#17 A letter to The Mercury I wouldn't expect to see published.*

The following is taken from a thread to an artice in The Mercury. Had to post it in parts there as it was too long. Enjoy.

------------------------------------------------------------------

The subject of swearing (coarse language) and its place in society has always been of interest to me. From reading this thread it appears it is of interest to others also. I will, however, bite my tongue and not comment on previous posts; commenting on the article is my purpose here. I admit, the rare times I find myself reading a Barnes article, he is usually at the other end of the playing field to myself. That's fine, each to their own and all that.

Not today.

I love swearing. I fucking love it. It can emphasize a point, ram it home; diffuse a situation, cause a giggle; create comfort, cause threat, break ice.

I believe it is unique in our language, which in turn is the most prolific of all, in that it can be substituted into and or enhance nearly any sentence available in it. If you haven't dropped one into greeting a friend, then you simply have not lived.

I understand Barnes has stopped short of flat out appreciation of the words, but his article is well pointed. The underlying fascination I have had with the subject has always stemmed from a similar standpoint.

Why do people give these words so much power? Our society is built on language, sure, but in essence each word is surely equal to the other. They are building blocks; allowing us to emote feelings, thoughts, desires. It is strange to me to think certain words should be considered vulgar, beneath us as a society. Where would such an idea come from, a hangover from the class structure, perhaps?

It’s a catch 22, I understand that much. Take this power away, and they may very well lose what I love about them. Perhaps it’s better for me they keep on truckin’. Perhaps.

Its supposed vulgarity has been an easy out for many a public figure; take the moral high ground on the subject and you're sure to have someone mention it somewhere, this very article attests to that. I'm naive, yes; my lovely friends (the shits, cunts, and fucks of the world) will perhaps forever be outcasts, or at the very least treated with some form of disdain.

And that, people, is a fucking shame.

----------------------------------------------------------

* But there is always hope.