Is taboo language really a problem?

Yes

1 of 1

by Mark Waybill

• 

Write now Print Invite a writer™ Add to Favorites RSS Feed Contact this writer

Firstly when considering whether taboo language is a problem or not one has to examine what exactly constitutes taboo language and how it could be perceived as a problem. I will define taboo language as any words or statements that are considered by a group of people to be inappropriate. Obviously what is deemed taboo is relative to the context as various demographics and societies have different opinions on this issue.

Taboo language could be constituted a problem if its usage offended people, thus causing discomfort or social awkwardness, or in some cases inciting violence or other antisocial behaviour. It could also be seen as a problem from a moral or religious standpoint, or from a standpoint of an idealist who sees society as being imperfect and taboo as one of the imperfections of society.

Thus it largely depends upon ones situation in society and the context about one whether or not you would consider taboo language a problem. For instance a teenager is less likely to be offended than a retired person, but this is not always the case though certainly a large percentage would fit with this statement. Also in some countries and demographics certain things and thus certain terms and statements are considered taboo whereas in other places and demographics they are not.

Taboo is of course a social term and refers not to illegality but antisocial behaviour. As such it is only where the law enforces a taboo that it becomes illegal, but there are still many that are upheld or attempted to be upheld by some parts of society that are not illegal. It is the same with morals and the two are essentially the same.

With the decline of religion and the age of reason in the 1600s and 1700s, this paved the way for social change, but despite the fact it is easy to blame todays youth for all the problems in the world, the young have always been restless and rebellious. In Victor Hugo's The Hunchback of Notre Dame, for instance, the youth are looked upon by elder members of the community as acting inappropriately. This was written hundreds of years before the teenage revolution of the 1950s.

Thus there have always been those who acted cynically and opposed taboos and morals, and there probably always will be. I will say that taboo language is a problem because many think it is, and in some situations it can incite antisocial behaviour beyond the exchange of words, and fuel violence. Also, despite my rational way of looking at things, I still look up to a few ideals if only as a matter of principle, and taboo language appears very savage, unrestrained, and violent, like a dog let off its leash and allowed to attack one. It certainly is not civilized.

Learn more about this author, Mark Waybill.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.