Freedom implies no limitations. The American Heritage Dictionary defines "freedom" (via Dictionary.com) as:
"The condition of being free of restraints."
Once you enter those restraining factors that you mentioned, you drop the freedom of speech. You have a limited freedom, but not freedom. That's all I was trying to say.
As for swearing, well, I'm not gonna say much. If you want, take a look at this page:
my.hamilton.net/~joshandlisa/cussing.htmYou don't have to go there though...chances are you won't all like what you see.
Here's the main thing. Swearing takes words out of context. Yes, the "s" word does have a meaning of "defaecation" or "excrement." The "b" word means adult, female dog. However, when you call someone a "b-word" (if you can't tell, I abstain from profanity), you are calling them something they aren't. Quite frankly, that's just kinda silly, if you ask me.
Personally, I don't see much wrong with saying these words in context. However, that doesn't make them profanity. That means you are speaking the English language, albeit a very messed up language.
Using them out of context in a vulgar manner makes them profane.
Now, as for what Shiva said...not all of that is fact. You said:
"Swearing wasn't foul language during those times as well"
Back in the Bible times (or before, whatever), there was profanity. English didn't really exist in the form it does today, so the "b-word" and the "f-word" may not have existed (and likewise, meant anything good or bad). However, other languages did exist (Latin, Greek, Hebrew, etc.). Believe it or not, it was possible to swear in those times in those languages. As was mentioned, profanity (or, "irreverent language") is simply language that is used to put someone or something in a bad light. It can, however, be against the constitution to use such language. Take a look at this page:
supreme.lp.findlaw.com/constitution/amendment01/18.htmlThat talks a bit about a couple things such as libel and slander. Those two words (libel=written, slander=spoken) refer to the defamation of the Government of the United States of America (or whatever nation one is in under the law). Any speech that can be found to have intent to overthrow that government, or to drive people to sedition, can be found unconsitutional.
However, this doesn't go for just the government. If you openly and explicitly attempt to do damage to one's character, you can be charged under the same consequences as someone trying to overthrow the government. So, legally, profanity can get one into a lot of trouble. It doesn't have to be those societally profane words though, just ones aimed at the destruction of an organization's or individual's character and stability.
Then, of course, there's the whole moral issues. Morals can't be defined accross the board, so I won't say much. I'll say though, that if you want peope to respect you, you have to respect them. By most standards, it is morally wrong to put someone down, as you aren't showing them that respect. This issue goes much deeper, but I won't delve too far. If you are aiming profanity not at a person, but rather just in general, obviously you can't get in trouble legally. Swearing in the Bible, etc., was usually referred to as "taking the Lord's name in vain." Basically, disrespecting God's name. Other words ("f-word," etc.) don't do that, but they do show vulgarity when used in the aforementioned wrong context. Many consider it just as immoral to use vulgar speech. Again though, that is up to you to choose. No one can choose your morals for you.
Basically, here's what I am getting at. Swearing is considered morally wrong by many. No one can make "profaners" stop using that language with a clear conscience, but a lot can be done to restrict the public exposition of it. If JSR want's to allow it, that's fine. They are his boards (And that of proboards? I'm not sure how the system works), and he can allow the words he wants, as profanity can be permitted in places as determined by the proper authorities.
Remember though, if you use profanity in the wrong manner - even if "allowed" by JSR - you can get into some legal trouble. JSR can make these boards how he wants, but that doesn't mean any of us have to use that language. As I said, I'm not gonna whine about getting rid of saying certain words. I'm just saying to use it in a respectable manner (i.e., in the right context).
Note: When I used "you" in this post, I was not referring to an individual, unless explicitely stated.
*wonders how many people will read this*
