2008 Woodie Awards
Is profanity free speech? YES
Context and appropriate use add to free expression.
Sylvia Masuda
Issue date: 5/5/05 Section: Insight
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Imagine one's English teacher passing out the classes' essay prompt.
Bolded words on the prompt read, "Refrain from using clichés and tired, meaningless words such as 'great,' 'horrible, 'terrible,' and 'well' to describe your findings."
Pretty silly.
Profanity is an expression of oneself. Such exotic words, when used correctly, can be just as useful an emotional outlet as painting a picture.
Of course, the lack of profanity also makes a statement about oneself.
However, the main point remains: taking the action to bar the use of any form of language--profanity, racial slurs, adjectives, whatever-is to hinder personal expression.
What matters is the context of the profanity and how it is used.
Using harsh language to congratulate someone for doing a wonderful job on a midterm is entirely different from using it to express contempt.
There are intelligent, dramatic ways to use profanity to make a necessary impact. This is especially evident in dramatic literature and creative writing.
Famed poet Allen Ginsberg frequently used profanity in his poetry. Toni Morrison-a renowned author taught both in high school and college-level classes-also uses harsh language to make an impact in her work.
The difference here, between what one overhears on the way to class and what is read in novels, is the appropriate use of such speech.
The problem starts when profanity replaces every noun, adjective and adverb of a sentence, leaving only prepositions and verbs intact.
Even then, unfortunately, sometimes those parts of speech get mixed up in the shuffle as well.
Use profanity with common sense. Use it tastefully. Use it appropriately.
Perhaps then, people may realize the potential creative and expressive power profanity can contribute to the English language.
Bolded words on the prompt read, "Refrain from using clichés and tired, meaningless words such as 'great,' 'horrible, 'terrible,' and 'well' to describe your findings."
Pretty silly.
Profanity is an expression of oneself. Such exotic words, when used correctly, can be just as useful an emotional outlet as painting a picture.
Of course, the lack of profanity also makes a statement about oneself.
However, the main point remains: taking the action to bar the use of any form of language--profanity, racial slurs, adjectives, whatever-is to hinder personal expression.
What matters is the context of the profanity and how it is used.
Using harsh language to congratulate someone for doing a wonderful job on a midterm is entirely different from using it to express contempt.
There are intelligent, dramatic ways to use profanity to make a necessary impact. This is especially evident in dramatic literature and creative writing.
Famed poet Allen Ginsberg frequently used profanity in his poetry. Toni Morrison-a renowned author taught both in high school and college-level classes-also uses harsh language to make an impact in her work.
The difference here, between what one overhears on the way to class and what is read in novels, is the appropriate use of such speech.
The problem starts when profanity replaces every noun, adjective and adverb of a sentence, leaving only prepositions and verbs intact.
Even then, unfortunately, sometimes those parts of speech get mixed up in the shuffle as well.
Use profanity with common sense. Use it tastefully. Use it appropriately.
Perhaps then, people may realize the potential creative and expressive power profanity can contribute to the English language.