Sharon+C’s+OpEd+Article

** by Sharon C.
 * “May I suggest a better choice of words?"



Profanity. It is so common in today’s society that it has become just another part of our everyday language. Almost everyone uses it, whether they are students, adults…even children are learning to make this despicable choice of words. They’re used between every 3-4 words as nouns, verbs, adjectives, basically anything and everything. Passing by students in the halls who are cursing like there is no tomorrow always leaves me thinking, “Was that really necessary?”

I believe that language itself is a beautiful form of art. With it, the most interesting and creative stories can be told, each word with a special meaning, each sentence with its own rhythm and prose. Words are powerful. They have the ability to persuade and move a person’s heart, initiate actions, and change a whole nation’s thoughts. Yet many of us still choose to use curse words that degrade this incredible tool.

Some may argue that it’s a way to express their anger. But honestly, there are better ways to convey those feelings without using profanity, and though it may seem hard, it’s possible. The words themselves aren’t sophisticated; I’d even call them ugly. It seems that profanity is really used when one has absolutely nothing else to say. "When a man uses profanity to support an argument, it indicated that either the man or the argument is weak- probably both." As this quote suggests, you’re just trying to win a fight that you’ve already lost.

Profanity is obnoxious and rude. It does not earn one any respect nor does it give you any power. For those who just cursed in disagreement, my advice to you is this: wash that mouth of yours with a bar of soap and make better choices the next time you open your mouth. There are thousands of words in the dictionary, why choose the worst when you can say the best?

I concur vehemently. Your topic choice was great, and I would like to add that many people use so much profanity that what they say makes no sense. Swear words aren't very sophisticated, but they do have meanings. You can't just stick them anywhere in a sentence. That's all. Wonderful post!  -KC Crewdson