How many derogatory curse words can you name?
A middle school teacher in Alameda, California is currently in the hot seat for asking her 7th grade class a very similar question. Each year Lincoln Middle School 7th graders learn a lesson in swearing. The idea is to teach tolerance and "demystify" bad language (KGO, 2006). The schools principal agrees with the lesson and says that the lesson "was appropriate as a lesson that is going to support teaching tolerance" (KGO, 2006). For the first time since the lesson began years ago, the school has received a complaint from a parent. This particular parent feels that there were never any complaints before because the students were "told not to discuss the lesson outside of the classroom, which some interpreted as -- don't tell your parents we're swearing in class" (KGO, 2006).
When I first read the story, I thought "Whoa Nelly! That's a bad idea." But upon further consideration, I have to wonder if maybe they are on to something. I've seen far too many parents tell their children not to say certain words because they are "bad" words, but they never go into exactly WHY those are bad words. When you tell a kid not to say something because it's bad, in too many instances, you're adding fuel to the rebellious fire. Is it not possible that teaching these kids the words and what they mean might just have the desired effect and qualm the use of said curse words?
Granted, parents should be forewarned that their children are going to be learning the meanings of curse words (as they will be starting next year), but I'm personally relieved the lessons will continue. I only wish they'd start earlier. By 7th grade, most kids have heard or used those words against others for years and have become immune to how horrid and offensive some of those words are to others.
http://abclocal.go.com/kgo/story?section=local&id=4666813
I think that's a great thing to be teaching, in the context it's being taught. I definately think parents should be warned about the lesson, but from the sounds of it they're asking the kids to list bad words they know, so even the most sheltered kids have probably already heard many of the words at school. I don't know what age I think would be best to start teaching something like that, but 7th grade is probably a good age. If it was going to be taught to younger kids I think it would be better to have it as a parent-child program, so parents would know exactly what theeir kids were being taught, and could take their child out of the class if they thought it started to go too far.
i think its taught in that mannor then its okay, the kids wont want to use those words after finding out what thier true meanings have become.
Interesting--we do about the same thing in my french class, actually. My french teacher doesn't actually tell us not to go home and inform our parents, but I'm probably the only one who goes home and says "Mum! Dad! I learned the word for fu--I mean, sexual intercourse today!"
In my particular scenario, it really is important. If people swear at you in French, wouldn't you like to know what they're saying? ;P And also, some words have shades of obscene meanings that you really need to know, for instance, "faire la bise" means to kiss, but "biser," which looks deceptively like the verb form, means to make love.
As for first-language instruction, I think it's a great idea, but you probably do need permission. I know some people who would be offended, but I know lots of others who would be benefitted by demystifying profrane words.
Finally someone is teaching these words so they can be words instead of curses. They are useful and appropriate in many situations. The damage is done by these words replacing other words. When the only adjectives you know are curse words, there is a problem, but used correctly and well curses add meaning and emphasis where necessary.
I double hate people who want us to use other expletives that they deem less offensive. The use of ANY expletive, be it "cheese and rice" or "motherfucker" does the same damage to an underdeveloped vocabulary. Besides really creative cursing is truly beautiful.
Res ipsa loquitur.
memor mori, mahalo.