Thursday, July 09, 2015

How About a Civility Bomb?

I've been watching a few newer movies lately and, against my better judgment, reading some comments on web page items. It's disgusting how many F. . . bombs are being tossed at us. None of the F's added a thing to the movie plots. And certainly none enhanced the reputations of commentators who insist on leading off their opinions with them.

One that really disgusts me is the title of a very good site: "I F . . . . . . Love Science." Does that F-bomb serve any useful purpose?  For me, it spoils a visit to a place that has some great information.

Just now, I saw a comment by a more civil individual. She started with: "WTH." For those turned off by even the mild "hell," a totally acceptable "heck" might be imagined here. I like it. Even better, couldn't we stand to touch one more key and  respond to ridiculous stuff with, "Huh?"

12 comments:

PiedType said...

Coincidentally I was just telling my grandson yesterday that people who resort to using the F-bomb are simply displaying their woeful lack of vocabulary, and that he should think of it as such. I hope he takes the message to heart, because at age 12 he's immersed in a world of boys trying to show how cool and knowledgeable they are. The F-bomb is neither (but I'll bet he uses it every bit as much as he hears it among his peers).

Dick Klade said...

Probably like other fads eagerly adopted by the younger set, F-bomb use will slowly fade away. Let's hope so.

Kay said...

I really dislike the F bomb also. My kids were forbidden to use it in our house, but I can't be sure they didn't use it when they were not in our presence. I think the word is used more for cheap shock value in movies, but I think it distracts more than anything. I like WTH. I'll have to try to use it in my text messages to my kids. :- )

Dick Klade said...

Yes, Hollywood's F-bombs probably were intended to titillate viewers. However, they now are so over-used there is no effect other than to interfere with any enjoyment of the story lines.

Tom said...

I remember my 7th grade English teacher who when angry or frustrated would say, "Oh, Hades." Usually with a little twinkle in her eye. Now there's a woman who knew how to swear with class!

Dick Klade said...

Tom, during my 30 years living in Utah, I learned a form of swearing perhaps not quite as classy as your teacher's, but also unusual. It was common for my Mormon friends who felt compelled to get off an oath to declare, "Oh my heck." We heard that often.

Anonymous said...

I'm with you, Dick. I guess I'm showing my age. The unfortunate truth is though ... I heard it so much I use it myself occasionally on the golf course (hopefully out of earshot).

Oh my heck ... this darn language keeps morgrifying!

Dick Klade said...

Oh my heck, Duane, the golf course is a whole different world. Anything goes--in the language department, that is, except on ladies day.

Anonymous said...

As some of the words we moderns consider cuss words are really old Dutch words that the upper class English disdained in the Seventeenth Century, I am of two minds.

On the one hand, I no longer find these words offensive, merely boring.

Middle class morality says they are verboten, but most of what the middle class (or bourgeoisie) thought was important has been trashed. This younger generation may well grow older and swing to the opposite extreme, if they live that long.

Yes, society is going to hell in a hand basket!! And ill-bred people are helping it.

Have you heard that the "occupy" types want to ban the Fleur-de-Lis in New Orleans because it was once a sign of French Royalty?

Dick Klade said...

That nonsense in New Orleans is simply that--nonsense. The mayor is trying to make an unsavory political move. Hope common sense prevails and Fleur-de-lis symbols and several statues in question stay right where they are.

Cathy Soli said...

I have to be really upset to use the Fbomb. For me, that is THE ugliest word in the English language and shame to those who use it nonstop. I can overlook it once or twice in a movie. However, I have been known to pull a dvd out of my player within five min. due to the use of it. In the old days such words were not allowed. I have heard "that is the way I talk". Well I say some cusswords as well but only when talking to those whom it doesn't offend. Otherwise I watch my language. Manners have gone out the window and young people have no idea how to talk to in a polite manner.

Jon Wurl said...

I have to agree with you on the science web site -- it is an attempt to appeal to younger people, but seems to simultaneously play into an ignorant side of culture. . . .

Sometimes I think younger generations think they are breaking some mold by shocking older people. Sorry kids, I heard it all before and even know better HOW to swear, so you're not shocking anyone, just sounding dumb.