The world is always changing, and there are always new standards on what is considered okay, and what is simply not okay to do in society. Of course there are certain things that have stayed pretty much consistent throughout time in our society, such as certain taboos in place, like killing and incest. However, taboos in language are a little different. Words are changing, due to the world always changing. Words take on new meanings, and they can turn into words that should not be spoken, or words that can be spoken. This reminds me of Harry Potter, and how no one says Lord Voldemort’s name. This society in Harry Potter knows what this ghastly man, or Sorcerer, did in their time, and that is why they never speak his name because his name is considered a taboo word. Conversely, the people in the world we consider to be real, the Muggles, have no idea who this Lord Voldemort is, so it would not be a bad thing if they were to utter his name. You see, this Wizard’s name is considered a taboo in the society of the Wizardly world, yet in the powerless Muggles world there is no meaning placed on this word, so it is not considered something bad. Therefore, the question is brought to light, should we protect our society from taboo language on television, or should we expose it to the world because they are just words?
Taboo language on television is often not accepted by society, and this is primary due to the fact that people are sometimes sensitive to certain words, and people feel that children should not be exposed to such words for replication. Words are considered taboo for a reason, just like Lord Voldemort. Words have the ability to offend and hash up awful memories. People should not have to be exposed to certain taboo words while watching their favorite program on television. They should not be upset when listening to something that is supposed to take their mind off of the worries of the world. That is not the purpose of television. Television is there to entertain, and help a person escape from the world in which they live in. On the opposing side of this argument, people believe that taboo language should be exposed on television since it is what “real people” say in reality (McWhorter). However, that defeats the purpose of television. We live in the real world, and are encountered with “real people” and vulgar taboo language all the time (McWhorter). Thus, why should we turn something designated for entertainment into something that can offend and hurt, when it is the soul thing we are trying to escape. That is nonsensical. Of course, in the opposition’s defense television is sometimes reserved for educational and informative reasons, although the majority of people use it as a means of happiness. Next on the agenda for discussion are children and taboo language on television. This is a pretty clear cut case. Children should not be exposed all willy-nilly to taboo language on television due to the simple reason that they can replicate it in their own language. Children will soak up anything like a sponge. And if television allows for taboo language to be incorporated into everyday television shows that children watch, then they can harm their classmates and other children they interact with some hurtful language that can impact them negatively. Yet, people protest that it is not a realistic representation of life. However, it is up to the parent of that child to expose them to taboo language, not the media. The idea of a life where television presents taboo language is not a place of happiness or fairness.
In the entirety of this situation it is up to society to decide what is right, and what is not. It is up to society to deem what language is taboo, and what to show on television based off of taboo language. Right now, censorship puts restrictions of taboo language on television, unless you watch late-night television. But that is how things are presently. As I stated before, the world is always changing, and one day there might not be censorship on taboo language on television. In the mean time, let us protect our citizens and children from taboo language on television.
Works Cited
McWhorter, John. “Letting Words Fly.” Exploring Language. Ed. Suzanna P. Chambers. New York: Pearson, 2010. 424. Print. 19 March 2011.
It seems as though "taboo" language in media is being accepted more and more as time goes on. I realize language in itself is in a state of flux, but there are some words, I feel, that do not need to be interjected into dialogue, at any age level. There is no need if the audience has an understanding of the language that is spoken. Herein lies the dilemma...
ReplyDeleteShould parents allow their children to be exposed to the presumed language of their environment, including media, or should parents screen their child's exposure to words of violence and demeaning associations to better their understanding of the enviroments outside their perfect world?
In today's society, I doubt that most children are not exposed to language outside that of the home because of the media's influence on society. The best intending parents want to "virginalize" their kids to the real world as long as possible. It should never be up to society to decide what is appropriate for kids to watch or hear. I think the prevalence of sex and violence in movies or in video games and their ratings (what a JOKE) is sufficient evidence to how "society" works. It's all about what entertains parents while at the same time entertaining and enticing children.
Dear, you had me at “Lord Voldemort”. It’s like a beacon or something; that draws me to anything Harry Potter related. It should be rather sad, but I can’t find it in myself to feel that way. I really like the parallel you made between He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named and the “taboo” language we face today. I think you’re absolutely right when you mentioned how Voldemort’s name means so much to the Wizarding world, but to the Muggles, it’s just another name. It brings back that part from the series when Harry first told the Dursleys about Voldemort and it was only Aunt Petunia who even gave the smallest inclination that he was bad. Uncle Vernon just stood there and looked back at Harry. He had no idea that the name he kept repeating was the darkest wizard of the known world at the time.
ReplyDeleteThe “taboo” placed on certain words with television has always been interesting to me. I’ve shied away from certain words that are truly degrading to be said, but the words that are censored from television, I think, are fighting a losing battle. We’re already seeing those “taboo” words sneak their way onto cable television and it’s not even late-night TV we’re watching. I’ve been using Supernatural all week to make this parallel. The show comes on Friday at nine at night (which isn’t too late, really) and the language used would make Archie Cunningham wince. However, I really loved your thoughts this week and look forward to them again next week.