Freedom of speech on TV should be restricted

I thank brian_eggleston for his interesting and definitely humorous arguments :) =====Counterarguments===== >>>However, when it comes to factual programming, especially current affairs, people tend to respect the presenters as figures of authority, and often seek to emulate their superior grammar and vocabulary.<<< ----> Yes, this is indeed true. However, it doesn't mean such factual programmings HAVE to be limited on freedom of speech. Legally speaking, they should be allowed to say whatever they want. However, it's common sense that for factual programming, using expletives is bad business - it drives people away. Cursing shouldn't be banned, it should just be known as common knowledge to factual programming like the news that using foul language can bring down viewership so unless it's Comedy Central or an on-the-edge news programming, cussing won't appear so rampant on such respectable programs. >>>It would be wholly innappropriate, therefore, to allow a presenter to employ foul language or make offensive remarks as these would be then be regarded as respectable and, after a time, become part of the mainstream lexicon.<<< ----> If the fear is that foul language will become respectable and part of the mainstream lexicon, then it's already too late. Tons upon tons of famous artists, singers, comedians, etc. use foul language and obviously MANY people swear regularly. In fact, In America, 72 percent of men and 58 percent of women swear in public and 74 percent of 18 to 34 year olds and 48 percent of people who are over age 55 do also. [1] Secondly, if it does happen that cussing becomes part of common day talk (which it already has) and be regarded as respectable, then why the hassle? MANY words we use commonly today were once cuss words. For example, take the word vagina. We can probably think of a lot of variations, but do you know 'attic' once meant vagina in the 1900's Or bag in the late 19th century? Take another word for example: vandal. We commonly define vandals as people who deface public or private property, like graffiti. However, it used to be a derogatory word for Germans, the Vandal tribe that sacked Rome[2]. The thing is, language evolves all the time. Who cares if people cuss and it becomes part of modern language - we've seen the history of that. >>>No, allowing TV presenters to mouth off like Carol Thatcher would be the thin edge of the wedge that could lead to the demise of the genteel and civilised socirty[sic] we live as part of today.<<< ----> Actually, cussing does more than to offend people. When babies are sad or mad, they usually cry as most of us would know. However, when we grow up society tells us that adults can't cry in public - which is why we cuss instead. Many linguistic researches believe that cussing is just a way to relieve stress and calm yourself[3]. =====Conclusion===== Cussing is no different from any other type of word. Sure, if I called you a dumb*ss, you may be hurt if I meant it. However, that's because I MEANT IT. If I said it in a laughing manner, most likely you would be totally okay with it. However, if I said I hate your guts and meant it, you'd be hurt because though "hate" isn't a cuss word, you understood my meaning behind it. Cussing shouldn't be banned on TV because people should have the freedom to hear and say whatever they want. Sure, using it on CNN or BBC may be idiotic, because it will lower viewership unnecessarily (or raise, you never know ;D), but it shouldn't be ILLEGAL. It's just a dumb business move. ---References--- 1. Grimm, Matthew. "When the Sh*t Hits the Fan." American Demographics. Vol. 25, no. 10. December 2003. 2. http://www.answers.com... 3. Stapleton, Karyn. "Gender and Swearing: A Community Practice." Women and Language. Vol. 26, no. 2. Fall 2003.