Should inappropriate language be the norm?

A few years ago, I noted how surprised I was at many of the changes that are happening in our society. Even the most basic of changes of how we treat others, whether we agree with them or not. Back in 2015, as I walk around the Fairfield County Fair and Circleville Pumpkin Show, I was amazed at how many times I would hear the “f-bomb” dropped or how often someone would ask God to damn something. At first, I just thought, WOW, these people are rude, but then I started seeing shirts with these same inappropriate words written on them and realized something had been normalized that should not have been. There were adults, kids, and people all over the age spectrum talking and wearing things like this.

Now in 2021 the inappropriate language has been pushed even further. At sporting events, we are hearing large groups drop the “f-bomb” while naming a political figure. We are not here to say we agree with or disagree with a particular political figure or party, but again, we are continuing to slip even further into a world where we no longer try to be polite about what we say.

Call me old-fashioned, but I guess I liked it better when people either didn’t say certain words or, at a minimum, kept it within their own private walls. I know some might use it when they smashed their thumb with a hammer, get very angry or maybe even in an adult setting like a bar. At the very least, if children and ladies are around, they would “watch their mouth” or be more mindful of what they say. Even as a Christian, I can remember when someone would let a word slip, and they would say they were sorry or, “Excuse my French”. While that comment always seemed funny, they at least acknowledged some respect for others who may not find certain words appropriate or the fact that you took their God’s name in vain. I know not everyone has a problem with these words or phrases, but it’s almost like social media has translated out to real life where more and more where people not only don’t treat each other with respect, but they say anything and everything with no thought on whom it may affect.

When I was younger and people would say certain words they would say you “talk like a sailor”. These days the sailors probably have a cleaner vocabulary and proper manners than many.