How Often Should Cussing Really Be Used?

Cussing has become a very normal part of our dialect. We see and hear it all the time from movies, books, and songs. Some people claim they have become just normal words okay to use in any situation, but is that really true? When should cursing be socially acceptable, and when shouldn’t it be? When should it be censored in media, books, etc.? I interviewed multiple people to get their opinion on the subject. 

A few responses were that cussing shouldn’t be acceptable at all in the media or public. One person responded, “It is not just the words but the meaning behind them. Our standards are getting lower and lower because of the media, but cussing is a sign of disrespect to me.” This respondent is a parent. She doesn’t like the fact that her young child can easily hear swearing all the time from outside sources. I would agree with this. Cussing needs to be more censored in media and used less often in public in order to respect parents raising their kids. However, in the media and public isn’t the only place cussing should be unacceptable. 

Most of the respondents thought that at certain settings like at work and in school cussing should also be unacceptable. One of these respondents compared cussing to slang. She said, “You wouldn’t use slang when going into a professional situation. There are certain formal ways you should talk when you are in an environment like work or school.” I believe people today are starting to lack the formality that is necessary when in a professional environment. You don’t come across as educated and professional when you use slang, so why wouldn’t it be the same for cussing? However, social situations are a little different. 

The majority of the respondents believed that cussing in social situations should be completely acceptable. One said that swearing is “how some people express themselves.” This response was completely true. Cussing is a way to let out the many frustrations in life. This expression through words is how some people let out those many negative feelings that build up inside. Therefore, when you are in a social setting without people who would take offense to it, cussing should be completely acceptable. 

Overall in our society, I think people are too laid back with cursing even if there are times when it should be acceptable. Out of a sign of respect for people who find it offensive, we need to limit how often we cuss and examine the setting we are in before we do.