Where Have All the Boundaries Gone? Long Time Passing

The transition from the 20th century to the 21st century hasn't been easy on an old geezer like me.

I was born in 1950, a time of war between America and North Korea. I've witnessed some pretty big changes in our society these past decades.

Rather than address all of the inventions I've seen in my lifetime there's another subject I'd like to share with you and see what you think.

Social boundaries

The curse word fuck that was once only used sparingly is now commonly used in public discourse. The president of the United States blurted out the fuck word in a recent interview and no one was really shocked. Of course, it was Trump and nothing he does shocks anyone anymore. As far as I know no other president in modern times said fuck out loud while publicly speaking.

I clearly remember the furor caused by a young comedian's monologue in 1972 at Summerfest in Milwaukee. His name was George Carlin, and his performance of a monologue called, "Seven Words You Can Never Say on Television." shocked the public and critics. He was arrested for disturbing the peace after the show.

The words, in the order Carlin listed them are: "shit," "piss," "fuck," "cunt," "cocksucker," "motherfucker," and "tits." At the time broadcasters on the public airways considered those words highly taboo. 

None of those words would raise an eyebrow nowadays. I challenge you to find a drama, comedy, action film, love story, horror film, or documentary that doesn't have words from Carlin's list. It's easy. The ultimate swear word fuck has been neutered in the 21st century. Everyday conversations are scattered with sick slang trying to provoke reactions from an increasingly jaded public.

Social discourse no longer has boundaries. Maybe that's good. Considering the 1st Amendment and all. But part of me misses when every vile word possible wasn't bantered around so casually like it is now. I admit being crude and rude can be funny. But there's no longer any limits in today's public dialogue. 

I guess that makes me sound like an old fogie telling kids to get off my lawn. 

I'm all for free speech, however. That's not the point. I'm a writer who respects words, but I think there's a time and place for rude and crude language. Seeing that kind of language so prevalent in our world today is kind of sad. It's sure not a good argument for a supposedly advanced society in the 21st century.

As it Stands, "Boundaries aren't all bad. That's why there are walls around mental institutions." - Peggy Noonan