Jackson Free Press

If one thing can detract from a fabulous outfit it's a dirty mouth. It's one thing to swear, it's another to just be gross. Being a lover of words, I try to choose a variety of colorful ones to use during conversation. I would much rather listen to someone telling a descriptive story without every other word containing 4 letters. Swearing and graphic launguage does not usually offend me, but there is a time and a place for it. I know there are many people who will say that they don't care what others think and that they can talk however they please, and that is fine for them as long as they don't expect to be taken seriously. Not only do I have respect for others and want respect from others, I want the parts of my personality and intelligence that I respect about myself to have a chance to be heard or seen and the simple truth is that people who resort to using filthy language on a regular basis are seen as being less intelligent. Strong language is not the same as powerful language. Manners can go a long way. Here is why:

1. You never know who is standing behind you. I learned my lesson in high school when referring to my English teacher, who I actually had a great deal of respect for, as a B****. I turned around and she was right there. I was horrified. I apologized but things were always a little tense after that.

2. Your arguments lose power and influence. Swearing and name calling and graphic language can come off as having an over-emotional response, which automatically makes you seem less in-control. You may have a very valid point to an argument but people will shut down their attention when threatening language is directed at them. A truly clever person would know how to deliver their negative feelings on fluffy little clouds of kindness and focus on the subject rather than the emotion it may create

3. People will assume you are less educated. I don't agree with that but it's just a fact of life. It's not going to change, so cleaning up a dirty mouth doesn't seem like too much of a sacrifice to let my fabulous brains shine through.

4. You are disrespecting children. When I am shopping at the grocery store with my 6 year old son and a group of teens passes by using horrible language loud enough for my son's jaw to drop, the first thing I think is,"did their parents not teach them to respect children?" What kind of idiot can't replace a 4 letter word for the time it takes to walk by a small child. That's just ridiculous.

5. It doesn't make you appear tough. It makes you appear defensive. Defensive people are usually scaredy cats.

6. You will be more successful. At a party you never know who you could be talking to. You may go to a job interview only to find that your dream job interviewer heard you trash-talk another girl last night. That's what they will remember.

7. People will watch what they say around you. This is a sure sign that they have respect for you and appreciate your reserved nature when they feel awkward about swearing around you. Talk about a self-esteem booster.

I use some pretty disgusting language when I'm with people I have known a long time and they have similar swearing habits. Save it for a late night pool hall or when you are with friends and you will find that just a few good manners can have huge benefits for you in relationships, friendships, networking, and career.

Previous Comments

ID

113385

Comment

Enjoyed your article, Caroline. Personally, I don't curse at all. I bite my tongue if I even think of a cuss word. :-)

Author

LatashaWillis

Date

2007-07-06T16:54:51-06:00