Posted by 64bowtie on September 21, 2004, at 7:22:07
In reply to What the f*ck?!, posted by alexandra_k on September 20, 2004, at 17:58:37
Trust me when I say that as an ex-Submar(ee)ner in the US Navy, I am not accusing anyone of "dumbing down" by having an affinity to profane words. However, the lowest common denominator is not something to aspire to. Aspiring is a process of increasing our effectiveness, not a seeking of things lower in stature.
On the Boat, we used "street language" all the time and in every situation while submerged. It was our "Red Badge of F*ck-Up-ed-ness". It was our statement of "Manhood". Announcements over the 1MC and 2MC shipboard info systems were mostly professional, but "naughty words" would sometimes show up.
Unlike the article mentioned, although avoidance of new-folk may be better deminished, comunication suffers because precision is lost to, "What the f*ck you talkin' about?" type misunderstandings. Also, this is the language of abuse and abusers, never far from coercion and violence. Not what I want to aspire to be, a violent abuser.
Profanity may "Feel-Good" and make us feel included, but like Jerry Sienfeld and Bill Cosby have pointed out, "It's a better game" to present humor without profanity. Its a better game to live as far away from profanity and the anger and abuse always so ever-present.
I was considering submitting a manuscript about 12 step recovery in "professional" verbage when read front to back on the right-hand page. Turn the book over and upside down. Now read it point for point, front to back, on the right-hand page, and the same concepts would have the same references all in "street language". See? Two complete books in one. Alas, Jerry Sienfeld's observations prevailed and the manuscript is now on hold.
Think of how any book could be rewritten for the masses in this fashion. Sadly, those who use the most profanity in their daily lives can't benefit from such publication since so few of them read much anymore. There is hope that they could get "books on tape", and it might come across better, anyway. Think of how a profane version of your favorite novel might read or play....!?!
Final thought: Professional diction will always win out, 'cause it IS a better game.
Rod
poster:64bowtie
thread:393088
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/social/20040914/msgs/393268.html