I was in the New York Times this week, in this piece about rising vulgarity in the Christian world. I argued that Donald Trump is a product of changes in the world rather than its cause. “I consider Trump a product of the changes in the world,” said Aaron Renn, a conservative writer who has written about Mr. Trump’s appeal but admonished Christians to “
Samuel James's quote illustrates the problem. He, like many people, thinks "profanity" means "obscenity". Profanity-- the use of irreverent language-- is so universally accepted that most people have no idea it could be objectionable. Obscenity is common too, but there's still a sense that it's improper. Of course, both kinds of language have always been common, even back when they were shameful for gentlemen and ladies. The elite class also uses both now, not universally, but it's getting worse.
Samuel James's quote illustrates the problem. He, like many people, thinks "profanity" means "obscenity". Profanity-- the use of irreverent language-- is so universally accepted that most people have no idea it could be objectionable. Obscenity is common too, but there's still a sense that it's improper. Of course, both kinds of language have always been common, even back when they were shameful for gentlemen and ladies. The elite class also uses both now, not universally, but it's getting worse.