Another reason that I as a writer never would include the specific word a character used as a curse in my writing, even in the interest of accuracy, is because having the word in literature is a character flaw in the written word that requires the reader to participate/join the flaw. Our lips should not be used to forming such words, because once they take up space in our subconscious, we may consider them to use under duress “because others do.” I prefer to leave my subconscious boundary in place.
We shouldn’t think that it’s okay to use profanity in any context because God is not to be mocked. We shouldn’t use vulgarity because it erodes our culture when everyone does it. :)
same! When writing fiction I never use words I wouldn’t speak myself, although I might infer. The thing I struggle with is when writing nonfiction and quoting from necessary sources that include unsavory sources. I’m not always sure if it’s ethical to redact words that make me uncomfortable, although I’d redact those words if reading out loud.
Mmm, I always felt off about my lady friend’s use of “firetruck” as an expletive. It bothered me both that it was still a reference to a curse and that it was said as if it wasn’t a curse, if that makes any sense. Felt deceptive? I’ll admit I’m not too ladylike in this area, but it’s something I’m way more aware of since beginning to practice Christianity. My most frequent struggle is I’ll catch myself starting a phrase using the Lord’s name in vain and quickly switch to a substitute, but you’re completely right that it’s still in vain. I believe femininity is like religion in that it’s a practice, not just an identity. Plenty of unladylike women and unChristlike Christians in this world.
yeah. I honestly am not sure what the etiquette on this is for a man, except that a gentleman should’t swear around a lady. This is why men fought so hard for a long time to keep bars as a man’s only space. It was considered untoward that a lady be subjected to men’s spaces where men tend to be crass and vulgar.
Back in the fifties, there were certain words that did not get used in published books. You may run nto the word "fug", as I did, and think that was what the character said. Feel free to subsitute it for what you see now. Ithink they used it in Norman Mailer's books.
Great article!
Another reason that I as a writer never would include the specific word a character used as a curse in my writing, even in the interest of accuracy, is because having the word in literature is a character flaw in the written word that requires the reader to participate/join the flaw. Our lips should not be used to forming such words, because once they take up space in our subconscious, we may consider them to use under duress “because others do.” I prefer to leave my subconscious boundary in place.
We shouldn’t think that it’s okay to use profanity in any context because God is not to be mocked. We shouldn’t use vulgarity because it erodes our culture when everyone does it. :)
same! When writing fiction I never use words I wouldn’t speak myself, although I might infer. The thing I struggle with is when writing nonfiction and quoting from necessary sources that include unsavory sources. I’m not always sure if it’s ethical to redact words that make me uncomfortable, although I’d redact those words if reading out loud.
Mmm, I always felt off about my lady friend’s use of “firetruck” as an expletive. It bothered me both that it was still a reference to a curse and that it was said as if it wasn’t a curse, if that makes any sense. Felt deceptive? I’ll admit I’m not too ladylike in this area, but it’s something I’m way more aware of since beginning to practice Christianity. My most frequent struggle is I’ll catch myself starting a phrase using the Lord’s name in vain and quickly switch to a substitute, but you’re completely right that it’s still in vain. I believe femininity is like religion in that it’s a practice, not just an identity. Plenty of unladylike women and unChristlike Christians in this world.
Great article.
I curse more than I should, have never been able to quit it. I do make sure to never use the lord's name in vain though.
I do think cursing can be useful on occasion, depending on the situation. But it is very overused in today's society.
I'm also a guy, so the rules may differ.
yeah. I honestly am not sure what the etiquette on this is for a man, except that a gentleman should’t swear around a lady. This is why men fought so hard for a long time to keep bars as a man’s only space. It was considered untoward that a lady be subjected to men’s spaces where men tend to be crass and vulgar.
I am trying my best to cut down on swearing in front of my girlfriend at the very least. It is not gentlemanly at all.
Back in the fifties, there were certain words that did not get used in published books. You may run nto the word "fug", as I did, and think that was what the character said. Feel free to subsitute it for what you see now. Ithink they used it in Norman Mailer's books.