“I disapprove of what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it.” ― S.G. Tallentyre, The Friends of Voltaire. Many stand by the right of free speech, claiming that every citizen has that right and should take full use of it. Others believe that there are just some things that are entirely too far, and should have some kind of restriction or serious thought into what we’re talking about. With our societies advanced technology, and the massive popularity that surrounds social media, there is no getting around criticism on the internet. The words that one says matter; people are listening. The internet is a great resource for those wanting to join the conversation and engage in important discussions about our community and culture. However, everything we say seems offend someone in one way or another. The real question is, what can we really say? What is okay to talk about, and what things can we just not say? As citizens of the United States, we have the right to voice our opinions, as untamed or unpopular as they may be. Although as individuals, we should strive to voice our thoughts in a respectable and productive manner, it is ultimately the right of civilians to articulate their thoughts in whichever way they please.
What words can we say? Many believe the use of swear words in a public manner should be censored instead of glorified. However, research actually shows that from a psychological point of view, swearing isn’t exactly a bad thing. “It is far more common to see strong offensive words used as emotionally arousing stimuli — tools to study the effect of emotion on mental processes such as attention and memory.” says Timothy Jay and Kristin Janschewitz in their article The Science of Swearing. Research continues to prove that swearing is actually promoting a deeper kind of psychological process; an emotional connection and an engaging discussion is coming out of using these words. But where do we use curse words? In public? In a professional setting? The biggest wonder, and a common debate over the centuries has been whether or not to swear in front of children. In Benjamin Bergen’s article, he says go for it. “And I’m happy to report that, nowadays, if I drop an f-bomb in front of my kid, I don’t sweat it.” Bergen emphasizes that there are of course incorrect ways to use profanity in front of our children, such as verbal abuse and its psychological damages. Yet he also points out that there isn’t any scientific proof that exposing children to swear words imposes any direct harm in their lives. Like many others, Bergen’s article emphasizes that there aren’t any necessarily ‘correct’ words to say in any sort of setting, and that utilizing assumed bad words can actually teach important lessons, instead of doing the presumed opposite.
There will forever be criticism of almost everything that anyone says. For instance, assumably Bergen has received criticism for the way he chooses to swear in front of his children. But, when does this criticism go too far? Laci Green faced this overwhelming critique, that many would seem as cruel and unnecessary. Green even discussed how in her online sex ed videos, she was being harassed and receiving threats from viewers for using the words male and female (Glass). Green was simply discussing the anatomy of a penis and vagina, and faced a massive negative response for using the common associated genders that these body parts are often attached to, proving that there will forever be individuals out there somewhere that disapproves of your opinion, but there shouldn’t be anything that prevents you from voicing your opinion.
However, what if our speech was censored? If our language were monitored, and certain words were punishable by law, how different would our lives be? In other societies, this is the reality. Citizens cannot express any kind of disagreement towards any of their authorities or government. Chinese culture is infamous for strictly monitoring their people’s dialogue. They are restricted from voicing their unfavorable opinions, especially if it is directed towards any type of governmental authority. Envisioning a culture opposing ours so greatly can seem so unrealistic and distant, when in fact the consequences of censorship could very well become our reality.
All in all, the beauty of the country that we live in has to do with our freedoms. Speech being one of them, we should remember that this freedom is something that we cannot restrict or moderate. As individuals, we should aim to use our freedom in ways that satisfy and fulfill our own character and beliefs. However, there will forever be someone who disagrees with what you’re saying. This conflict is what keeps our culture and society thriving, and it is important that we remember that although some opinions may be different, unrealistic or flat out unethical, it is our right and freedom to let them be heard.
- I believe there is a strong central claim in this essay. My thoughts or opinions do not really waver. The simplicity of my approach to the matter also gives the audience a simple solution to the matter.
- I am concerned with the tone of the passage. I am worried that it sounds too political and not as approachable as I aimed.
- Honestly, I did not receive nearly enough comments in my peer edits, nor any ones that were helpful towards my product.
Work Cited
Jay, Timothy, and Kristin Janschewitz. “The Science of Swearing.” Association for Psychological Science, www.psychologicalscience.org/observer/the-science-of-swearing.*.
Bergen, Benjamin. “Go Ahead, Curse in Front of Your Kids.” Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 18 Sept. 2016, www.latimes.com/opinion/op-ed/la-oe-bergen-children-swearing-20160918-snap-story.html#.
Glass, Ira, host. “Words You Can’t Say.” This American Life, episode 637, WBEZ, 2 Feb. 2018, https://www.thisamericanlife.org/637/words-you-cant-say
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