Ethics and Swearing

Is swearing right or wrong? -Ivan, Adib, Julian, Jorge

What you need to know:

Ethics: -The study of what is "right" or "wrong". -The systems of moral principles. Swearing: -Vulgar language. -Words known to be "bad".

cont.

Why do we have a set of "swear" words when they are just words? Why can we replace swear words with everyday words and get away with it and still get the same meaning across?

The other side of the road

Christianity is a major opposition of profanity. "Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen." (Ephesians 4:29) Let the words and the ability of talking that God has given you be said to bless others rather than curse others.

Neutral words and meanings:

Many words have two meanings that can be used in a "good" way or a "bad" way. Words, such as the "F" word or "gay", have two sides to them. Fornication Under Consent of the King is used as an old English saying. Gay originally means being happy or jubilant.

Since swearing is so common, why should it be viewed as so bad? Swearing can be used in a good way. Ex. When you score a goal or score a basket, your teammate says "Good S***" in a positive meaning. Why is it so bad? After all it's just words. Society says it's okay most of the time. Ex. movies, music, and television Why replace swear words, when they are just words?

Swearing is good

Society straight mixed up my words:

The "F" word has been changed in our society as a word: used to describe an extreme amount of something. sexual activity an expression of frustration to curse someone (wishing bad on them)

Society still mixing up my words

Gay has been changed in our society as a word: associated with homosexuals

can replace the word lame insult to a homosexuals.

Parental Advisory: Society's view on music

- In 1984, president Al Gore's wife, Mary Gore, overheard a song that her daughter, Karenna Gore, was listening to; it was a Prince song called "Darling Nikki", which included sexual lyrics. -Also, she heard many rap albums that included profanity and gang violence. She overheard an Ice T album. she then made labels that point out what each album included, such as profanity, sexuality, and violence.

So what about ethics?

- Looking at all of these examples of bad words, and looking at different views on them, we can conclude that the idea of cursing is a controversial issue today in society. The question still resides on whether or not cursing is "right" or "wrong". According to society, cursing is wrong because it is unprofessional and inappropriate way of talking in an everyday conversation, and it is banned from public areas. - As a group, we believe that swearing is unethical.

SOURCES:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Parents_Music_Resource_ Center
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Ephes ians+4%3A29&version=NIV

http://philosophersplayground.blogspot.com/2006/05/ four-letter-ethics.html