Profanity is hurting our communication skills — and those of our kids | READER COMMENTARY
We need to stop using four-letter words as they coarsen our language and do a disservice to our children.
After reading the recent commentary, “The power of language to shape our reality” (Feb. 29) by Keith Tidman, I was struck by his reference to linguist Noam Chomsky and his views on the importance of language in our culture, tradition and our history.
Chomsky is correct. Today, it seems our language, which embodies all that we are as a people, is under attack by citizens using gutter language that has become in many ways part of our speech pattern. More and more of our fellow citizens are allowing four-letter words to become part of their vocabulary.
Four-letter words are not macho. They do not make one cool, nor do they add to the character of the person using this type of language. All of us from teachers to parents, citizens to politicians must do our part to see to it that “cuss” words are not acceptable vernacular in a civilized society. Far too many individuals, young and old, use these words as if they are expected to do so.
Parents who use these words in the household are doing nothing more than transmitting this speech pattern to their youngsters. Gutter language in many ways erodes our lovely mother tongue and demeans those individuals who use it.
The next time you use a four-letter word or profanity, ask yourself why and see if you could not have substituted a better and more refined word. Let’s all try to eliminate filthy four-letter words from our vocabulary and, as a result, set an example for others to follow.
— John A. Micklos, Essex
Add your voice: Respond to this piece or other Sun content by submitting your own letter.