How Cool We Are?

Cuss words, and swear words especially the F-word, have become so common in everyday conversation that it’s a part of vocabulary. Abuses, once reserved for private spaces or among friends, are now out in the open and used by almost everyone, and if you are not using the F word then you are not cool. There was a time when people abused in certain circles like their close friends, never in front of parents, elders, or children, but now these words are part of a common vocabulary. Just the other day, I was watching a stand-up comedy where the comedian used the abuses of mother and sister in EVERY sentence. It was disgusting. The show was highly recommended. I looked at comments to know if viewers have objected to his language. Shocking! There were comments about how hilarious he was and how his comedy made them laugh but not a single comment about how dirty his language was. Surprising that such content is there for public viewing. 

Once, a young writer with a large following posted something that included offensive language. I commented, suggesting that, as a writer with such influence, he should refrain from using such words. I was immediately trolled, called old-fashioned, an ‘aunty,’ or a ‘nosy aunty.’ Why is it that, when you advocate for respect and decency, you’re considered uncool?

I was watching a show called Fabulous Lives of Bollywood Wives, and one of the characters used the F-word in nearly every sentence. She even encouraged her friends to do the same, when one of her friends objected, claiming that it made her feel "good." Seriously? Is that what cool has come to?

The most shocking part? Most of the people using these words have no idea what they truly mean. If they understood the weight of these words, they would likely be ashamed to say them. But still, everyone keeps using them, because of FOMO. I once asked a youngster why young people use such language. He shrugged and said, “Everyone uses it. It’s okay. It doesn’t really mean anything bad." But Bad language is bad, regardless of how casually it’s thrown around.

It’s troubling to see how easily profanity has become ingrained in people’s vocabulary. But does it really make anyone more cool or more powerful to use offensive language? Or has this just become the default way of expressing ourselves in a world that’s losing touch with the importance of respect and civility?