2 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Hello Mr,
I agree it is offencive and sad really. Like the products with the 'go forth and multiply' logo. I don't like it. I think it's popular culture to agree to offencive language and popular to say you think boundaries need to be pushed out in entertainment. We are so easily manipulated in the going with the crowed mentality. So it's refreshing for someone to stand up with passion and say its WRONG!!!! listen to the sheep baaaaaaaaaaaaaa
2007-03-04 01:01:43 · answer #7 · answered by : 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Strange you should come up with this .My grandson has just turned up wearing one that translates out as S*ck My D**k.But spelt funny.Oh well off to the club now -----bet it goes down like a lead balloon in there,his grandad will most likely have heart failure.Seems to be the thing of the moment.
2007-03-04 01:01:24 · answer #8 · answered by Xtine 5 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Not acceptable....probably not legal. I'm all for freedom of speech...but can not condone offending people just for the sake of it. In a free country he should be able to own the t sheet, but I don't agree he should wear it in public.
2007-03-04 01:06:01 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 1⤋
I don't go against T-shirts with attitudes, but offensive language? I think these should be banned. From a legal point of view, it's like disrupting social order.
2007-03-04 00:55:37 · answer #10 · answered by Dowland 5 · 4⤊ 1⤋