Just Words?

If you went to Sunday school when you were a child, you probably remember the verse, “Oh be careful little tongue what you say” from a famous children’s song. Wow, we have evolved from this drastically. Just a couple years ago, we were innocently singing that verse. Now think of all the things that come out of our mouths as teenagers. Those words — those repulsing, shocking, sickening words have become our norm.

Walking down the halls of East High School, how many swear words do you hear swirling around every day? Are they from you? Are they from your friends? Or are they from people that are just talking too loud? It is hard to dodge the darts of vulgar language that are thrown in every direction. You can’t escape the cycle of hearing foul language.

You can learn a lot about a person’s character by what comes out of their mouths.

You might be thinking, “Cussing is no big deal. They are just words.” I used to agree with you. I heard them so much that they just kind of became part of the day. Then I questioned: should this be socially acceptable?

 

I understand that people think there are valid reasons to swear.

·        Cussing helps to deal with emotions

·        Cussing helps to get people’s attention

·        Cussing helps to fit in with the rest of the world

But let me ask you: Is swearing worth its price?            

Do you really want your children to grow up hearing the things that we hear and say today? We need to be the generation that changes the norm.

If you are angry, confused, or even excited, there are better ways of showing that emotion than cussing and hoping that people understand your feelings. Many times, reacting that way will end up hurting someone’s feelings or making them feel uncomfortable.

If you are trying to get someone’s attention, cussing will not solve your problem. Actually cussing can be a distraction from what you are saying. There is no need to throw random profanity between words.

If you are cussing to fit in with everybody else, then stop. Go against the flow of the world. Our generation pushes for uniqueness. Why can’t we try to be different in what comes out of our mouths too? I have learned that you will earn greater respect with more pleasant language.

  

I still remember the first time I heard my grandmother swear. I was shocked and disappointed. I felt separation from her after that one word left her tongue. Words are very powerful. We need to pay more attention to what is coming out of our mouths. Words can leave a lasting impression.

As anyone can tell by just walking down the hallways of our school, most teenagers use profane language. This is such a bad habit to start at any age. Swearing is immature, unattractive, and unprofessional. Many times teenagers go into a professional environment or are around smaller children and they cuss because they have not learned to filter their language. Because of these unpleasant spoken words, opportunities and relationships may have been lost. If we break the habit now, it can protect us from future damage.

A California teenager has challenged the world to be careful of what comes out of their mouths. McKay Hatch developed the No Cussing Club when he was only fourteen years old. So far there are 200,000 members worldwide. That shows how just one person changing their choice of words can affect the world. What is possible if we all try?

(http://www.nocussing.com/)

Swearing can do many negative things to the way someone is perceived. Cussing turns people away from you. There is not one person that is pleasing to listen to as ugly words spill out of their mouth. In my experiences, beautiful people turn very ugly quickly when a vulgar word rolls off their tongue. My dad has always told me, “You are a beautiful and respectful young lady, and you need to speak like one.” That piece of advice has always stuck with me. I do not want to be remembered as a girl with a “mouth like a sailor.”

I am not naive to know that most of the world swears, but I do want to know why. Why can’t people be respectful to everyone around them and not clog the air with negative comments and vulgar language? Why can’t this generation stop the cycle? Why can’t we be the change the world needs? The issue of “socially acceptable” language should be challenged by us. Changing the negative habit of swearing can make even the simple task of walking through the hallways at East High School a more positive experience.