Monday, July 14, 2014

Words and Thoughts

I have been thinking a lot about words lately. Words represent our thoughts - not just about a topic but what we think about ourselves.

The bottom line is that I am fed up with profanity. And you may be thinking - "well, you are just old and uptight." Maybe. But I am not so much offended by it as I am weary of it. I am way past complaining about movies. I am talking about people in my real-life world.

Profanity can be left out of a sentence and it has not changed the meaning at all. It adds nothing to the subject.

Some think that profanity adds emphasis. Some add profanity to show that they are young and hip (as opposed to old and uptight). Really? Is our vocabulary so limited that the only way we can express our emotions is by spitting out profanity? Do I think that others will like me more or think I'm cool if I debase myself by using profanity? 

I am especially surprised at young women who fastidiously present themselves in beauty and elegance - then use four-letter words, demeaning their style and grace. 

A young writer, Galanty Miller, puts it well, 
Profanity isn't shocking anymore. It's not edgy or sassy or hip or rebellious. It's just a sad, tiresome example of our shrinking vocabulary. Thanks, Twitter. People swear when they have nothing to say, but they want to talk. My feeling? You're not getting paid by the word and you're not a sailor. So keep it simple.

For those who have lost their way and need a guideline - if you wouldn't say it to your grandmother, don't say it at all.

If you are under 40 and read all the way through this rant, be assured that I am not trying to condemn you or judge you - I just think that you are more extraordinary than four-letter words.