Interesting piece, I thought is was very real and funny how these two conduct their show. I have never seen Bullshit before, I don't have cable, and that's the truth. Where have I been? I enjoyed that a lot. It's funny how people can almost convince you that by dropping a little profanity just when you're about to blow up is completely unnecessary is a bunch a shit. I'm pretty colorful myself when it comes to expression from time to time, so I certainly can relate. I believe if we could somehow find patience and control within each individual situation, a little curse with conviction to drive the message home is absolutely proper. Of course we need to consider each individual situation and involvement. There's a time and purpose for all things. Great stuff...
I am mother and I try not use any swearwords around my five years old because she repeats anything that I say, so I have to be very careful. I also noticed that sometimes when we are around some people that do use those kind of words all the time in their communication, they seem to apologize when they are around family. I believe that I can put some rules about swearing in home, in my home only, I can not tell people what to do that is their problem and their choice of communication. I also have to agree that there are some circumstances that a little swearing makes it a little more convincing. So I can not judge others when I also do the same in some occurrence.
I am not one to control my language around people. But there are times I wish I did have a little more control at times. The other day I was in line at the movie theatre and there was a typical Utah family with nine kids all under 16 years old and I got real dirty look from the dad when I happened to drop more than a few f* bombs. I had to turn to a friend of mine tell him to cut the saucy language before we started a riot at the theatre. I thing that there are times a little colorful language is appropriate though. I remember in basic training I heard some words and phrases that I hadn’t before. When it’s your job to degrade someone to the point that they want to kill you than profanity is the easiest way to do that.
In my opinion, using "profanity" is no different than using any other words. People are just too damn sensitive. It's only words! If I say, "This is fuckin' bullshit!" that holds a lot more weight and more accurately portrays my emotions, when compared to "This is bad, I am really angry grr!" Besides, its not like the word stabs you, or causes you physical harm. I don't swear excessively, unless I am aiming to piss someone off, because it is SO easy to do around here. I remember in high school, you would get the self-righteous, closed-minded person who when they heard you swear ask "Do you think you are cool because you swear?" to which the best response in my opinion is "Do you think I fuckin' care what you think?". Unnecessary? Sure. But I sure felt better getting under their skin again.
However, certain situations do not lend themselves to swearing. For example, you wouldn't want to swear in a job interview, or while talking to a customer, as you either won't get the job, or you will get fired. I don't think this is right, as once again it's just words, but it is what it is, and that won't change.
To me, I say that any word has its time and place. Just like cracking a "your momma" joke at the funeral of someones mother is in most cases inappropriate so can swearing if the situation does not call for it. An example of such a situation might be a child's birthday party or at a family friendly place like the zoo. Learning to control our profanity does not limit our freedom of speech at all. That first amendment was given not to allow us to shout any word at any time, so much as it was given to us to be able to have free press, and vocally disapprove actions of our government, big business, etc. Like any law we must learn to respect the meaning of it.
I will say that certain situations call for stronger language. I think properly timed swearing can make a joke funnier, get a point across and also express frustration with the actions of someone else. I think swearing also can be a release for you personally if you feel like you need to lash out. I guess we just need to put everything in context of the situation. We should realize that freedom of speech also can mean respecting the rights of those around us. At a zoo, or a child's movie we should try and refrain, but if someone brings their child into a bar perhaps it's the parent who needs a lesson and not the person swearing.
I have to agree with Travis M. because cursing really does have an appropriate time and place. Its kinda funny since I live with my dad and we cuss back and forth a little (I still swear way more than him) and at my moms its a big NONO! That's cool. I can respect anyone who wishes me not to curse around them however; I can't stand it when people freak out over any cursing let alone something that sounds close to it, i.e. frick, fetch, bun of a sitch (clever re-arrangement by a friend) anyhow its retarded. Don't judge me for having a, as i call it, colorful vocabulary. To say that I'm uneducated because of swearing is pretty insulting. I know for a fact that my vocabulary is quite extensive thanks to my 9th grade English teacher Mr. Gill! I just choose not to use big words all the time since usually people give me the deer in the headlights stare. Oh well? There are however certain curses I hate to hear or say and I'm guilty of saying them but its rare. To hear the Lords name in vain bothers me or when curses are directed towards a persons family member are pretty inappropriate to me since said curser may not even know my family? Swearing for me is all about timing; it can make anything that much funnier (even if present surroundings are all doom and gloom) Exercise your freedom to speak your mind America; just don't tell me how to use mine and I'll stay the hell away from yours!
unfortunately, i use profanity just like all the other words of the dictionary. now i was not able to watch this film, but i atleast have an opinion about the use of profanity. i do try and watch my language around children and family. i choose to do this out of respect. but honestly, cuss words are just that, only words. the use of profanity can have a strong meaning with them, but only if you let them. to say someone is uneducated for using profane words is fucking ridiculous. in no way, shape, or form would the use of profane words tell you anything about how educated i am. however, there are those people out there who dont know any other words, these are the people who allow our society to deem these words as uneducated. i believe profane words can have a strong meaning, but only if used in the right situation and not with every other word
This issue is kind of hard to pick a side because there is so much inbetween. I think there is a time and place for certain words and manner in which we speak, but as for everyday language, people should be able to say whatever the hell they want. I personally swear all the time, and personally I like to in Utah because it pissed so many religous people off, so I enjoy it even more. Plus I do not feel those words make me a bad person by any means, because if you judge some one by what words they use you are an idiot. I see tons of peole who use 'Nice" words all the time and are some of the worst people I know. People should be judged for what they do and how they act, not by their choice of words. If we all sounded alike, this place would be so boring jesus. I also think they hit it right ont he money in the movie. They made fun of how the mom can swear to some other god, and that is ok! Just because you dont' say the word that people around you know doesnt' mean it is not an offensive word. I do think people should know the time and place they are in, and respect that. Also, people should be prepared for those to express themselves in their own manner when they go out.
I have never seen this series of BULLSHIT. I thougth it was pretty good. I like how all the episodes have hidden or double meanings in the things they do. It's a well thought out series.
I personally say profanities or swear, whatever you want to call it all the time. Especially when I'm mad or whenever I just want to add some spice to my vocabulary. However, I definately agree there's always a time and place for everything. I really do look at people different when the swear in the wrong places or the the wrong people.
For example, I am not sure if this is just culture or tradition but I personally never swear infront of my parents or grandparents. This is seen really disrespectful and you get your "ass" wipped for it.
Also, I know this is a double standard I am holding when I say this but it sound worse when a girl swears than a guy swearing. When they swear in a sense they seem less "lady like". Though im not a judgemental person it just the way I see it.
To wrap it all up, as I said before there's always a place and time to drop an F-bomb.
While I do want to sound smarter by not swearing, my words are still going to be offensive, if they aren't I'm not doing it right. I enjoy the right to say that the government sucks and that we should burn the flag and ummm.. I dunno hug a terrorist? Because in most other countries that would get me killed but in the USA, I would only offend people. So say what you want when you want to because unless you mean it to cause physical harm nobody cares. It's our freedom of speech, exersize it, use it, offend everyone leave no person unscathed because if there is a day where that freedom is ever taken away. Expect totalitarianism to follow.
I think profanity is one of those things that has a proper time and place. I swear all the time around my friends but I avoid it when I am around children, my family, or people I don’t know, it’s just the way I was raised. One thing I find hypocritical is when adults use substitute words for swearing, I know what your trying to say so don’t try to sugar coat it. It makes you look like that crazy lady on the show who said she didn’t see anything wrong with swearing to Buddha because it wasn’t her god. I am an adult and if we are having a conversation, I don’t see anything wrong with using swear words but then again I wouldn’t do it if there were kids around, like I said proper time and place.
Language has an impact on how we act and think. Although it is incorrect, people will judge us by the words we use. Profanity is not attractive to me. I find it repulsive. Although I am not offended by anything anyone says and I know better than to judge them for it. In the movie they make the point that words are just sounds of nonsense put together with no real intended meaning behind them. It should not be offensive. but because those sounds ARE associated with crude, degrading, and often demeaning feelings they are not appropriate for all situations.
Although all words are not appropriate for all situations we have a free right to say what we feel and want. There should be no government dictations on the matter. It is a matter of choice. We should be able to know when it is ok to use profane language and when it is inappropriate.
That is where the problem lies. Many people don’t use their common sense about situations such as this. There is a time and place for everything. IF it makes someone feel uncomfortable be respectful, be nice and walk away to use the words. when you are with friens use the wors all you want!
Pro This prisiple of freedom is found in constuition of United States. We should respect and follows. We gotten to believe and trian of brian to hope to the future's generation. Sometime it is hard to follow but if do use it properly and find much more freedom and joy of protection then any where before. Sometime, the subject of free speech about profanilty is can be very hurtfull. But I must not let this knock ous out and core value. Con, For the people who use profanilty for fanny joke without real perpose can put them in very bad position. with in the limited, Why don't we let enviroment around you infeulate the idea. We want to say to certains things in different people eventhough it is limited for some one. This profanity can destoyor the nation. if two of few bad gays work agiast the syteam. Also, This can profanity may create out of control without proper respect.
This was a really funny segment of the "Bullshit" series. I actually got a good kick out of it and have had many of those same curiosities about the nature of cuss words myself. Like isn’t a word just a combination of sounds and why would one combination of sounds be more offensive than another? Nobody gets offended when someone in another language that they don’t understand calls them an ass wipe because they have no idea what that combination of sounds meant. Which brings me to my overall opinion of the problem with profanity, that is the meaning of word or the visual you get from certain words is what matters. For instance let’s say you have a 13 year old child that hears some guy on the radio say “motherfucker” it’s more the visual that the combination of those words give than the sound of the syllables that you would be worried about. That said I do think that to some degree and usually only in extreme situations a persons level of intelligence may be assumed based on their vocabulary. For instance a person that uses the word Fuck as a substitute for every other word out their mouth (and believe me I know people like this and in fact used to be one)in my opinion are not creative enough to find alternate words(which may even include other more descriptive cuss words)to describe what they are trying to deliver in speech. I agree with some of the other posts where it has been said that a nice strategically placed FUCK!! can be a great tool for driving home a concept, feeling, humorous thought or stress relief. I don’t however feel that it is necessary, smart, creative, respectful, appropriate, or funny to go overboard on the usage of swear words on a continual basis. Part of the beauty of swearing is that by not always using that language, when the right time comes they get noticed. I really can’t stand people that just swear to be swearing. Like it makes them cool or something. Those are the times when I find myself wondering if that person really is intelligent or just too lazy to think of a better more descriptive word. As I said before there was a time when I threw a cuss word in after just about every other word or at least in every sentence. The truth is I recognize now that I was acting less intelligent then not just because I was younger but because when I would hear other people with a greater vocabulary use a word I had not taken the time to learn I had no idea what they were saying and how the subtle difference in the definition of those words could illustrate a thought or point so much better than a more commonly used term. I think dropping the occasional swear word is not only fine but sometimes the best way to say exactly what you want to say. I don’t find this subject to be to controversial but I do believe in respecting others right to not have to hear language they may find offensive, swear word or not.
Profanity... Sometimes there is no better way to express your feelings than a simple one worded answer... Shit! It says so much. I think that there is a time and a place to use curse words. I know that sometimes I let it slip in certain places and I do feel ashamed for lack of a better word. There are words that I think cross the line and I hope to never hear my future children ever say them. but times change and new words will arrive and be just as bad.
When I hear someone use a made up word like "Santa Vaga!" I am embarrassed for them. They are making themselves look silly and idiotic. However, with the exception of use in front of children and religous clergymen. Like I said, there is a time and a place for curse words.
Aaahh, the beauty of words and most of the all POWER of words. As you can tell by most of my post I will use swear words and even in most of might writing in papers for school I'll ask the professor at the beginning of the semester if it is okay use them in my writing. Most of my family members are devout Christians and that’s how I was raised. Now with that said, when I’m at home or at a family gathering swearing is the equivalent of spitting in grandmas face.LOL so I refrain and it doesn’t bother me at all.
It does start to bother me when people in movies and radio are censored to me it’s all a form of art and art should never be censored for ANY reason. My mother has this DVD player that cuts out swearing and sex scenes that is the worst movie watching movie experience ever experienced. I’ve dubbed that DVD player the “Jesus machine” just say no to these abominations of human technology. Swearing is now a part of my life and a part of my vocabulary and writing style if someone chooses not to swear, who cares BUT don’t tell me when and if I can say FUCK, SHIT or VAGINA (vagina is not really a swear word but the I use it people might want to reconsider).
I will respect other people while out in public just in case they have sticks up their asses or are out with small children or elderly people. Swearing is liberating and gives writing and speaking a certain vernacular that helps you connect with who you’re speaking with.
I agree with the fact that cursing is useful (sometimes) in helping to get a point across. However I think that some people are too loose with their curses. They use them so frequently that it becomes a part of their daily vocabulary and is used in everyday conversations which is totally inappropriate. I think it is very sad that people are so inconsiderate of others that they will spout out these curses anywhere and everywhere irregaurdless of who is around. A child should be able to walk through the grocery store with their parent and not be exposed to that kind of language. I even hear people talk like that at the local park. Common people that is just rediculous.
I think profanity influence on some of us is just ridiculous. Why do we get so worked up about it? They're just words and with any words they can be offensive and funny. I love how he was telling the little dog how he was gonna kill it in a gentle voice and told the dog he loved it while screaming at it. I do think that we should be able to have enough control over what we say though saying "fuck" over and over is as annoying as someone who uses the word "like" in every sentence.
I do think that there are words that cant be said in as many situations as cuss words such as racist slurs because if you let those out at the wrong time or wrong situation someone will be offended and you might just get your ass kicked. Yet when a goo comedian knows how to use them we can find ourselves laughing at something that is normally taboo.
There is a time and place to use profanity. Although my religion looks down on profanity and advises against it, I still do. However, I don't swear up a storm. Also, I listen to music with profanity (although today's music is absolute garbage compared to the past but that's another subject), I watch movies with profanities, I converse with others who say profane things, etc. Who am I to say to anyone to not use profane language at all? However, I do believe in respect. If someone does not like profanity swung around them or their family, you should respect that.
I do agree with Stephen M that when used properly, it can result in either an ass beating or people laughing their ass off.
pro swearing it's my right to swear and i don't think it makes me uninteligent by any means. it's simply a set of words that for some reason offend people for whatever reason however its fine for these people who want to limit free speech to use substitutions for these words because that is just perfectly fine? NO Thats not fine my advice just be aware of your audience if your going to piss somebody off maybe limit what your going to say at your OWN discretion.
anti swearing swearing is bad because it offends people all for a simple replacable word whats the point? okay your upset so maybe don't say fuck maybe say something else there are all sorts of words you can use.
my personal opinion is that by substituting swear words you make your own swear words for example: I fucking hate that bastard! now replace that with I freaking hate that bugger! the intention behind the words is the same isn't it? so avoid this
I don’t mind a good swear word once in a while, creatively and strategically placed in a sentence. The problem is after excessive use, a persons vocabulary becomes crippled and dependent upon four lettered words; making the person sound extremely retarded.
I’ve always contemplated the use of profanity. This topic is blurry. In my research; hell is an inferno pit below, shit was originally an acronym use in the eighteenth and nineteenth century stamped on boxes containing hazardous fumes for example fertilizers such as manure. It stands for “ship high in transit.” I have heard a few origins for the F bomb. The one off the top of my head comes from old farmer lingo. It was synonymous with planting; it was a task, a verb. The farmer would fuck seeds in the ground.
Words have always evolved and will continue to do so. Give it another three hundred years and you might find that dingle hopper packs the power of the f-word and kunt might mean an innocent little school girl with pink bows in her hair. That’s a stretch but you know what I mean.
Just curious but does anyone know exactly where these words came from? Exactly...not many people do. What is it about a four-letter word that just pisses people off so much?! Yes I understand there is a time and place for it by all means. I use different choice words depending on the situation I am in and who I am around. But why does something soo little really get to people?! As for that lady featured in the show who was going around trying to 'clean-up' people's languages? Does she do the same for religion or her other personal beliefs that people disagree with her on? of course not because she wouldn't have much of an argument there and would be percieved in a wrong light by others rather than just attacking profanity. And with censorship...haha. wow. that is a joke. Understandably I am aware what state i live in and how it tends to be more conservative but really...trying to censor music by taking that artist's work and 'cleaning' it so it's edited? Well SURPRISE if you go to their concert! I swear more than the common female does but does that make me less of a lady? many would think so but it's amusing that percent who doesn't aren't quite 'ladies' themselves by judging others and sitting without their legs crossed. well gosh, that is just ever-so unladylike. Pretty much what i'm trying to say is that for just having me say fuck or bitch is going to 'heavily impact a person'...get over it. today it's more common than the word dog. I hear those words used much more. And, just as others have posted, profanity is what you make it. by stating 'gosh darn' or 'oh shoot', we all know what's being implied here. most people aren't as dumb as them.
I don't mind swearing at all, but I do think that there is a time and a place for it. For example, I was a ski instructor this past winter and we would have a lot of child programs that we would do and before the kids would show up you wouldn't believe what came out of the mouths of all those instructors but when the time came and the kids got off the bus everyone was careful of what they said around the kids. It's just funny, that if only their parents new who was teaching their kids. Their are some cuss words that I just hate and others that I just think are hilarious when I hear them. For some reason the "clean language lady" really pissed me off. Mostly when she went in to that ladies salon to have is a cuss free zone. I think that is almost impossible to have a public place a cuss free zone.
fuck man really???? ha just kidding but really i dont see why swearing is such a big deal for alot of people to me they are just words liek any other granted they are someteimes used to describe unpleasent things and usually people try to curve their mouths when around someone they know that it offends or children and things of that nature, and i have to admit there are some words i will not say well one in particular wich is cunt i just will not say it i think its gross and vulgar why i think this way i have no idea after all its just a word but i dont freak out if i hear it i have alot of friends that use it and i have to admit it can be funny at times but just because they say it doesnt mean i have to and it doesnt mean i have to judge them or ridicule them they want to say it go for it if they are ok with it fine i dont have to be but it still doesnt hurt me to hear it its just a word
everyone is entitled to their free speech. i don't personally like profanity but there are and never will be laws against saying profane words. i beleive that excessive vulgar language is wrong, especially when it is in front of women and children. we should not have to tolerate profanity all the time for no reason. in certain instances some people might find it neccessary to curse, but those who swear just for the fun of it shouldn't do it in all public places. profanity is a part of free speech and should never be regulated in any way, but people should be more careful when it comes to religion. not matter what religion you are it doesn't give you right to openly offend other peoples gods.
This one was pretty funnny too!! It made me really see how stupid swearing makes you sound. I thought that lady was funny when she was switching up words to replace the cuss words. If you're gonna say anything remotely to swearing you might as well say the whole thing cause we all know the meaning behind it. They made it clear though that it's anyone's choice and that we all have the freedom of speech. But we need to respect people if they ask us not to use that sort of language when they are around us.
I don't think profanity should be use in the public or some important moment, swearing can be very powerful in sometime, it can ruin everythings. Be careful even you just want to feel better. The swear words on racism or sexism is the words which we should avoid to say. Profanity is a part of conversation that only should using between dear close friends whom also use swearing as joke and know you never meant hurting each other. Those people who trying to convience us not to swearing, intation are good, but sometime they just become a little bossy.
Even though I don't swear, and i often think some people (not all) sound stupid when using profanity, i mostly agree with the views of penn and teller. Words only carry the weight we place upon them. Context can completely change the meaning of your words as can your tone. if said in a sarcastic tone, "I love you" really sounds like "i don't even like you". I don't think there will ever be a day when there are no "swear words". If you really think about it, people like saying those words because it is a sort of rebellious nature. At least that is my opinion on the matter. Profanity, in my opinion, is not offensive in what someone says, but how they say it to me. If someone speaks down to me, it does not go over well with me, no matter what words were uttered. But i am not offended if someone chooses to drop the F-bomb in my company. and besides, Dane Cook wouldn't be as funny without some of his choice words.
Rather than approaching swearing moralistically (that is, in terms of what we ought or ought not do), I choose to discuss the idea anthropologically. What we find in anthropological studies is that for as long as organized groups of people have possessed language, there have been taboo words, just as there are taboo behaviors and actions. And in the same way as behavior strictures are uniquely socially constructed, so are the guidelines that people in a given culture use to govern polite and profane speech. For instance, most profanity in the United States often refer to sexuality or scatology, which in French speaking regions of Canada, obscenities are often derived from corrupted religious sources.
Whatever the content of the offensive language, however, its usage is often not entirely banned, but rather the pejorative nature of words and phrases is used to invoke a particularly strong meaning in speech. Word choice is often very deliberate, and a need to convey strong feelings is often accompanied by profanity.
Most interesting to me is what occurs when social taboos against offensive language (which comes in many different gradients of offensiveness) come into conflict with the expectation of freedom of expression in the United States. Here we find that there are very few truly taboo words (that is, words whose use is entirely offensive and inappropriate to nearly all); in truth, particularly in a public forum, the only truly taboo words are racial insults. Indeed, language that describes acts or events with profanity is much more acceptable to most Americans than language intended to directly insult another person, and racial slurs have no other purpose.
For me the question of profanity is less one of should we do it, or should we allow it, but how does it fulfill its social purpose?
profanity, i actually enjoyed the ideas that they put out. 1 why should i be forcing my personal beliefs on you without your consent. letting you know what i believe is one thing, but forcing you to follow it is another. 2 the words that are considered profane have changed with time and also change with the culture you are in. 3rd and also my interpretation, profanity is in general the way you say something not what you say. in point number one we have a basic principle that people are trying to violate. the right of free choice. it is my choice if i want to swear or not. it is my choice if i want to refrain from swearing around you. it is my choice not yours. if i swear at you in Japanese does it make it any less offensive? if you don't understand what i just said, sure, but what about when you learn what it means and the implications of it? wouldn't that hurt you more? make you feel taken advantage of? am i smarter because i have the ability to curse you out without you knowing it, nope, it just means that i can be deceitful and more cruel by using someones lack of understanding against them. lastly if i make up a new word to say instead of shit, then is it any different? there is still the same emotional release when i say it isn't there? there is a similar impact to those that know what i am saying as well, but the word is different. i would argue that today profanity is changing yet again to have more mainstream meanings and uses, but it still has the required release of emotion when you want it to.
I do not like to hearing people swear very much. It makes me unconfortable. I think it is ok to us some words. But some people just use Fxxk or Sxxt in every single sentences. And Lots of business does not allow emplyee to swear at work. I think it is better if we do not use at all. but you know, there are time, it is best words to use for some jerk people. Like we discuss in the class. Peple who swear does not mean they are not educated but it makes them stupid or bad person. I do not want to use those words if I do not need to but by using it, I can feel better when I am so angry
Everyone has the freedom of speech. If you want to be rude you can swear around adorable little children and old grandmas who can hear you very well because their hearing aides are turned up too high. That doesn't mean you should! I really think you should have the right, I'm not kidding. But it is up to you. Courtesy never killed anyone. It is sad that being a gentlmen or lady is long gone. Yes, I swear, I think it's hilarious and I think it's funny when other people do too. I also think it can be used to show anger when you are really mad but there are some places and times when extra caution should be used.
I swear, there are a few words that I don't say and don't really enjoy hearing. To hear these words does not offend me but it doesn't make the person saying them look any more intellegent to me. In no way am I saying that these people arent intellectual I am just simply stating that in my oppinion when people use these words, myself included it doesn't send out the best message to those around us who might be listening. I agree that swearing in the right moment can be incredibly hillarious and that yes people for the most part are free to speak as the will, however, I do not agree with people who use Freedom of speech as an excuse to be an ass hole, ha ha. We are all adults here and as adults we can be adult about profanity. We by now should know when and where it is appropriate.
I found it internesting that penn or teller did use any profanity. I think that profanity can be used and certain times and get it meaning across, and other times there could be a differnet word that could be used. Even though they are just words they do have meaning and can be offensive. Just because one person finds it funny or doesn't care doesn't mean someone else doesn't. You don't teach little kids to swear or say words in front of them. I think there is a place where swear can get your point across and other times when it doesn't.
This is a followup to previous posters, but I am highly disturbed by the idea that the people around whom it is inappopriate to swear are childrean and women. Being careful with language around children is simply common sense as young children do not understand meaning and appropriate useage.
Women, on the other hand, do not possess any less capacity to withstand profanity and to say that it is wrong to swear within my hearing directly implies that I am in some way less than you.
Words are what you make of them. What is considered a curse word today, might not be much of a curse word at all in the future. We may come up with another sound to become offensive to others. I personally try not to use curse words. Every once in a while it just happens to slip. And it always seems to slip when I am very heated about something. I would have to agree with what seems to be the majority of the classes opinion of curse words having a time and place for using. For example, when I was younger I made the mistake of letting the f bomb go in front of my mother. My mother wasn't very happy let alone my father. I will just say that I learned my lesson and will never make that mistake again.
Yay swearing it's my favorite!!! It is by far the best way to express how fucking pissed off you are in a givin situation or about a topic. Now I agree with everyone else there is a time and place for your language. The best part of this episode is how they show that they are just sounds put together just like everything else and they have a meaning like everything else. Also what is up with this lady who is trying to stop swearing all together. I don't say Jesus Christ I would rather swear to some other god like buddah. Can we burn her at the stake now? or should we wait to see what other bullshit comes out of her mouth. She's nuts so are the people who say fetch instead of fuck come on just say the damn words instead of substituting we all know what you mean!
Well, I'm not a big fan of profanity. I'm sure it's the way I grew up and the lifestyle that I choose now. Most of the words I can live with. In today's world, I guess I really have no choice but to put up with it. I really hate the F word. I don't care how it's used, I think it is a very dirty word- and it comes from a dirty background if anyone wants to argue. I don't necessarily get offended when someone swears in front of me- I guess I've just learned to completely ignore it, but I really don't choose to do it myself.
wow, in reading briefly over some of these post, I'm amazed at how many people seem to love swearing. I would have thought there would be more people against it. Many of you said that there is a time and place, i agree. I swear at times mainly because it just comes out, sub my toe, almost crash, someone cuts me off things like this. But i often wonder if my swearing is a direct result of hearing it so much from others. If i've been desensitized from our world today. In any case i can't stand it when people so casually drop the F bomb or God D***, not that they aren't entitled to use these words but as i've said, time and place. In public it just make you look bad, and if your one who uses it once in every sentence you really need to broaden your vocabulary. It truly does make you look dumber.
I have no idea why some people think swearing is so bad.. to tell you the truth i swear all the time unless i cant or i want to be polite, to me when i swear it makes me feel better... i think people that say what the f, is the same thing as saying what the fuck.. whether they say the word or not, they are implying the same damn thing... The only times i dont swear is when i am around younger kids that are thought that swearing is a horrible thing, i dont want the kids to think that i am a bad person, another time i dont swear is in most public and professional places, such as school or at work. other than that i swear mostly all the time. so i guess i think swearing is a good thing sometimes and a bad thing at times. but if you learn to control it like me, i think its fine to swear.
I thought that the lady that was trying to stop all profanity was in over her head. You cant stop the world from swearing. I do agree however that profanity is unnecessary at times. Using it in your everyday language causes it to become a habit. I dont want people to be using terrible language around my children so Ill ask them to not do it. Im not asking them to completely stop using their vocabulary im just asking them not to do it in front of children.
swearing to show intense emotion is fine with me, but I do not like swearing in casual conversation. to me it makes the swearer seam uninteligent and rude. just becasue they feel the need to swear doesn't mean I want to hear it or that I enjoy it. I do think that swearing under some circumstances is okay thought. I would just prefer that people wouldn't think I appreciate it when they make it would enough for the whole world to hear. I think that swearing is fine in moderation but it depends on the word. swearing can be degrading but it can also be funny. I'm kinda torn on the subject..
Swearing to me is just words but only to a certain extent. I do swear and it makes me feel good sometimes because it's just basically letting my emotions out. I watch my language though when i'm around family and younger kids, but I know when the kids get older they're probably going to be mouthing off to there friends and what not, it's not such a big deal in the human language if you really look at it, people just make it a big deal. Imagine if Fuck was never a bad word and say Phone was people just adapt to the life style of the word and assume it's bad just by someone who thinks it's foul. Words are Words learn to live with them no matter what anyone says.
My friend was telling me about a story at his job. one the people that goes in there alot was telling him a joke that must have used fuck, my friend didnt notice it, but the lady behind the guy did. she then says, "don't say fuck infront of my children." the kids didn't hear the guy but heard their parent loud and clear... i makes me laugh how we made all the words and then make a list of words never to say...
I can understand not saying fuck all the time in front of kids, but if you're a grown adult and tell me stop swearing, I smack the shit out you and then say a bunch of swear words while you're laying on the ground as punishment. I'm lucky enough to live in a free country. I can say whatever I want, whenever I want. People just need to realize that not everyone believes in the same thing, and by you telling me not to swear, you're infringing on my inalienable rights.
Interesting piece, I thought is was very real and funny how these two conduct their show. I have never seen Bullshit before, I don't have cable, and that's the truth. Where have I been? I enjoyed that a lot. It's funny how people can almost convince you that by dropping a little profanity just when you're about to blow up is completely unnecessary is a bunch a shit. I'm pretty colorful myself when it comes to expression from time to time, so I certainly can relate. I believe if we could somehow find patience and control within each individual situation, a little curse with conviction to drive the message home is absolutely proper. Of course we need to consider each individual situation and involvement. There's a time and purpose for all things. Great stuff...
ReplyDeleteI am mother and I try not use any swearwords around my five years old because she repeats anything that I say, so I have to be very careful. I also noticed that sometimes when we are around some people that do use those kind of words all the time in their communication, they seem to apologize when they are around family. I believe that I can put some rules about swearing in home, in my home only, I can not tell people what to do that is their problem and their choice of communication. I also have to agree that there are some circumstances that a little swearing makes it a little more convincing. So I can not judge others when I also do the same in some occurrence.
ReplyDeleteI am not one to control my language around people. But there are times I wish I did have a little more control at times. The other day I was in line at the movie theatre and there was a typical Utah family with nine kids all under 16 years old and I got real dirty look from the dad when I happened to drop more than a few f* bombs. I had to turn to a friend of mine tell him to cut the saucy language before we started a riot at the theatre. I thing that there are times a little colorful language is appropriate though. I remember in basic training I heard some words and phrases that I hadn’t before. When it’s your job to degrade someone to the point that they want to kill you than profanity is the easiest way to do that.
ReplyDeleteIn my opinion, using "profanity" is no different than using any other words. People are just too damn sensitive. It's only words! If I say, "This is fuckin' bullshit!" that holds a lot more weight and more accurately portrays my emotions, when compared to "This is bad, I am really angry grr!" Besides, its not like the word stabs you, or causes you physical harm. I don't swear excessively, unless I am aiming to piss someone off, because it is SO easy to do around here. I remember in high school, you would get the self-righteous, closed-minded person who when they heard you swear ask "Do you think you are cool because you swear?" to which the best response in my opinion is "Do you think I fuckin' care what you think?". Unnecessary? Sure. But I sure felt better getting under their skin again.
ReplyDeleteHowever, certain situations do not lend themselves to swearing. For example, you wouldn't want to swear in a job interview, or while talking to a customer, as you either won't get the job, or you will get fired. I don't think this is right, as once again it's just words, but it is what it is, and that won't change.
To me, I say that any word has its time and place. Just like cracking a "your momma" joke at the funeral of someones mother is in most cases inappropriate so can swearing if the situation does not call for it. An example of such a situation might be a child's birthday party or at a family friendly place like the zoo. Learning to control our profanity does not limit our freedom of speech at all. That first amendment was given not to allow us to shout any word at any time, so much as it was given to us to be able to have free press, and vocally disapprove actions of our government, big business, etc. Like any law we must learn to respect the meaning of it.
ReplyDeleteI will say that certain situations call for stronger language. I think properly timed swearing can make a joke funnier, get a point across and also express frustration with the actions of someone else. I think swearing also can be a release for you personally if you feel like you need to lash out. I guess we just need to put everything in context of the situation. We should realize that freedom of speech also can mean respecting the rights of those around us. At a zoo, or a child's movie we should try and refrain, but if someone brings their child into a bar perhaps it's the parent who needs a lesson and not the person swearing.
I have to agree with Travis M. because cursing really does have an appropriate time and place. Its kinda funny since I live with my dad and we cuss back and forth a little (I still swear way more than him) and at my moms its a big NONO! That's cool. I can respect anyone who wishes me not to curse around them however; I can't stand it when people freak out over any cursing let alone something that sounds close to it, i.e. frick, fetch, bun of a sitch (clever re-arrangement by a friend) anyhow its retarded. Don't judge me for having a, as i call it, colorful vocabulary. To say that I'm uneducated because of swearing is pretty insulting. I know for a fact that my vocabulary is quite extensive thanks to my 9th grade English teacher Mr. Gill! I just choose not to use big words all the time since usually people give me the deer in the headlights stare. Oh well? There are however certain curses I hate to hear or say and I'm guilty of saying them but its rare. To hear the Lords name in vain bothers me or when curses are directed towards a persons family member are pretty inappropriate to me since said curser may not even know my family? Swearing for me is all about timing; it can make anything that much funnier (even if present surroundings are all doom and gloom) Exercise your freedom to speak your mind America; just don't tell me how to use mine and I'll stay the hell away from yours!
ReplyDeleteunfortunately, i use profanity just like all the other words of the dictionary. now i was not able to watch this film, but i atleast have an opinion about the use of profanity. i do try and watch my language around children and family. i choose to do this out of respect. but honestly, cuss words are just that, only words. the use of profanity can have a strong meaning with them, but only if you let them. to say someone is uneducated for using profane words is fucking ridiculous. in no way, shape, or form would the use of profane words tell you anything about how educated i am. however, there are those people out there who dont know any other words, these are the people who allow our society to deem these words as uneducated. i believe profane words can have a strong meaning, but only if used in the right situation and not with every other word
ReplyDeleteThis issue is kind of hard to pick a side because there is so much inbetween. I think there is a time and place for certain words and manner in which we speak, but as for everyday language, people should be able to say whatever the hell they want. I personally swear all the time, and personally I like to in Utah because it pissed so many religous people off, so I enjoy it even more. Plus I do not feel those words make me a bad person by any means, because if you judge some one by what words they use you are an idiot. I see tons of peole who use 'Nice" words all the time and are some of the worst people I know. People should be judged for what they do and how they act, not by their choice of words. If we all sounded alike, this place would be so boring jesus.
ReplyDeleteI also think they hit it right ont he money in the movie. They made fun of how the mom can swear to some other god, and that is ok! Just because you dont' say the word that people around you know doesnt' mean it is not an offensive word.
I do think people should know the time and place they are in, and respect that. Also, people should be prepared for those to express themselves in their own manner when they go out.
I have never seen this series of BULLSHIT. I thougth it was pretty good. I like how all the episodes have hidden or double meanings in the things they do. It's a well thought out series.
ReplyDeleteI personally say profanities or swear, whatever you want to call it all the time. Especially when I'm mad or whenever I just want to add some spice to my vocabulary. However, I definately agree there's always a time and place for everything. I really do look at people different when the swear in the wrong places or the the wrong people.
For example, I am not sure if this is just culture or tradition but I personally never swear infront of my parents or grandparents. This is seen really disrespectful and you get your "ass" wipped for it.
Also, I know this is a double standard I am holding when I say this but it sound worse when a girl swears than a guy swearing. When they swear in a sense they seem less "lady like". Though im not a judgemental person it just the way I see it.
To wrap it all up, as I said before there's always a place and time to drop an F-bomb.
While I do want to sound smarter by not swearing, my words are still going to be offensive, if they aren't I'm not doing it right. I enjoy the right to say that the government sucks and that we should burn the flag and ummm.. I dunno hug a terrorist? Because in most other countries that would get me killed but in the USA, I would only offend people. So say what you want when you want to because unless you mean it to cause physical harm nobody cares. It's our freedom of speech, exersize it, use it, offend everyone leave no person unscathed because if there is a day where that freedom is ever taken away. Expect totalitarianism to follow.
ReplyDeleteI think profanity is one of those things that has a proper time and place. I swear all the time around my friends but I avoid it when I am around children, my family, or people I don’t know, it’s just the way I was raised. One thing I find hypocritical is when adults use substitute words for swearing, I know what your trying to say so don’t try to sugar coat it. It makes you look like that crazy lady on the show who said she didn’t see anything wrong with swearing to Buddha because it wasn’t her god. I am an adult and if we are having a conversation, I don’t see anything wrong with using swear words but then again I wouldn’t do it if there were kids around, like I said proper time and place.
ReplyDeleteLanguage has an impact on how we act and think. Although it is incorrect, people will judge us by the words we use. Profanity is not attractive to me. I find it repulsive. Although I am not offended by anything anyone says and I know better than to judge them for it.
ReplyDeleteIn the movie they make the point that words are just sounds of nonsense put together with no real intended meaning behind them. It should not be offensive. but because those sounds ARE associated with crude, degrading, and often demeaning feelings they are not appropriate for all situations.
Although all words are not appropriate for all situations we have a free right to say what we feel and want. There should be no government dictations on the matter. It is a matter of choice. We should be able to know when it is ok to use profane language and when it is inappropriate.
That is where the problem lies. Many people don’t use their common sense about situations such as this. There is a time and place for everything. IF it makes someone feel uncomfortable be respectful, be nice and walk away to use the words. when you are with friens use the wors all you want!
Pro
ReplyDeleteThis prisiple of freedom is found in constuition of United States. We should respect and follows. We gotten to believe and trian of brian to hope to the future's generation. Sometime it is hard to follow but if do use it properly and find much more freedom and joy of protection then any where before. Sometime, the subject of free speech about profanilty is can be very hurtfull. But I must not let this knock ous out and core value.
Con,
For the people who use profanilty for fanny joke without real perpose can put them in very bad position. with in the limited, Why don't we let enviroment around you infeulate the idea. We want to say to certains things in different people eventhough it is limited for some one. This profanity can destoyor the nation. if two of few bad gays work agiast the syteam. Also, This can profanity may create out of control without proper respect.
This was a really funny segment of the "Bullshit" series. I actually got a good kick out of it and have had many of those same curiosities about the nature of cuss words myself. Like isn’t a word just a combination of sounds and why would one combination of sounds be more offensive than another? Nobody gets offended when someone in another language that they don’t understand calls them an ass wipe because they have no idea what that combination of sounds meant. Which brings me to my overall opinion of the problem with profanity, that is the meaning of word or the visual you get from certain words is what matters. For instance let’s say you have a 13 year old child that hears some guy on the radio say “motherfucker” it’s more the visual that the combination of those words give than the sound of the syllables that you would be worried about. That said I do think that to some degree and usually only in extreme situations a persons level of intelligence may be assumed based on their vocabulary. For instance a person that uses the word Fuck as a substitute for every other word out their mouth (and believe me I know people like this and in fact used to be one)in my opinion are not creative enough to find alternate words(which may even include other more descriptive cuss words)to describe what they are trying to deliver in speech. I agree with some of the other posts where it has been said that a nice strategically placed FUCK!! can be a great tool for driving home a concept, feeling, humorous thought or stress relief. I don’t however feel that it is necessary, smart, creative, respectful, appropriate, or funny to go overboard on the usage of swear words on a continual basis. Part of the beauty of swearing is that by not always using that language, when the right time comes they get noticed. I really can’t stand people that just swear to be swearing. Like it makes them cool or something. Those are the times when I find myself wondering if that person really is intelligent or just too lazy to think of a better more descriptive word. As I said before there was a time when I threw a cuss word in after just about every other word or at least in every sentence. The truth is I recognize now that I was acting less intelligent then not just because I was younger but because when I would hear other people with a greater vocabulary use a word I had not taken the time to learn I had no idea what they were saying and how the subtle difference in the definition of those words could illustrate a thought or point so much better than a more commonly used term. I think dropping the occasional swear word is not only fine but sometimes the best way to say exactly what you want to say. I don’t find this subject to be to controversial but I do believe in respecting others right to not have to hear language they may find offensive, swear word or not.
ReplyDeleteProfanity... Sometimes there is no better way to express your feelings than a simple one worded answer... Shit! It says so much. I think that there is a time and a place to use curse words. I know that sometimes I let it slip in certain places and I do feel ashamed for lack of a better word. There are words that I think cross the line and I hope to never hear my future children ever say them. but times change and new words will arrive and be just as bad.
ReplyDeleteWhen I hear someone use a made up word like "Santa Vaga!" I am embarrassed for them. They are making themselves look silly and idiotic. However, with the exception of use in front of children and religous clergymen. Like I said, there is a time and a place for curse words.
Aaahh, the beauty of words and most of the all POWER of words. As you can tell by most of my post I will use swear words and even in most of might writing in papers for school I'll ask the professor at the beginning of the semester if it is okay use them in my writing. Most of my family members are devout Christians and that’s how I was raised. Now with that said, when I’m at home or at a family gathering swearing is the equivalent of spitting in grandmas face.LOL so I refrain and it doesn’t bother me at all.
ReplyDeleteIt does start to bother me when people in movies and radio are censored to me it’s all a form of art and art should never be censored for ANY reason. My mother has this DVD player that cuts out swearing and sex scenes that is the worst movie watching movie experience ever experienced. I’ve dubbed that DVD player the “Jesus machine” just say no to these abominations of human technology. Swearing is now a part of my life and a part of my vocabulary and writing style if someone chooses not to swear, who cares BUT don’t tell me when and if I can say FUCK, SHIT or VAGINA (vagina is not really a swear word but the I use it people might want to reconsider).
I will respect other people while out in public just in case they have sticks up their asses or are out with small children or elderly people. Swearing is liberating and gives writing and speaking a certain vernacular that helps you connect with who you’re speaking with.
I agree with the fact that cursing is useful (sometimes) in helping to get a point across. However I think that some people are too loose with their curses. They use them so frequently that it becomes a part of their daily vocabulary and is used in everyday conversations which is totally inappropriate. I think it is very sad that people are so inconsiderate of others that they will spout out these curses anywhere and everywhere irregaurdless of who is around. A child should be able to walk through the grocery store with their parent and not be exposed to that kind of language. I even hear people talk like that at the local park. Common people that is just rediculous.
ReplyDeleteI think profanity influence on some of us is just ridiculous. Why do we get so worked up about it? They're just words and with any words they can be offensive and funny. I love how he was telling the little dog how he was gonna kill it in a gentle voice and told the dog he loved it while screaming at it. I do think that we should be able to have enough control over what we say though saying "fuck" over and over is as annoying as someone who uses the word "like" in every sentence.
ReplyDeleteI do think that there are words that cant be said in as many situations as cuss words such as racist slurs because if you let those out at the wrong time or wrong situation someone will be offended and you might just get your ass kicked. Yet when a goo comedian knows how to use them we can find ourselves laughing at something that is normally taboo.
There is a time and place to use profanity. Although my religion looks down on profanity and advises against it, I still do. However, I don't swear up a storm. Also, I listen to music with profanity (although today's music is absolute garbage compared to the past but that's another subject), I watch movies with profanities, I converse with others who say profane things, etc. Who am I to say to anyone to not use profane language at all? However, I do believe in respect. If someone does not like profanity swung around them or their family, you should respect that.
ReplyDeleteI do agree with Stephen M that when used properly, it can result in either an ass beating or people laughing their ass off.
Did I just swear?
pro swearing it's my right to swear and i don't think it makes me uninteligent by any means. it's simply a set of words that for some reason offend people for whatever reason however its fine for these people who want to limit free speech to use substitutions for these words because that is just perfectly fine? NO Thats not fine my advice just be aware of your audience if your going to piss somebody off maybe limit what your going to say at your OWN discretion.
ReplyDeleteanti swearing swearing is bad because it offends people all for a simple replacable word whats the point? okay your upset so maybe don't say fuck maybe say something else there are all sorts of words you can use.
my personal opinion is that by substituting swear words you make your own swear words for example: I fucking hate that bastard! now replace that with I freaking hate that bugger! the intention behind the words is the same isn't it? so avoid this
I don’t mind a good swear word once in a while, creatively and strategically placed in a sentence. The problem is after excessive use, a persons vocabulary becomes crippled and dependent upon four lettered words; making the person sound extremely retarded.
ReplyDeleteI’ve always contemplated the use of profanity. This topic is blurry. In my research; hell is an inferno pit below, shit was originally an acronym use in the eighteenth and nineteenth century stamped on boxes containing hazardous fumes for example fertilizers such as manure. It stands for “ship high in transit.” I have heard a few origins for the F bomb. The one off the top of my head comes from old farmer lingo. It was synonymous with planting; it was a task, a verb. The farmer would fuck seeds in the ground.
Words have always evolved and will continue to do so. Give it another three hundred years and you might find that dingle hopper packs the power of the f-word and kunt might mean an innocent little school girl with pink bows in her hair. That’s a stretch but you know what I mean.
Just curious but does anyone know exactly where these words came from? Exactly...not many people do. What is it about a four-letter word that just pisses people off so much?! Yes I understand there is a time and place for it by all means. I use different choice words depending on the situation I am in and who I am around. But why does something soo little really get to people?! As for that lady featured in the show who was going around trying to 'clean-up' people's languages? Does she do the same for religion or her other personal beliefs that people disagree with her on? of course not because she wouldn't have much of an argument there and would be percieved in a wrong light by others rather than just attacking profanity. And with censorship...haha. wow. that is a joke. Understandably I am aware what state i live in and how it tends to be more conservative but really...trying to censor music by taking that artist's work and 'cleaning' it so it's edited? Well SURPRISE if you go to their concert! I swear more than the common female does but does that make me less of a lady? many would think so but it's amusing that percent who doesn't aren't quite 'ladies' themselves by judging others and sitting without their legs crossed. well gosh, that is just ever-so unladylike. Pretty much what i'm trying to say is that for just having me say fuck or bitch is going to 'heavily impact a person'...get over it. today it's more common than the word dog. I hear those words used much more. And, just as others have posted, profanity is what you make it. by stating 'gosh darn' or 'oh shoot', we all know what's being implied here. most people aren't as dumb as them.
ReplyDeleteI don't mind swearing at all, but I do think that there is a time and a place for it. For example, I was a ski instructor this past winter and we would have a lot of child programs that we would do and before the kids would show up you wouldn't believe what came out of the mouths of all those instructors but when the time came and the kids got off the bus everyone was careful of what they said around the kids. It's just funny, that if only their parents new who was teaching their kids. Their are some cuss words that I just hate and others that I just think are hilarious when I hear them. For some reason the "clean language lady" really pissed me off. Mostly when she went in to that ladies salon to have is a cuss free zone. I think that is almost impossible to have a public place a cuss free zone.
ReplyDeletefuck man really???? ha just kidding but really i dont see why swearing is such a big deal for alot of people to me they are just words liek any other granted they are someteimes used to describe unpleasent things and usually people try to curve their mouths when around someone they know that it offends or children and things of that nature, and i have to admit there are some words i will not say well one in particular wich is cunt i just will not say it i think its gross and vulgar why i think this way i have no idea after all its just a word but i dont freak out if i hear it i have alot of friends that use it and i have to admit it can be funny at times but just because they say it doesnt mean i have to and it doesnt mean i have to judge them or ridicule them they want to say it go for it if they are ok with it fine i dont have to be but it still doesnt hurt me to hear it its just a word
ReplyDeleteeveryone is entitled to their free speech. i don't personally like profanity but there are and never will be laws against saying profane words. i beleive that excessive vulgar language is wrong, especially when it is in front of women and children. we should not have to tolerate profanity all the time for no reason. in certain instances some people might find it neccessary to curse, but those who swear just for the fun of it shouldn't do it in all public places. profanity is a part of free speech and should never be regulated in any way, but people should be more careful when it comes to religion. not matter what religion you are it doesn't give you right to openly offend other peoples gods.
ReplyDeleteThis one was pretty funnny too!! It made me really see how stupid swearing makes you sound. I thought that lady was funny when she was switching up words to replace the cuss words. If you're gonna say anything remotely to swearing you might as well say the whole thing cause we all know the meaning behind it. They made it clear though that it's anyone's choice and that we all have the freedom of speech. But we need to respect people if they ask us not to use that sort of language when they are around us.
ReplyDeleteI don't think profanity should be use in the public or some important moment, swearing can be very powerful in sometime, it can ruin everythings. Be careful even you just want to feel better. The swear words on racism or sexism is the words which we should avoid to say. Profanity is a part of conversation that only should using between dear close friends whom also use swearing as joke and know you never meant hurting each other. Those people who trying to convience us not to swearing, intation are good, but sometime they just become a little bossy.
ReplyDeleteEven though I don't swear, and i often think some people (not all) sound stupid when using profanity, i mostly agree with the views of penn and teller. Words only carry the weight we place upon them. Context can completely change the meaning of your words as can your tone. if said in a sarcastic tone, "I love you" really sounds like "i don't even like you". I don't think there will ever be a day when there are no "swear words". If you really think about it, people like saying those words because it is a sort of rebellious nature. At least that is my opinion on the matter. Profanity, in my opinion, is not offensive in what someone says, but how they say it to me. If someone speaks down to me, it does not go over well with me, no matter what words were uttered. But i am not offended if someone chooses to drop the F-bomb in my company. and besides, Dane Cook wouldn't be as funny without some of his choice words.
ReplyDeleteRather than approaching swearing moralistically (that is, in terms of what we ought or ought not do), I choose to discuss the idea anthropologically. What we find in anthropological studies is that for as long as organized groups of people have possessed language, there have been taboo words, just as there are taboo behaviors and actions. And in the same way as behavior strictures are uniquely socially constructed, so are the guidelines that people in a given culture use to govern polite and profane speech. For instance, most profanity in the United States often refer to sexuality or scatology, which in French speaking regions of Canada, obscenities are often derived from corrupted religious sources.
ReplyDeleteWhatever the content of the offensive language, however, its usage is often not entirely banned, but rather the pejorative nature of words and phrases is used to invoke a particularly strong meaning in speech. Word choice is often very deliberate, and a need to convey strong feelings is often accompanied by profanity.
Most interesting to me is what occurs when social taboos against offensive language (which comes in many different gradients of offensiveness) come into conflict with the expectation of freedom of expression in the United States. Here we find that there are very few truly taboo words (that is, words whose use is entirely offensive and inappropriate to nearly all); in truth, particularly in a public forum, the only truly taboo words are racial insults. Indeed, language that describes acts or events with profanity is much more acceptable to most Americans than language intended to directly insult another person, and racial slurs have no other purpose.
For me the question of profanity is less one of should we do it, or should we allow it, but how does it fulfill its social purpose?
(http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Profanity)
profanity, i actually enjoyed the ideas that they put out. 1 why should i be forcing my personal beliefs on you without your consent. letting you know what i believe is one thing, but forcing you to follow it is another. 2 the words that are considered profane have changed with time and also change with the culture you are in. 3rd and also my interpretation, profanity is in general the way you say something not what you say.
ReplyDeletein point number one we have a basic principle that people are trying to violate. the right of free choice. it is my choice if i want to swear or not. it is my choice if i want to refrain from swearing around you. it is my choice not yours.
if i swear at you in Japanese does it make it any less offensive? if you don't understand what i just said, sure, but what about when you learn what it means and the implications of it? wouldn't that hurt you more? make you feel taken advantage of? am i smarter because i have the ability to curse you out without you knowing it, nope, it just means that i can be deceitful and more cruel by using someones lack of understanding against them.
lastly if i make up a new word to say instead of shit, then is it any different? there is still the same emotional release when i say it isn't there? there is a similar impact to those that know what i am saying as well, but the word is different.
i would argue that today profanity is changing yet again to have more mainstream meanings and uses, but it still has the required release of emotion when you want it to.
I do not like to hearing people swear very much. It makes me unconfortable. I think it is ok to us some words. But some people just use Fxxk or Sxxt in every single sentences. And Lots of business does not allow emplyee to swear at work.
ReplyDeleteI think it is better if we do not use at all. but you know, there are time, it is best words to use for some jerk people.
Like we discuss in the class. Peple who swear does not mean they are not educated but it makes them stupid or bad person.
I do not want to use those words if I do not need to but by using it, I can feel better when I am so angry
Everyone has the freedom of speech. If you want to be rude you can swear around adorable little children and old grandmas who can hear you very well because their hearing aides are turned up too high. That doesn't mean you should! I really think you should have the right, I'm not kidding. But it is up to you. Courtesy never killed anyone. It is sad that being a gentlmen or lady is long gone. Yes, I swear, I think it's hilarious and I think it's funny when other people do too. I also think it can be used to show anger when you are really mad but there are some places and times when extra caution should be used.
ReplyDeleteI swear, there are a few words that I don't say and don't really enjoy hearing. To hear these words does not offend me but it doesn't make the person saying them look any more intellegent to me. In no way am I saying that these people arent intellectual I am just simply stating that in my oppinion when people use these words, myself included it doesn't send out the best message to those around us who might be listening. I agree that swearing in the right moment can be incredibly hillarious and that yes people for the most part are free to speak as the will, however, I do not agree with people who use Freedom of speech as an excuse to be an ass hole, ha ha. We are all adults here and as adults we can be adult about profanity. We by now should know when and where it is appropriate.
ReplyDeleteI found it internesting that penn or teller did use any profanity. I think that profanity can be used and certain times and get it meaning across, and other times there could be a differnet word that could be used. Even though they are just words they do have meaning and can be offensive. Just because one person finds it funny or doesn't care doesn't mean someone else doesn't. You don't teach little kids to swear or say words in front of them. I think there is a place where swear can get your point across and other times when it doesn't.
ReplyDeleteThis is a followup to previous posters, but I am highly disturbed by the idea that the people around whom it is inappopriate to swear are childrean and women. Being careful with language around children is simply common sense as young children do not understand meaning and appropriate useage.
ReplyDeleteWomen, on the other hand, do not possess any less capacity to withstand profanity and to say that it is wrong to swear within my hearing directly implies that I am in some way less than you.
To put it pithily, fuck you.
Words are what you make of them. What is considered a curse word today, might not be much of a curse word at all in the future. We may come up with another sound to become offensive to others. I personally try not to use curse words. Every once in a while it just happens to slip. And it always seems to slip when I am very heated about something. I would have to agree with what seems to be the majority of the classes opinion of curse words having a time and place for using. For example, when I was younger I made the mistake of letting the f bomb go in front of my mother. My mother wasn't very happy let alone my father. I will just say that I learned my lesson and will never make that mistake again.
ReplyDeleteYay swearing it's my favorite!!! It is by far the best way to express how fucking pissed off you are in a givin situation or about a topic. Now I agree with everyone else there is a time and place for your language. The best part of this episode is how they show that they are just sounds put together just like everything else and they have a meaning like everything else. Also what is up with this lady who is trying to stop swearing all together. I don't say Jesus Christ I would rather swear to some other god like buddah. Can we burn her at the stake now? or should we wait to see what other bullshit comes out of her mouth. She's nuts so are the people who say fetch instead of fuck come on just say the damn words instead of substituting we all know what you mean!
ReplyDeleteWell, I'm not a big fan of profanity. I'm sure it's the way I grew up and the lifestyle that I choose now. Most of the words I can live with. In today's world, I guess I really have no choice but to put up with it. I really hate the F word. I don't care how it's used, I think it is a very dirty word- and it comes from a dirty background if anyone wants to argue. I don't necessarily get offended when someone swears in front of me- I guess I've just learned to completely ignore it, but I really don't choose to do it myself.
ReplyDeleteErin Bitters Wilkin
wow, in reading briefly over some of these post, I'm amazed at how many people seem to love swearing. I would have thought there would be more people against it. Many of you said that there is a time and place, i agree. I swear at times mainly because it just comes out, sub my toe, almost crash, someone cuts me off things like this. But i often wonder if my swearing is a direct result of hearing it so much from others. If i've been desensitized from our world today. In any case i can't stand it when people so casually drop the F bomb or God D***, not that they aren't entitled to use these words but as i've said, time and place. In public it just make you look bad, and if your one who uses it once in every sentence you really need to broaden your vocabulary. It truly does make you look dumber.
ReplyDeleteI have no idea why some people think swearing is so bad.. to tell you the truth i swear all the time unless i cant or i want to be polite, to me when i swear it makes me feel better...
ReplyDeletei think people that say what the f, is the same thing as saying what the fuck.. whether they say the word or not, they are implying the same damn thing...
The only times i dont swear is when i am around younger kids that are thought that swearing is a horrible thing, i dont want the kids to think that i am a bad person, another time i dont swear is in most public and professional places, such as school or at work. other than that i swear mostly all the time. so i guess i think swearing is a good thing sometimes and a bad thing at times. but if you learn to control it like me, i think its fine to swear.
I thought that the lady that was trying to stop all profanity was in over her head. You cant stop the world from swearing. I do agree however that profanity is unnecessary at times. Using it in your everyday language causes it to become a habit. I dont want people to be using terrible language around my children so Ill ask them to not do it. Im not asking them to completely stop using their vocabulary im just asking them not to do it in front of children.
ReplyDeleteswearing to show intense emotion is fine with me, but I do not like swearing in casual conversation. to me it makes the swearer seam uninteligent and rude. just becasue they feel the need to swear doesn't mean I want to hear it or that I enjoy it. I do think that swearing under some circumstances is okay thought. I would just prefer that people wouldn't think I appreciate it when they make it would enough for the whole world to hear. I think that swearing is fine in moderation but it depends on the word. swearing can be degrading but it can also be funny. I'm kinda torn on the subject..
ReplyDeleteSwearing to me is just words but only to a certain extent. I do swear and it makes me feel good sometimes because it's just basically letting my emotions out. I watch my language though when i'm around family and younger kids, but I know when the kids get older they're probably going to be mouthing off to there friends and what not, it's not such a big deal in the human language if you really look at it, people just make it a big deal. Imagine if Fuck was never a bad word and say Phone was people just adapt to the life style of the word and assume it's bad just by someone who thinks it's foul. Words are Words learn to live with them no matter what anyone says.
ReplyDeleteMy friend was telling me about a story at his job. one the people that goes in there alot was telling him a joke that must have used fuck, my friend didnt notice it, but the lady behind the guy did. she then says, "don't say fuck infront of my children." the kids didn't hear the guy but heard their parent loud and clear... i makes me laugh how we made all the words and then make a list of words never to say...
ReplyDeleteI can understand not saying fuck all the time in front of kids, but if you're a grown adult and tell me stop swearing, I smack the shit out you and then say a bunch of swear words while you're laying on the ground as punishment. I'm lucky enough to live in a free country. I can say whatever I want, whenever I want. People just need to realize that not everyone believes in the same thing, and by you telling me not to swear, you're infringing on my inalienable rights.
ReplyDelete