Why do most modern societies have rules against saying certain words, if such words reflect a truth?

Question

We all know that certain words cannot be said on publically aired television or radio broadcasts, and certain words are not allowed in newspapers. I know this may sound like a dumb question, but why is this so? The "S" word, for example, is the product of a simple human function; yet, some old-fashioned people or highly religious people deem it as inappropriate, and often call it "poopy," "doo doo," or other such words. How are these words any different than such banned words? How are other similarly banned words that much different than their "watered-down" counterparts? Can this be explained through biblical references?

Answer 1

Well...the "society" is made up of people as me and you...and.."society"...or "WE"...came up with the decision that making certain "laws" to create a sense of "order"
and therefore..creating a "civilization".
By doing this "WE".created a separation within this "civilization"..the ones who abbid by the "rules"...and the ones that dont.
the ones that "rule" in this "civilization" created "codes of ethics"...that all must follow... all those who do not do or "say"..the "accepted" words get labled as "going against the "rules"..So weather its swearing ..or stealing If you break the rules or "laws" you are in violation of the beliefs of the "civilization"
So basically even if you are "expressing" how you truly feel or what you truly think...If its not in an "acceptable manner...well you will be looked apon as being "UNcivilized"
and the "illusion" is you are NOT part of the "crowd"
In reality its " forbiden free speach"..WHY?? because according to the LAW MAKERS....there is no need for others to know or hear you say your "truth"...In a "Offensive" manner...LOL...offensive to who?...well the so called "CIVILIZED" ones!!!

Answer 2

"Taboo" words have a place and a situation where their usage is appropriate. That said, there are people who are not articulate, and use the "taboo" words instead of the proper sentences. This is most obviously seen in children. Some of them talk where every third word is a "taboo" word, but they are by no means the most common example.

Educated people, conversing with refined company, will avoid usage of "taboo" words so as not to appear unrefined. They may use euphemisms when others may use a "taboo" word. This custom predated television.

In general, parents forbid usage of "taboo" words to their children. When children are not so restricted, they may use a "taboo" word in every sentence. Such frequent use is unnecessary. The prohibition forces children to articulate their thoughts, which is of benefit in the long term.

Last, but not least, there are people who want to offend, but do not want to get physical, so they use the "taboo" words. It is in part to avoid seeming like this type that the educated people avoid usage of "taboo" words.

By common custom, "taboo" words may be used among friends who know each other reasonably well, where it is understood all talk is in good faith.

By common custom, "taboo" words may not be used among people who do not know each other. While the speaker intention may not be to offend, somebody of the audience may think himself indirectly insulted. Thus, usage is avoided.

Finally, all these customs were extended to television, and other public places. Another reasoning was added. Children may watch these programs, and may come to believe that use of "taboo" words is more common than reality.

Answer 3

Yes; but i think that u are almost trying(too hard in my opinion) to convince ur self that
there are banned-words as compared to certain-words.
Are you also trying to convince me?

Well its xmas day and you will have to do a lot better that that(!)

Read any or some of the critical scholars
work,Sir karl Popper.His work will set you right(help you,critically too).

Answer 4

Censorship is an attempt to control people's thought and behavior patterns. It usually falls short and gets limited to controlling language. Quite silly really.

Its not the language itself that hurts people but the intent behind the language that hurts people. You can insult someone with perfectly plain language and you can use so-called 'bad' words in perfectly harmless ways.

Answer 5

Don't think the Bible has anything to do with it. There's just more "tactful " polite ways to say the same things without being offensive. "no....that color doesn't compliment you as well as this one does" vs "damn that looks like ****!"
"I'm going to the Lady's room" VS "I have to take a ****". Sometimes too much detail is too much detail.

I don't like to diminish the definition of a word anymore than I want to accentuate it. Fecal matter is ****....but fecal matter sounds more tactful without lying about it.

There's technical terms vs slang terms.

Answer 6

societies are about rules.
christian societies are about sin: try to tell a christian that you don´t know what is sin. You will be creating a "short-circuit".

censure words is pretty hypocritical, a very exclusive characteristic of human specie. It´s based on customs, and customs are bound to disappear.

Answer 7

It's all about social control, etiquette, manners, etc which is just a way of maintaining order and peace as a way of making dealing with people easier. (Translation: it's a bunch of pointless bullsh**).