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I feel like this article has an interesting point to illustrate, but it is very long-winded and exhaustive. It is impossible to avoid skimming over parts, as it
by retrochameleon 4y ago
I feel like this article has an interesting point to illustrate, but it is very long-winded and exhaustive. It is impossible to avoid skimming over parts, as it feels indigestible.
While it seems agreeable that we should seek to expand our vocabulary instead of relying on curse words, I really dislike the sense of superiority to those who use curse words.
I'm not offended to hear others curse. There are situations where I will be annoyed, yes. But there are so many others in which it can be a perfectly fine expression of one's personality. What is acceptable is not clearly written out, but is determined by one's context: the people you're around, what they express to you, your history, what's happening, the emotional intensity of the situation. It could show that you're in tune with another's emotions.
You've trivialized all of these situations by suggesting that everyone should always be worried about offending others nearby, instead of expressing themselves when they need to.
While you may be so certain that you've logically concluded you never need to or want to swear, it's distasteful to turn this topic into moral grandstanding and dilutes your message.
- Curiositry 4y agoI appreciate your thoughtful comment. The essay got rather bloated trying to address all the possible counter-arguments, the scientific research, and the potential caveats; and despite my efforts to tone down the moral grandstanding, a lot slipped through. I should probably re-write it as a shorter essay with a thousands footnotes, "Why I Don't Swear". > suggesting that everyone should always be worried about offending others nearby, instead of expressing themselves when they need to. Always worrying about it wouldn't be healthy, but to me it seems like a good idea to at least consider the potential negative effects self-expression may have on others, and weight that against the benefits of self-expression.
- qazpot 4y ago> but to me it seems like a good idea to at least consider the potential negative effects self-expression may have on others, and weight that against the benefits of self-expression. There is no end to self censorship.