Was this published last year around this time? I feel like I read this in city beat before I was cool enough to say I knew the author…

I am in full support of the imaginary, foul-mouthed Decker clan verbally assaulting the staff at mickey d’s. Reason enough to procreate for me.

You should learn how to make complete sentences before you call other people “morons.” When I read fragmented sentences, it tends to fucking hurt my eyes.

You say that swearing is “a valuable element of human communication.” Does that mean you wouldn’t be able to express yourself clearly and intelligently without using profanity?
No, it doesn’t mean that at all. The key word in that sentence you quoted is “element.”

“Swearing is valuable element of human communication,” which means it’s not a necessary one. It is valuable, however, in that it adds yet another tool in our toolkit of expression. And yes, I am completely able to express myself clearly and intelligently without profanity, as I will attempt to prove to you by making this an entirely curse-free email.
Perhaps letting loose with a string of cusswords makes you feel better, but does it really aid in communication?

Of course curse words aid in communication. All words, no matter how foul, aid in communication. Foul words aid in communicating foul ideas, which is still communication, even though it’s foul.

Maybe it’s just a sign of a weak vocabulary and a lack of self control.

I will admit that I wish I had better control over my language usage. I wish that all my obscenities were uttered by choice, and not by laziness or unconsciousness. I’m working on that. But the fact that I use profanity is in no way related to the size of my vocabulary, which, as of today, is about average, probably like yours.

You say that swear words are “just words.” That’s a surprising comment coming from someone who makes his living with “just words.” Is there not power in words?

Yup, it’s surprising but true. I really believe words have no power unless we give it to them. Regardless of my occupation, I am a firm believer in the sticks and stones theory.

You encourage parents to teach their kids to curse. Wouldn’t it be better to teach them to think, and express themselves in a clear, articulate manner without resorting to profanity every time they get emotional, or can’t think of a more appropriate word?

Articulation and profanity are not mutually exclusive. I can, and would, teach my kids both. And nowhere in the column do I or would I suggest to use profanity EVERY time they get emotional.

I was surprised to hear you say that your “obscenity etiquette” dictates that kids shouldn’t curse in front of adults. If it’s OK for them to cuss with their peers, why shouldn’t it be OK to cuss anywhere, anytime?

That’s like saying why is it not ok to blow your nose anywhere or any time, or jump on the bar and start singing show tunes anywhere at any time. Do not confuse my desire to ease swear taboos as a quest for total social anarchy. There is a time and a place for all things. For instance, personally, I would not swear while sitting in the audience of the Country Bear Jamboree. I would not swear in a bank while trying to get a loan. And I would not swear in front of my grandmother. Nor would I want my children swearing in front of their grandmother. It’s a respect your elders thing. Perhaps you don’t share that value and that’s fine, but to me, respecting your elders is the right and good way to raise my imaginary children. I would teach them that cursing with their buddies while they’re hanging out in the tree fort is fine, cursing at or around adults is not acceptable. Do you really not see the difference?

By the way, Ed, “Especially if you’re child is puny and twerpy. . .” should, of course, have been “Especially if your child is puny and twerpy. . .”

Thanks for pointing that out to me David. Oh, and while we’re playing the “Typo Police” game, the phrase, “… clear, articulate manner” is a redundancy.
edwin decker

Perhaps letting loose with a string of cusswords makes you feel better, but does it really aid in communication? Maybe it’s just a sign of a weak vocabulary and a lack of self control.

You say that by advocating a cussword-free environment, young McKay Hatch is making himself vulnerable to attacks by his classmates. Are you saying that, for the sake of his own safety, he should keep his mouth shut and go along with the crowd? Perhaps you are right and he is making himself vulnerable by speaking out against cussing. Would you have told Dr. King to ease up on civil rights demonstrations, because he might get himself hurt?

You say that swear words are “just words.” That’s a surprising comment coming from someone who makes his living with “just words.” Is there not power in words?

You encourage parents to teach their kids to curse. Wouldn’t it be better to teach them to think, and express themselves in a clear, articulate manner without resorting to profanity every time they get emotional, or can’t think of a more appropriate word?

I was surprised to hear you say that your “obscenity etiquette” dictates that kids shouldn’t curse in front of adults. If it’s OK for them to cuss with their peers, why shouldn’t it be OK to cuss anywhere, anytime?
I must admit that I agree with you when you say that cussing should be done in moderation (if it’s done at all). It tends to lose its effect when overdone.

Has it ever crossed your mind, Edwin, that you might be addicted to cussing? I challenge you to go without cussing, not for a whole week, but just one whole day. Are you up to it?

By the way, Ed, “Especially if you’re child is puny and twerpy. . .” should, of course, have been “Especially if your child is puny and twerpy. . .”
David Schmiedeberg
Mira Mesa