Blue Language, Red Face

I am not perfect. I have been known to drop the F*** bomb on occasion, but I pride myself on having enough control to avoid using it in front of children and in situations where it would rightly be deemed offensive. After the past couple of days though, I am rethinking my use of language and considering exercising that restraint in more places and situations. I am tired of constant profanity in social circles, in entertainment, plastered on articles of clothing and ....Well, where isn't it these days? Yesterday I read a blog by a local newscaster complaining about a sign he happened upon in a Westfarms Mall store display that clearly spelled out the word "F***" in bright red ink. He had his small children with him and he objected to his kids being exposed to it. He understands that they are going to hear it and see it eventually, but does it really need to be used in the service of commerce? What got me going today were two different bumper stickers I saw in Middletown. One read "I will buttf*** your soul" and the other "Mary was a Whore." Later in New Britain I was behind an SUV with no fewer than three bumper stickers with sentiments that apparently required the word "F***". I am a firm believer in free speech, but just because you CAN say something doesn't mean you should. I grew up in a home where profanity was neither spoken nor permitted. In spite of that, one of my brothers came to be known for his allegedly creative use of profanity. While some people found this charming, I cringed every time I heard it. It seemed a lazy way for an educated person to make a point and it was crass. I understand that social norms have loosened over the years and I actually think a lot of that is for the better, but this profanity laced culture disturbs me. If you want to curse like a sailor in your home or in your social circle, that is your right, but I wish you would exercise both common sense and some restraint in public. People with children don't need to hear profanity laced outbursts because you have such a poor vocabulary that you cannot communicate any other way. i don't need to be in a restaurant and hear the cashier yell "F*** you" at a kitchen worker. (That actually happened to me one night while dining with my 90 year old aunt in a family restaurant in Middletown). I had a great nephew once ask me what the "F" word was. He knew that anytime he asked me a question he was going to get a straight answer. I told him that although I had no problem telling him what the "F" word was, I didn't think he was old enough or disciplined enough at seven years old to avoid sharing the information with his peers and I didn't want to be responsible for him angering his friends' parents. About a month later, he proudly told me "I know what the "F" word is!" I asked him how he knew and he said the boy across the street had told him, so I think my concern about the boys sharing this vital piece of information was spot on. I suppose there is an argument that making these words "forbidden" makes them more attractive and perhaps more forceful when used, but if you have a decent grasp of the English language, I would argue you can make your points just as forcefully without resorting to blue language. Words are powerful and can be used for good or ill. Think before you speak or before you plaster a bumper sticker on your car. Do you want YOUR kid asking you what "buttf***" means?