Articles
The New Vulgarity
OK, is it just me or have others noticed the sharp upturn in openly profane language in our society? I call this the “new” vulgarity because I recognize that profanity always has been part of human expression. What is “new” is that certain words that were formerly the most taboo are now openly thrown about casually -- by men and women, young and old, professionals and blue-collar types. Such language is becoming a fixture of our communication.
The term “cuss like a sailor” is now obsolete. The language of some elementary school children would make a sailor blush. There is no filter, only the assumption that everyone talks this way, so there is no hesitation for a total stranger to pepper a passing conversation with profanity.
Is this merely trendy? Is it a way to appear “with it” -- as is true of many clichés we repeat? What has so “casualized” previously shameful language openly uttered by only the most grizzled and calloused of society? An analysis of those questions would prove interesting, but the practical issue is that our culture has become extremely coarse and we have to deal with it.
First, we have to make sure that we don’t succumb to the temptation to use this kind of language. “Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers” (Eph. 4:29). Profane language goes to extremes to express ungodly ideas (or no ideas at all). God’s name is often invoked, or the most base behaviors of men may be referenced to vent anger, insult or general crassness.
Christians must express themselves with emotional control, respect for God and consideration for others. We are trying to inspire others to better thoughts, not sink to their level of crudity. So let us be on guard not only to avoid the vulgar or profane but to screen out lesser forms of inappropriate language.
Second, while we may not be able to control the speech of others, we can make a determined effort to differentiate the way we express ourselves. It may be appropriate in a given situation to ask someone to refrain from using profanity, but the more common this behavior becomes the less our appeals will be successful. But if we are careful to speak “as the oracles of God” (I Pet. 4:11) and our speech is always “with grace, seasoned with salt” (Col. 4:6), then we will stand out to others. They will notice that we are not “earthy” but rather influenced by higher ideals. In this way our “light will shine,” and though some will resent our purity, others who are looking for inspiration will appreciate it.
It seems that all standards of decency in our society are under aggressive attack -- yet another sign of the raunchy individuality that is becoming characteristic of our culture. Concern for the feelings and thoughts of others dims in view of what I want and how I want to express myself. There is a fleshly attraction to this mindset that Christians must resist.
