Vituperation, Invective or freedom of expression?

Discussion in the public space seems increasingly dominated by forms of expression that are abusive and which would once have been considered highly inappropriate.

Rather than engage intelligently with a person about some issue of difference, at least one party, usually the one with the weakest argument or the laziest approach, just throws an insult, attacks the character of the other person and retreats behind a pseudonym. Of course, the use of abusive language is excused on the basis of freedom of expression.

Many years ago, and I mean decades, I made a decision to stop swearing. It was one of a number of thigs in my life I needed to change and which I believed reflected badly on my character. I no longer swear, I have no need of it. Unless anyone reading this thinks that I am some shrinking violet that has never lived in the real world, let me just set you right. I grew up in a council estate in England, as an adult, among other things I have worked in a maximum security prison, as a chaplain to women seeking to leave prostitution. I have even taught year 11 and 12 students in the Vet system, an environment giving ample opportunity to broaden your vocabulary. I don’t swear because I think it demeans me, adds nothing to the conversation and insults the other person.

Recently a writer, I’m not sure if she is a journalist or claims to be one, resigned from her job in the media because she was asked to moderate her language. She felt unable to do this. It was more important to her to abuse and attack the character of those with whom she disagreed than to engage in a more considered way. Social media (especially Twitter) gives everybody an opportunity to make comment about almost anything. It is a terrific vehicle for engaging, but it is sad that for many it is just a place to launch into an often ill-informed diatribe.

Sadly, the standard of expression marked by invective is characteristic of our parliament, schools, media, leaders in industry, sport and the arts – in fact every arena of life. A standard that is being modelled for our children to emulate, and they do! We all have a choice. If your vocabulary is so limited that you cannot expressive yourself without recourse to abusive language, buy a dictionary. Use language that encourages conversation and builds others up rather than that which is intended to leave them feeling demeaned and hurt. Work at making this a better place not one that is bitter.