Nothing exemplifies American society’s predilection for inventing boogie men quite like the utterly insane attitude they have toward certain words. They have essentially surrendered to the notion that a simple arrangement of letters is inherently harmful, independent of context or meaning. Not a day goes by without news stories and blog posts focusing on the word “fuck”. And, ridiculous as it may be, the authors rarely refer to the actual word, but instead substitute a code word so as to avoid offending anyone. Not only is it childish, but it is stunningly spineless. What kind of challenge or authority can come from someone who cowers under the fear of ruffling some reader’s feathers?
But, alas, there is hope. If you are even remotely in touch with American culture, you have heard of the movie, Kick Ass. Personally, I have seen it and believe that the movie would be vastly improved if it merely eliminated the part of Kick Ass and his girl friend from the plot. The real genius of this movie is in the part of Hit Girl, who transgresses into the land of adult language so boldly and easily that the world has been changed forever (and its about goddamn fuckin’ time).
Back in the 60s, the big fear was an atomic bomb attack from the USSR. The term was commonly shortened to “A-Bomb”. While watching the movie Unthinkable the other day, it occurred to me that we now invariably use the term “nuclear bomb” instead of atomic bomb. Of course, you can’t shorten the term to “N-bomb”, because N-bomb is already reserved as a milquetoast-friendly substitute for the word “nigger” which is another word that cannot be uttered in public if even to denounce it.
There is a scene in an original “Star Trek” episode called “The Savage Curtain” that comes to mind whenever this subject comes up. Basically, Abraham Lincoln is resurrected and has this dialogue with Lt. Uhura:
Abraham Lincoln: What a charming Negress. Oh, forgive me, my dear. I know in my time some used that term as a description of property.
Uhura: But why should I object to that term, sir? In our century, we’ve learned not to fear words.
That episode was written in 1969 and still no fucking progress.
Don’t assume that “If you are even remotely in touch with American culture, you have heard of the movie, Kick Ass…” Although I live abroad I’m more than remotely in touch but I never heard of this film until I read your post! Thanks for the heads-up – I’ll definitely make time to see this courageous movie. Please continue keeping us distant citizens informed!