For many reasons, offensive language has become ubiquitous in public life.Should We Put a Leash on Our Language?
From the beach to the boardroom, and everywhere in between, our sound waves sizzle with curse words, sexual references, and crude colloquialisms. In business, social, and institutional settings, it sometimes seems that anything goes when it comes to what we say. In her current research at Georgia State University’s Robinson College of Business, Dr. Carol White has found that even the hallowed halls of academia ring with an unmistakable increase in cursing, references to the human anatomy, and offensive slang, among both students and faculty. Among students who responded to her survey, 47 percent saw nothing wrong with cursing in class. When you consider the proliferation of profanity in movies, music, and other entertainment media, it’s easy to recognize the shift in social norms regarding language.
At one time, people reserved swearing for those times that they hit their finger with the hammer, wrecked their car, or discovered a negative balance in their checking account. Today, we curse colorfully when we are surprised, delighted, amused, frightened, puzzled, concerned, or sympathetic. It’s become an integral part of the speech patterns of many people of all ages and upbringing.
Without a doubt, language once considered vulgar or taboo has become socially acceptable—probably for a variety of reasons. Even in professional settings, people have become more comfortable with explicit language. Perhaps the shift came about because we spend so much time with strangers. At one time, a vast number of people lived most of their lives in a close-knit community where everyone knew everyone else. In such a setting, there was strong motivation to always be on one’s best behavior. When surrounded by people with whom they have a personal, even if casual, relationship, people are more concerned about the impression they make and how they are perceived. Today, however, it’s more likely that when you are out in public, you are anonymous, barely noticed by other people busily going about their lives. In such an environment, there’s less motivation to make a good impression or to care about being offensive. A human resources manager with a major telecommunications firm recently commented to me, “Quite often, when I travel, I’m amazed at what I hear coming from the person on a cell phone standing right next to me. It’s as if that person thinks no one else is around.”
Other factors contributing to the increase in public profanity include the entertainment media. Censorship barriers have gradually been chipped away so that what used to be unthinkable language or content on television, radio, or in other mass media has become so commonplace that most of us hardly notice it. As we’ve become desensitized to vulgar language, it’s no wonder so many of us don’t see the harm in cursing and swearing.
Because cursing is often tolerated by society, many of us may believe that crude speech is really no big deal, but if you believe this and use profanity in your professional communication, eventually you may face negative consequences.
Many people consider the right to swear anywhere and everywhere part of the freedom-of-speech package. Although you may feel that the First Amendment gives you the right to use whatever words suit you, you should also be aware of the impact your words have on others and of what they communicate about you. Here are a few points to keep in mind.
Don’t take it for granted that others won’t be offended. Because our speech patterns become habitual, we often use words and phrases without giving much thought to how they sound to others. Therefore, be aware that what may seem perfectly harmless to you may be shocking to someone else.
Consider your audience. If you’re watching a ball game with a bunch of college buddies, an occasional expletive might be tolerated and probably won’t raise any eyebrows. On the other hand, if you’re in a meeting with clients, chances are an expletive will offend at least some—if not all—of your audience. If you curse in a setting where you are expected to be professional and polished, it’s likely that your audience will decide you are unprofessional and boorish. Needless to say, this image will not enhance your professional success.
Watch your language in public places. When you’re in a packed stadium at a sporting event, on a subway, standing in a crowded elevator, or in a theater, you are sharing space with people of varying demographics, values, and standards. Just as you would practice general conventions of courtesy in these situations, such as not pushing, cutting in line, or belching loudly, you should also consider how your words might be offensive to others. As a rule, when in public, keep your voice down, use cell phones with discretion, avoid explicit or intimate conversations, and choose a neutral vocabulary that minimizes the possibility of offending, angering, or embarrassing those within earshot.
Don’t use offensive speech as a show of power or to intimidate. A manager in a major media company recently remarked that certain senior officers of her firm were fond of conducting profanity-peppered conversations on crowded elevators. They seem to believe that since they are the power players in the corporation, other people have to put up with their crudeness, like it or not.
Those who curse or use offensive language around subordinates and coworkers may be indulging in a form of verbal bullying that borders on abuse. Aside from creating an unpleasant environment, this behavior also carries legal risks, as it can easily be construed as harassment.
Good judgment is always in good taste. Although there are situations when profanity might be tolerated or excused, the only safe choice is to forego a curse and express your feelings—whether you’re angry or elated or anywhere in between—in another way. When it comes to your professional success, developing this habit may affect you in ways you’re not even aware of. Although people may not react overtly to your use of obscenities, they may at some point offend someone who can make or break your career. On the other hand, if your language is always courteous and polished, this might be the trait that gives you the edge when promotion decisions are being made.
For many reasons, offensive language has become ubiquitous in public life.
In spite of a social desensitization toward vulgarity and a growing tolerance of it, using obscene words and phrases can still have a negative social and professional impact.
Even if you believe the First Amendment protects your right to use obscenities, you should also be aware of the effect your words have on others and on your image.
Be sensitive to the needs and rights of others.
The person you offend may be someone who can affect your career.
Courteous and polished language is always a safe choice.
Over the next thirty days,
I will stop ___________________________________________________
I will start ___________________________________________________
I will continue ________________________________________________