Foul Language Never Serves A Good Purpose

The dictionary describes a sportsman as “a participant in sports; one who abides by rules and accepts victory or defeat graciously.” Therefore, when foul words and violent behavior by participants, coaches, parents or fans become part of a game, it can no longer be considered sports.

I’ve often wondered why people feel the need to use filthy, ugly language to get their point across or to vent their anger in sports or any other situation.

Using those words doesn’t change anything nor does it encourage anyone to do better. It destroys dignity and it downgrades not only the recipient of the ugly words but the speaker as well because it shows such blatant stupidity. Anyone in a management position, and parents and teachers especially, should be role models and should be intelligent enough to know that we teach and accomplish the most by positive example and encouragement.

My father was a Montana cattle rancher. Come branding days, he was a “cowboy” right along with all the other cowboys. Dad allowed me to participate in the roundup as long as I rode with him or my brother. But once we got the cattle to the corrals and the branding began, he asked me to go to the house. He didn’t want me, his daughter, to hear the men’s foul language.

He told his own men that he didn’t want any swearing, but he had no control over the neighboring ranchers’ hired men. Although Dad worked amongst these roughest and toughest of men, my brother assured me that Dad never once lowered his standards by allowing vulgarity or swearing of any kind to become a part of his vocabulary.

Dad always said, “You can tell the level of a person’s intelligence by how he or she expresses himself or herself. And if they can’t express themselves without using foul language, that tells the story.”

Dad felt that difficulties between people needed to be discussed openly, and he took the time to hear both sides of situations. He never degraded people; rather, he thoughtfully and compassionately offered solutions and encouragement. I always admired him for taking this stance and through the years, I’ve tried to follow his example.

If we can’t express our feelings without using vulgarity, let’s just not express them. Let’s all try to be role models and teach by the example of using words of praise and encouragement. Our world will be much better for it.