Speak Up
Re "Why do Ohioans curse so much?," May 20: I don't think we deserve that title. I can turn on the TV and certain words are now used in prime-time slots that would have made my parents unplug the set and put it up for sale. People in general have become so used to hearing "bad" words that it just doesn't register that they are "bad" words. It is also very common to hear and see children as young as 5 flipping someone off and cursing on TV and in real life. Some say it makes them feel "big," while others enjoy the looks on others' faces. It is not a sign of maturity and it is not "cool."
I do curse a lot! Maybe it's because of so many stupid "studies" on things like this. Who cares which state curses the most? How does this study help mankind with the many serious problems we face in life? It doesn't! That stupidity alone is more than enough to set me off.
I'm not surprised at Ohio's dubious honor concerning foul language. I think it's hereditary in some families. I remember scolding my father one time for cursing, and he just looked at me and said the same thing in rapid succession three times. I never mentioned it again, but I learned a couple of things: it's how some folk communicate, and never tell an old soldier what he can or cannot say. I didn't curse when I was younger, but nowadays. …
For young kids, 7 to 10, they hear it from siblings and parents and then they say it. Also, from the shows that have PG and PG-13 ratings, which are ridiculous ratings. As for adults, it is simply the norm of our society. If you don't use profanity, you don't get noticed. It's basically about getting attention. I taught for 16 years and worked for juvenile rehab for three years. Believe me, I know.
Could the rating be consistent with the time our Ohio population watches television? Seems to me that in the last year or two, swearing and innuendo on TV have become rampant and offensive.
Growing up in Ohio, I never heard foul language from any of my family. When I got married, my husband was foul-mouthed way too much. After 25 years, I am still not used to it. My grandfather used to say, "Profanity is an ignorant mind trying to express itself forcefully." After much pleading, my husband is better around me, but I still hear him while he's working outside or away from me, just talking to himself. This is something I will never understand. What pleasure could anyone get from cursing?
Born and raised in Ohio, I now reside in the quiet state of Pennsylvania and they all tell me to quit cussing. Now I know the reason why. I was born that way.
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