Family Life

11.23.11 | Jeremy Miller

Jesus warned us to guard our tongues, but it appears that foul language seems to be more socially pervasive in America. So what is driving the cursing "trend?" Well, there are a variety of factors. Reality TV is a prime example, but it also plays out in front of our eyes at sporting events. Syracuse University pop culture expert Bob Thompson says, "Television comes along and then kind of starts doing it. What that essentially says is okay this is now normal. It's not contested. it's no longer controversial. If it's on a sit-com, it's now normal." According to Thompson, even the term "foul language" has been altered to more broadly and accurately include far more than simple curse words. It's the content of discussion that's also becoming offensive. For instance, a random, seemingly ordinary, everyday word or phrase can be used in a context that can be suggested or insinuative, or even downright offensive. Thompson said, "So we are expanding what's allowed and if you're a parent of young kids, that's disturbing." Foul language spills into homes from TV's, music, video games, sporting events and even holiday shopping trips at the mall. FCC indecency rules apply to broadcast networks between the hours of 6 a.m. and 10 p.m., but the rules aren't so clear. Of course, cable tv does not have to conform to the same guidelines. As Christians, we have to remember that we live by a higher standard and this subject is addressed repeatedly throughout scripture. My personal favorite is from Matthew 15:11 (NIV) "What goes into a man's mouth does not make him 'unclean,' but what comes out of his mouth, that is what makes him 'unclean.'" By the way, that very phrase offended the Pharisees. Oh, how the times have changed.