Students Reflect on Profanity Use
Profanity is a topic that often sparks mixed feelings among students. Some see it as a way to emphasize their thoughts or blow off steam, while others view it as unnecessary and even offensive. Several students shared their thoughts on hearing profanity and their own use of it.
Zoe from Jeju:
Zoe admitted that she started swearing to fit in with her friends and appear cool. However, she now feels disappointed in herself when she curses and recognizes it as a sign of immaturity. She is making an effort to avoid using curse words and sees it as a way to grow up.
Miles from Illinois:
For Miles, cursing is a way to make people listen and release pent-up emotions. However, he feels embarrassed when others curse in public, especially around children. He believes that profanity should be used sparingly to maintain its impact and meaning.
Lidya from Rosemount High School:
Lidya chooses not to swear in order to express herself creatively and effectively. She believes that avoiding profanity challenges her to expand her vocabulary and use language in a positive way. By refraining from cursing, she maintains control over her speech and upholds her values.
Amelia from Cumberland Polytechnic High School:
Amelia’s decision not to curse is influenced by her faith and desire to emulate righteousness. She sees profanity as unnecessary and believes that true self-expression should come from actions and demeanor, not words. She observes a casual attitude towards cursing in society and feels pressured to conform, despite her personal beliefs.
Jeho from South Korea:
Jeho never curses and sees word choice as a habit that he simply does not have. He acknowledges that cursing can be misinterpreted and lead to misunderstandings, as individuals have varying reactions to profanity. While he personally does not mind friendly cursing, he recognizes the potential for hurt feelings in others.
Overall, students have diverse perspectives on profanity use, ranging from a casual acceptance to a deliberate avoidance. Whether swearing is seen as a way to express emotions or as a reflection of values, it remains a topic of ongoing discussion among young people.
