In society now,it seems the use of harsh and vulgar words has become more acceptable. When my parents were young, people swore much less and if they did use profanity, it was only in a very private setting. Premarital sex was much more rare,almost unheard of. Homosexuality was an offense punishable by law (and is still illegal in some states even in the age of political correctness). The only four-letter word used in movie theaters was "exit". It was as former President George H.W. Bush might say,a kinder and gentler America and a kinder and gentler world. While there were injustices in those days such as racial discrimination and segregation,we have at least improved there.
Now the widespread and casual use of profanity today has unfortunately spread to social networks such as Facebook and Twitter,as well as Internet message boards. While blogs,Facebook,Twitter,and message boards are wonderful gifts of God and are excellent ways people with mutual interests communicate with each other,they can be abused. Sadly, it seems to happen more and more. Just recently,while posting on a NASCAR driver's Facebook page,I was offended when somebody said their driver was the "motherf***ing man". If it had been uttered in a fit of rage,I might have overlooked it,but this was somebody supposedly paying a compliment and casually using a word and using it in a way that should shock and offend normal people. I have had to delete other people's posts on my Facebook page using God's Name in vain and other hard profanities. Abbreviations such as "WTF" are self-explanatory."LMAO" is another usage that needs no explanation. Defenders of widespread profanity use cannot hide behind the First Amendment. The First Amendment only protects the exchange of ideas,not the use of foul language or the distribution of pornography. The Supreme Court of the United States made this ruling in a case involving pornographers.
This shows an obvious decline in civility in our nation. The widespread use of profanity is more evidence that we need to re-emphasize manners,dignity,and respect for others. Profanity is often used out of thoughtlessness and inconsideration of other people's feelings. It is rooted in selfishness.
We should all think before we speak or post. God bless you.
