Is Bad Language Unacceptable on TV?

BBC Online

(1) The use of racially abusive language on television and radio is

an area of increasing concern among viewers and listeners, a new study has

revealed. The report also suggests most adult with children want their homes

to be expletive free. Stephen Whittle, Director of the Broadcasting Standards

Commission in England, says there is an acceptance that swearing and

offensive language is used in daily life, and may be appropriate if a program

is aimed at adults.

(2) But he says people “would prefer their homes to remain an

expletive deleted zone for children.” Is swearing still a matter of major

concern to you? Or have swear words and offensive language become an

accepted part of TV output? Here are some responses to this question

featured on the BBC Online’s “Talking Point”:

(3) There’s a simple answer to all those complaining.

If you don’t like it then don’t watch it. There is nothing more

annoying than listening to outraged people complaining about

what they had to watch the night before. No one makes you

watch them so if you hear bad language/ see sex scene/ view

violence then change the channels instead of watching all three

hours and then complaining about afterwards. YOU DON’T

HAVE TO WATCH IT. It’s true that at times in films/programs it

seems the language is used purely to shock rather than as part

of the script/plot/characters but if you sit and watch it all instead

of turning over/ switching off then you can’t then blame your
shock and outrage on the program makers.

James, UK

(4) There is no justification to the use of bad language

on TV. It is unacceptable. How can a parent positively correct a

child who uses bad language if all they hear on TV is filthy

language every minute?

Ruskin Kwofic, USA

(5) Not only is swearing wrong and extremely

offensive, even worse than that is the constant blasphemy on

TV. This is especially hurtful to a Christian like myself when it is

done to make people laugh. We should not be blaspheming or

condoning this when we laugh or otherwise accept it passively

or actively. It is too easy to say,” ...use the off switch...,” this is

not the answer. Does any parent want to encourage their child

to swear and adopt negativity? Rather it would be more

constructive to teach them the values of right and wrong. To

sum up, all who own a television license are entitled to be

informed and entertained by its purchase and that means all.

K.D., Wales

(6) Protecting children is a big chunk of what

responsible parenting is about, and protecting their minds and

emotions is just as important as physical protection, if not more

so. Of course they’ll come across it elsewhere, but it’s clear that

the extent will be increased or decreased by the levels of

exposure of their peers. As a parent I find the so-called

watershed is no guarantee at all that my kids won’t hear

swearing on the television. Please can we have a consistently

regulated watershed?

Tom Richards, UK

(7) I consider the television to be a guest. I would not

allow a visitor to my house to use swearing and foul language in

front of me or my children. I consider the television to be a

guest, and when it offends, off it goes!

J.Herbert, UK

(8) It really is stupid to campaign for protecting young

people against swearing on TV. By the time you reach 12 years

old you’ve heard every word under the sun a million times in the

playground. Anyone who fails to realize this is just completely

ignorant.
Darren Meale, UK

(9) Bad language is nothing compared to all the

violent shows on so many series. I prefer to hear someone

pronounce a four-letter word than to see them beaten to death

or killed in a TV series. Bad language is part of the everyday life

of most people. Violence is not.

Luc Masuy, Belgium

(10) The use of bad language in TV or cinema is not a

reflection of society, but rather an excuse by writers and actors

to hide the facts that they can no longer produce real drama or

real emotion. The use of swearing is to emphasize a point is

only there to mask the lack of understanding and talent. Media

twenty years ago didn’t need to use bad language—the skill in

presenting drama and emotions was there anyway. Sorry, no

swearing on TV or cinema at all for me.

Steve Gittins, UK