Thoughts on inappropriate language.
Dear Debra:
I am over a 50 year-old female. I don’t know if that matters or not, but I am often surprised by the free-flow of what once was considered foul language in every day conversation. Am I being too sensitive? I can’t believe how often I hear four-letter words, even on the radio and on TV. I don’t like it – but am I the only one against inappropriate language?
Sincerely, If You Can’t Say Something Nice…
Dear If You Can’t Say Something Nice…:
I am a junkie for comedy and have always been impressed by the few pros able to get an audience laughing without using one foul word or tasteless joke. Jerry Seinfeld, Bill Cosby, and Ellen DeGeneres come to mind. Using foul language has become a way of life. So has high-fructose corn syrup and reality TV and texting while driving – but it doesn’t mean YOU have like it. Inappropriate language used to be reserved for emergencies – like dropping a piano on your foot or finding out someone polished off the vodka. Now, four-letter words have nestled their way into both public and private conversations. I recently heard the F –word twice while working and latte-ing at my favorite coffee joint. The culprits? Two 50-something women (I wasn’t one of them, just FYI).
I find humor to be the best medicine in this situation; many times others don’t realize they are swearing like sailors or talking like truck drivers (no offense to any of you sailors or truckers out there). If you are in the conversation, try “Yikes Beth – ! What would your mother say if she heard you using inappropriate language like that?” If you overhearing a conversation in a public setting and are privy to loud, obnoxious language, a quiet (no need to embarrass or humiliate) “Whoa- ! Your four-letter words are ruining this five-dollar coffee!” or “Hey guys – that toddler over there is listening to every word.” If you don’t feel like the offenders would take it well and you are trying to avoid a scene or – well – a trip to the ER – pop in your earphones or remove yourself form the situation entirely. And save the eye rolls and loud sighs; they don’t work and only make you look like a teenager, and I don’t mean that in a good way.
