Is Bad Language Unacceptable on TV?
BBC Online
(1) The use of racially abusive language on television and radio is
an area of increasing concern among viewers and listeners, a new study has
revealed. The report also suggests most adult with children want their homes
to be expletive free. Stephen Whittle, Director of the Broadcasting Standards
Commission in England, says there is an acceptance that swearing and
offensive language is used in daily life, and may be appropriate if a program
is aimed at adults.
(2) But he says people “would prefer their homes to remain an
expletive deleted zone for children.” Is swearing still a matter of major
concern to you? Or have swear words and offensive language become an
accepted part of TV output? Here are some responses to this question
featured on the BBC Online’s “Talking Point”:
(3) There’s a simple answer to all those complaining.
If you don’t like it then don’t watch it. There is nothing more
annoying than listening to outraged people complaining about
what they had to watch the night before. No one makes you
watch them so if you hear bad language/ see sex scene/ view
violence then change the channels instead of watching all three
hours and then complaining about afterwards. YOU DON’T
HAVE TO WATCH IT. It’s true that at times in films/programs it
seems the language is used purely to shock rather than as part
of the script/plot/characters but if you sit and watch it all instead
of turning over/ switching off then you can’t then blame your
shock and outrage on the program makers.
James, UK
(4) There is no justification to the use of bad language
on TV. It is unacceptable. How can a parent positively correct a
child who uses bad language if all they hear on TV is filthy
language every minute?
Ruskin Kwofic, USA
(5) Not only is swearing wrong and extremely
offensive, even worse than that is the constant blasphemy on
TV. This is especially hurtful to a Christian like myself when it is
done to make people laugh. We should not be blaspheming or
condoning this when we laugh or otherwise accept it passively
or actively. It is too easy to say,” ...use the off switch...,” this is
not the answer. Does any parent want to encourage their child
to swear and adopt negativity? Rather it would be more
constructive to teach them the values of right and wrong. To
sum up, all who own a television license are entitled to be
informed and entertained by its purchase and that means all.
K.D., Wales
(6) Protecting children is a big chunk of what
responsible parenting is about, and protecting their minds and
emotions is just as important as physical protection, if not more
so. Of course they’ll come across it elsewhere, but it’s clear that
the extent will be increased or decreased by the levels of
exposure of their peers. As a parent I find the so-called
watershed is no guarantee at all that my kids won’t hear
swearing on the television. Please can we have a consistently
regulated watershed?
Tom Richards, UK
(7) I consider the television to be a guest. I would not
allow a visitor to my house to use swearing and foul language in
front of me or my children. I consider the television to be a
guest, and when it offends, off it goes!
[Link], UK
(8) It really is stupid to campaign for protecting young
people against swearing on TV. By the time you reach 12 years
old you’ve heard every word under the sun a million times in the
playground. Anyone who fails to realize this is just completely
ignorant.
Darren Meale, UK
(9) Bad language is nothing compared to all the
violent shows on so many series. I prefer to hear someone
pronounce a four-letter word than to see them beaten to death
or killed in a TV series. Bad language is part of the everyday life
of most people. Violence is not.
Luc Masuy, Belgium
(10) The use of bad language in TV or cinema is not a
reflection of society, but rather an excuse by writers and actors
to hide the facts that they can no longer produce real drama or
real emotion. The use of swearing is to emphasize a point is
only there to mask the lack of understanding and talent. Media
twenty years ago didn’t need to use bad language—the skill in
presenting drama and emotions was there anyway. Sorry, no
swearing on TV or cinema at all for me.
Steve Gittins, UK
