[sw-l] obscenities, etc.

[Tini Pel]

Thank you Jerry!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Tini Pel.
  ----- Original Message ----- 
  From: Jerry Spillman 
  To: SignWriting List 
  Sent: Tuesday, October 19, 2004 8:55 PM
  Subject: [sw-l] obscenities, etc.


  Dear Valerie and List,

  As this is a forum, I must put in my two cents worth.  I will maintain my websites as family-oriented material, and without obscene expression as much as possible.  Just because a language contains obscenity, as all languages do, there is seldom necessity to put it to use.  There are signs for sex in it's numerous uses as a word, and there are signs for obscenities which roughly express the same thoughts in a less gentle manner.  I think the point of the discussion is not whether such terminology should exist, but whether it should become a standard of expression. Vulgarity, for example, is merely the word meaning "the common talk".  However, in my upbringing, it was not polite to speak in a vulgar manner in the general company of ladies and gentlemen.  I also understand that in some settings and with some people's culture, what may seem vulgar to "polite company" is common fare amongst them.  And as long as it stays within that culture, people are welcome to "have at it".  

  As educators and public servants, many of us elect to refrain from such language because it can be and usually is offensive to SOMEONE who might be present.  This varies with culture. What is OK to express in Denver, Colorado is, in many instances, absolutely NOT OK in Salt Lake City, Utah. 

  Let us persevere to produce language that is acceptable to all who would hear it, and know what the vulgarities are so that we can avoid their use in "polite company".  I think in this light, that there is a place for such words in a general dictionary; however, this would mandate that certain abridgement take place before providing that dictionary for children's use. Considering this, perhaps a separate dictionary of vulgarity and obscenity would serve the general good in a better fashion than placing all signs, no matter what, inside the SAME work. It would be similar to a friend of mine who teaches technical and mathematical terminology to deaf students providing just those students who will use such signs with them, rather than confusing the average person with "useless" vocabulary.  

  I pray that in our processes of developing and defining language,  that we learn to communicate decently and in good order while dealing and expressing ourselves publicly.  Please consider these things as you develop your dictionaries and write rules for editing.

  Jerry Spillman
  Webmaster, Cyberjer.com
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