I could say so much about words.
Why is “fuck” a “bad” word? Could “love” ever be a “bad” word??
If you live in America, or anywhere, for that matter, you know that the McDonalds slogan is “I’m lovin’ it”. How is it okay for them to blatantly misrepresent “love” like that? ”Lovin’ McDonalds” is a definitely a bad thing. Thus the word “love” is bad, in that sentence. If I “love” my family, how can I “love” McDonalds? It makes ZERO sense. Why is it so acceptable to use the word “love” to mean such different things?
What’s the more intelligent response to this question: ”How do you feel about terrorism?”
A1: ”It’s fucked up.”
A2: “I’m lovin’ it.”
Now if you get to the basic root meaning of the two sentences by considering the meaning of the words, you will unbiasedly determine that A1 is obviously more intelligent than A2 because it uses the most accurate depiction of terrorism by calling it “disturbing/obtrusive/wrong“. And A2, has an opinion that could technically be unacceptable because of the true definition of “love“. I know that the public opinion would agree with A2, but they wouldn’t agree with the chosen word “fucked” because of this idea in their heads that a word can be offensive. If this is the case, then I take offense to the word love being misused by so many, especially McDonalds. I also want to call them out for using the word “happy” so much. ”Happy” Meals should be named “Lots of bad stuff” Meals. And their slogan should be “I’m addicted to it.”
The word “addicted” is another one I would like to expand upon. We all know that being addicted is a “bad” thing. Being devoted is one thing, but addiction is something different. It usually means that one does not have control over whether or not they do something. It’s a compulsion, they must, or they will suffer some sort of withdrawal. So why is it that we chastise people who are addicted to drugs, gambling, alcohol, etc. at the same time we see billboard ads for “addictively good chocolate.”
I don’t have the answers to my questions about words. I know that I misuse words sometimes, and I find my language tendencies often mirror those I am with. When I am around people who use strong language that some might consider “bad”, I am more inclined to do the same. When I am around people who are easily offended by such words, I keep them inside and replace them with words that will get my point across most efficiently.
I understand our desire to have “bad” words, but if we must enforce rules upon those who use them, we should also move to have some sacred “good” words that we cherish. Those who regard the word “fuck” as “bad” should stand up for “love” and condemn the misrepresentation of it in our lives.