"Freedom's Curse"

Out of the two articles there were to read, I chose to read "Freedom's Curse."  This article discussed swearing on television and the radio.  The FCC, Federal Communications Commissions, originally said that depending on the context that the word is being used, it may be accepted.  Later on, though, the FCC says that even though speakers may not intend a sexual meaning to their cursing it may still be implied.  The article discusses that swearing is taboo, but yet some words, that are different, but have the same implied meaning are acceptable, for example freaking.  The FCC also says that sometimes cursing is not a bad thing.  The article talks about how television and radio stations should not use foul language during times that children may be watching.  This article is mainly about how cursing is criticized in today's society.  This article makes decent points because I think cursing should be limited on television because it is often unnecessary and it is only there to serve the purpose of making a listener laugh.  I agree with the article because of this, but I also disagree with the article.  I disagree with the article because there should be freedom of speech, which would include being able to curse as much as you please.   In this respect it is unfair to censor television and radio programs.

The scholarly article I found  that relates to the article from "The Atlantic" is called "From the Bench: Vulgar Language.", which is from a newsletter on Intellectual Freedom.  This article talks about a law in Idaho, which "prohibits any vulgar, profane or indecent language within the presence or hearing of children."  The article then discusses the case of man who used vulgar language in the presence of a child, and he argued that the law was unconstitutional because it was a violation of his freedom of speech.  This article relates to the article from "The Atlantic" because they both have to do with swearing and the freedom to say whatever you please.  The two articles had two different contexts, one about cursing in front of children in general and one about using foul language on television and the radio when children may be listening, but they both are expressing the fact that they should be able to speak what is on their mind.