Recently, I watched a video of young girls using explicit language to push their points on feminism. I do not believe speaking the principles of feminism was the problem, but the use of extreme language to promote those principles, specifically the f-bomb, was the problem.
I would assess the video as being a total backfire because it detracted from the main point. Also, being equal does not mean using inappropriate language or behavior. It is time for men to cease the practice, too. I do not believe that teaching these young girls that because one wrong is less invasive than some of the others, that it justifies ill behavior of any kind.
I am not missing the point of the video nor am I justifying any of the wrongdoings that were mentioned. However, I do believe the video brings up another issue among those that were spoken against in the video, vulgarity amongst the youth.
It would be great to see more of our youth developing deep thoughts and beliefs. The young girls in the video (minus the explicit language) set a great example of young people breaking the stereotype of laziness and making a difference in society. I have noticed, however, an extremely large number of young people not monitoring their words and or actions and not developing deep thoughts or beliefs that could have a lasting positive impact.
I would greatly appreciate going out in public and not hearing vulgar language. Seeing and hearing this kind of behavior usually just makes me wish I had chosen to go somewhere different or stayed at home.
For instance, today as I sat and ate my lunch, the guy sitting across from me simply refused to filter his words. As he spoke to his female acquaintance, he repeatedly dropped explicit language. I believe it was even more irritating that it was not done out of frustration but simply out of a lack of respect for himself, the young woman he was speaking with and others who were sitting around him.
Potty mouths followed me this past weekend.
I took a trip to Baton Rouge with a few friends to watch the game. As you could imagine, we were not greeted by the friendliest of people in the best possible manner. It was a new experience for me, being a visiting fan in an unexplored place.
For the most part, I did not mind the taunting — if it was obviously in good fun, of course. Some fans (and all schools have these fans) took it too far. I did not appreciate the obscene language that was blurted out towards us. It made me think: would you raise your children to be these types of people? Hopefully, the answer is no.
Vulgar language and behaviors have had a lasting impact on society as a whole. I would love to see less objectification, hatred and rude behavior. I do not want my children to grow up in a world filled with profanity and ill-censored behavior.
The use of vulgarity does not promote the positive things we so desperately need to expound upon in our society. It appears education and class have taken a back seat to vulgarity. Some of you will soon be teachers and professionals, please clean up your acts. You are now the influences younger people will observe.
Brice Ashford is a junior marketing major from Ridgeland.
