Do you think profanity in society is okay?

Question

Should we recognize a problem?

And if we do recognize a problem...how serious is it really?

Does profanity make us unintelligent?

Or is it just a means for self expression?

Should there be a limit to when and where profanity is used?

Should there be an age limit to say when its socially and morally acceptable to start using profanity in everyday language?


any additional comments?

NOTE:
if you answer, please leave your first name, state and age so i can legally cite your quote for my research paper.

Answer 1

NO, I don't think it's ok

Answer 2

Whether or not certain actions are acceptable varies between cultures, so there is no universal answer.

Profanity is acceptable in informal situations, but people should be careful when speaking around strangers so as not to offend anyone. There is a huge difference between swearing while talking to a few friends at a bar and swearing at a two-year old while working at a daycare.

I don't believe swearing makes a person unintelligent, I'm certain Voltaire and others cursed once in a while, but it can give that impression.

As far as age limit is concerned, I think the proper age to use any word (profane or otherwise) is when a person has a complete understanding of the word's meaning. If you know what you're saying, by all means say it, but if you don't it would be in your best interest to keep your mouth shut.

CT, 22

Answer 3

I think profanity is a symptom of the rage and frustration that so many people are feeling these days. Even among those of us who detest its use, we slip occasionally. It should not be used in public in "everyday language" by anyone, no matter what their age. It is a sign of ignorance and a lack of class and education. It is important that young people find a better way of expressing themselves. Work on building your vocabulary by reading. Notice that, for instance, "What are you doing?" means the same thing as "What the F**K are you doing?" Make sure you own a good dictionary and make a game of learning a new word every day, then using it in a sentence at least three times that day. Soon your friends will be trying to outdo you. You'll start a new trend. Sarah, 45, Louisiana.

Answer 4

NOOOOOOO!!! I HATE it when a person uses profanity because I, right away, lose A LOT of respect for that person---even if they are otherwise really nice.
There was a guy standing next to me yesterday using the f-word over and over as I cringed. My main thinking about him was that he didn't trust proper language enough to make his points.
I often wonder what people who use profanity think of others that do the same. I suspect that they don't feel all warm and fuzzy about that person.
I'm a 45 year old and live in CA

Answer 5

Brandi, 24, Montana
I don't really find profanity to be a huge problem where I live. I am not really opposed to the use of "curse words" because I think that they're just words after all. In fact, most of the offensive language I hear doesn't use curse words at all. I am a person that occasionally curses, I think there is a time and a place for it. I don't do it in front of children,but I don't really think it's a big deal. I mean really, it just doesnt feel as satisfying to scream "fudge" when you stub your toe.

Answer 6

To me, profanity used in excess only displays a lack of respect, dignity, and pride for oneself. I was raised with the thought that profanity made you look unintelligent, and I have passed these same morals and guidelines onto my children. I don't beleive that there is anytime in ones life that they should feel it is morally acceptable to use profanity in their everyday social interactions.

Justin, 31
California

Answer 7

Profanity in society is a problem per-say When children are present self-control should be exercised. And no it doesn't make you an idiot But it is unattractive.

And it is a form of expression;;
stump your toe the baby one OOOOHHH @#^#%^$&%*.
Slam your finger/your solar nails#&^(*&($#@.
Bite your own tongue$#@^%%&*(&(!!@#
And yes... at a certain age, I believe it would be tolerated verses acceptable
A children that says it before hand I believe the time comes ... insert soap into mouth... it comes clean... and the taste is unforgettable .... Texas girl

Answer 8

I had a boss one time that said it showed un-intelligence that if you couldn't come up with the words for any situation. My dad once told a woman what a bad job she had done and she told her boss he'd cussed her out because she didn't have an adequate phrase to describe what he said. He told the boss what he said and the boss told him he was right and she had screwed up.

My parents don't use profanity and I've followed suit.
I don't really see a need for it ever.

Jan
California
43

Answer 9

I assume you mean vulgarity, not profanity. In either event, I guess it depends on whether to ascribe to a prescriptive or a descriptive construct.

Answer 10

No, "profanity is a lazy mind trying to express it'self." (not my quote) I read it somewhere and it made an impression on me. Dawnielle Lucero, 33yrs, Oklahoma

Answer 11

Your language & profanity is often heavily influenced by
your audience, location and who you are talking to..