Abusive Language (10/02 Saturday)

[Wayne]

Abusive Language 10/02 2004 Wayne

Most people, particularly women, feel offended when they hear expletive words, even when they are not targeted. Meanwhile, many celebrities, no matter Taiwanese or foreign, are known to often speak vulgarly. However, the number of their fans has not been significantly reduced because of their profanity usage. After all, who authorizes them to use abusive language towards other people?

Among them, some people simply use such language habitually—without any evil intention, whereas others use such language when they usually are mad. Take a recent incident in Taiwan for example. When the one and only Sir Elton John visited Taiwan on September 23, he shouted a string of unprintable words towards reporters at the airport, and they fought back rudely. Later, at the concert scene, he regretted what had happened at the airport. Despite an apology, do you think a superstar like him has the license to humiliate others in a foul language? Please first read the stories before the meeting and have a discussion on the following questions on the meeting day.

The Elton John stories: (You don't have to read the all.)
http://www.etaiwannews.com/Taiwan/2004/ ... 992332.htm
http://www.cnn.com/2004/SHOWBIZ/Music/0 ... iwan.reut/
http://straitstimes.asia1.com.sg/showbi ... 86,00.html
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/entertainment ... on=general
http://news.ninemsn.com.au/article.aspx?id=18894
http://seven.com.au/news/topstories/121918
http://news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&u ... lton_dc_12

What's Wrong with Swearing?
http://www.cusscontrol.com/swearing.html

Session One:
1. Do you think Elton John did the right thing or the reporters invaded his privacy? Is it Elton John's image or our nation's image damaged, or else?
2. Do you think megastars are entitled to use abusive language? If they happen to be your favorite artists, will it change your opinions of them?
3. Does abusive language have a negative influence on children or give a bad demonstration to them? Or, is it no big deal?

Session Two:
4. Some people say it is acceptable for men swearing but definitely not for women. Do you agree with it?
5. Are you bothered or even upset by abusive language? Would you accept someone as your girlfriend/boyfriend if s/he uses abusive language occasionally and more than occasionally, respectively?
6. Did you notice several synonymous expressions related to “abusive language”? What are the words that you've learned from the news articles or the extra reading?