Help Us End the R-Word

[Pirate Bill]

Originally Posted by Cadaverous Pallor

This reminds me of my childhood friend who was forbidden by her liberal parents to call anyone "stupid" or "dumb". It's one of those things that as a (foul-mouthed) kid, seemed ludicrous to me, but as an adult, does make some sense. It's a truly insulting thing to say to someone.

Some of my extended family have simplified this rule and teach their kids "Stupid is a naughty word." They've also included "hate" as another naughty word. You can't say, "I hate liver" in their house. Ugh. Somehow this got to my kids and they all gasped in shock one day when I said, "This TV show is stupid." I've had to unteach my kids and explain that calling people stupid is rude. In fact, being mean and calling people names in general is rude. But the word "stupid" is not a bad word.

I know why parents take this shortcut approach to teaching their kids., but I think it's lazy parenting. When kids grow up thinking the "s-word" and "f-word" are "stupid" and "fart," it might be funny and cute but really doesn't teach them the core value you're trying to instill.

By the way, you may freely use "fart" in my house. We all say it. But I often wonder what other parents think of my "foul mouthed kids" when they say it.

If you can't say "fart" the terrorist have won.