Let the expletives fly

Written by: Nathaniel Dolan

Recently, it was brought to my attention that there still exists some contention in modern society around college professors swearing in classrooms.  Oi vey.  Here we go.  The extremist puritan right–wing is insisting — yet again — to be heard and obeyed.  OK, fine. Let’s hear it. What’s the complaint again?  Some college professors are swearing in class and offending some folks’ delicate sensibilities?  I’ll say it again — oi vey.  For the luv ‘a Mike — are we really going there again?  Do we not already have enough on our plate without dragging this old and tired topic to the foreground yet again? I would have thought that such a dusty old issue went out with the 8–track.  No?  Well, then, let’s settle it right here and now and be done with it.

Listen — there’s “life” and, then, there’s “real” life — neither of which necessarily commands the lion’s share of popular opinion all the time.  As a philosophy major, and lifelong “hobbyist” in the realm of philosophical study, I am quite aware that there is what “is,” and then, there is what a particular demographic of our population would “prefer.”  Rarely, do these two distinct elements of the human experience concur.  Simply put, there’s just what is — and, then, there’s everything else.  And, what “is” in life happens to include the very real element of the use of expletives in just about every part of every culture spanning the globe — including ours.

Let’s face it.  We are all part of the human race — and humans curse.  Furthermore, this is the U.S. of A.  We are Americans — and Americans swear.  Hell, man, the freedom to swear is one of the cornerstones of our culture.  You remember, don’t you — free speech and all that “tedious” constitutional Bill of Rights stuff?  And, what are swearwords anyway?  Well, they are exactly that — words.  Remember what your mommy taught you — sticks and stones…?

Swearing is, after all, a matter of free choice and personal taste.  And, the fact is, some are just better at it than others.  Yes, there are many among us who are, as a matter of habit, just downright vulgar people, and whose use of expletives never seems to enhance their particular brand of communication, instead often losing attention to the point of contention they might be making.  However, there are also those by whom cursing is elevated to a genuine art form.  In the proper context, cursing can often make a point in much more distinct and rapid fashion than any phrase that is “cleaned–up” so as not to offend individual sensitivities.

Is it unprofessional to curse in what might otherwise be considered a professional environment?  I’d have to say that this is a matter of personal opinion and clearly up for debate.  If there are any among you who actually believe that you are going to enter the professional world and never be subjected to curse words, well — you’re just kidding yourselves, and you really ought to just wake up and smell the coffee.

Swearing is simply part and parcel of the human condition and has existed for as long as language has been available.  It is the centuries–old religious dogma and archaic puritan ideals that’s been trying to beat out of you much of your fundamental humanity — including the use of swearwords.  If you really aren’t capable of mining the gold from another’s communication that might include a few expletives, well — perhaps the problem is actually found not on the part of the one using the expletives.  Maybe, the problem is yours.  Let’s all just get over it.  We’ve got much bigger fish to fry in life.

Professors use it and abuse it

Written by: Alyssa Sterkel

At the beginning of every semester, my professors review the class syllabus to ensure that my classmates and I know what is expected of us.  This expectation includes how many absences we can afford, how many assignments we will have and sometimes how to act in class.  This includes being professional, being courteous, being respectful to our peers and professor, and not being disruptive.  However, some professors tend to define professionalism by these standards with their class, but, then, not adhere to their own rules like not using profane language in the classroom.

Using foul language in the classroom isn’t such a “no-no” anymore.  It could be due to students’ lack of respect for authority or professors trying to relate to the generation they are teaching.  Or, maybe it’s just that some professors don’t care about acting professionally in class.  Professors like to tip–toe around the professionalism policy and garner a few laughs from their students.   They’ll insert a “damn” here and there to drill in a point, or a joke, and slip in a few words that I don’t need to spell out for you — and the slipping in of a few more “choice words” is where my problem lies.

I’m not trying to tattle on anyone or get professor so–and-so in trouble.  I’m just trying to raise the issue of a double standard for students and professors when it comes to professionalism in the classroom.   I’m all for a few laughs.  And sure, professors, go ahead and insert a curse word or two into your lesson plans, but don’t explain to me how to manage a company, the history of Sigmund Freud, or how the digestive system works while you’re cursing every minute.

Professors are not just teaching students Monday through Friday, they are at their job.  No matter who you’re interacting with at your job, you need to act like you are working.  I’ve never had a teacher tell me “curse words are definitely OK to use when speaking with your client,” yet I’ve witnessed professors speak to their students using curse words.

Some students may love that their professor curses, some may think it’s cool, and some may think it goes with what they’re teaching.  But, maybe if students realize that professors are not practicing what they preach, students will also realize that it’s really not so cool.  It’s more like the opposite of professionalism.

To me, cursing makes professors look less credible, less respectable, and less intelligent. How can I respect a professor when they act like a college student?  Trying to make a lesson plan more entertaining and interesting does not mean they have to act the opposite of a well-mannered and well-spoken individual.

However, if the use of foul language is not to entertain students, but it’s a part of their language outside the classroom, then those professors need to go back to school.  If a professor can’t check himself or herself at the classroom door, like we’re supposed to do, then they shouldn’t be teaching.

Part of a professor’s job is to release students into the real world well–prepared. Making students think it’s OK to curse in professional environments — such as classrooms — might have the opposite effect and get graduates fired the first time they open their mouths on the job.