Censorship and curse word poetry: challenging societal norms

Curse words, also known as swear words or expletives, are a form of language that is considered taboo or offensive in many cultures. These words often derive their power from their ability to shock or offend others. While curse words have been a part of human language for centuries, their usage varies widely depending on cultural and social norms. Many individuals use curse words as an emotional outlet or a way to express frustration, anger, or surprise. The strong tone and emphasis associated with these words can heighten the intensity of emotions and communicate strong feelings in a concise manner. However, the use of curse words can also be seen as disrespectful or offensive, depending on the context and the people involved in the conversation.

However, the use of curse words can also be seen as disrespectful or offensive, depending on the context and the people involved in the conversation. Curse words can be categorized into different types, including sexual, scatological, and religious terms. This categorization reflects the diversity of taboos in different societies.

Profanity Poem by Jeff Taylor

I find it strange that there can be no swearing
on PoemHunter.com.
For swearing is in the vernacular of people
big and small.
From the rowdiest Masonist
to the tiniest Grandma.
From their mouths spew curses
but upon deaf ears they fall.

Did they tell Mr. Bukowski
to lay off of his sharp tongue?
Did they inform William Burroughs
that his fantasies would not stand at all?
Did they let Tupac know
there's no cursing in the streets?
Did they tell Shoeless Joe
there's no crying in baseball?

Free the Speech!
Words are words!
Do not fear your brothers hate!
Because curses come!
And curses go!
But what you make is what you make!

I wrote this this morning after my last poem was deactivated. It had a single swear word in it, which I used to express broiling emotion. The poem was about working in the factory, and I believe you will find quite a bit of swearing there, in my humble opinion. I believe that all words are equal, and to try to make poetry 'PG' or 'friendly' undermines the very intentions of it. To draw attention, to create a realistic picture, to shock, to enlighten, and to allow others to understand people they may not understand. So this is my response to being censored.

True, there’s nothing wrong with a word when used in its right context. When words are intended to hurt of defame its not the fault of the word but the manners of the speaker. Adeline

Have to agree with you fellas, it seems silly to care so much about curses when there are so many worse things going on in our world. I understand that some people don't approve of swearing, but that doesn't mean that it doesn't exist. Also, I believe poetry belongs to the people, not the academic snobs who say Poetry is this, poetry is that, poetry is High Art. Pretentious to say the least. Also, before I posted my poem with a curse in it I did a search on the site and found poems with curses in them. I guess it's just a case of whatever the admins are feeling at the time, or some slipping through the craft. Oh well, guess I'll have to get creative with my cursing!

I've had a piece taken off from the site as well. It's frustrating. I've found that if you use! *? # or something of the like in place of the word they don't seem to take it down, or at least not as often. It's silly to me. Sh*! Isn't really censored unless you spell it with 'it rather than '*! '. Whatever. Your poem makes several good points. Curse words are just as much a part of our language as any other words. Often there is no better word one can use to convey a thought than a given curse word. It limits the language to not allow these, and therefore it limits the poet, and resultingly the readers as well. Check out Cutting Curtains by Pamela Sinicrope on the site. It's a great poem about censorship and how it robs people of their expression.

Did they tell Mr. Bukowski
to lay off of his sharp tongue?
Did they inform William Burroughs
that his fantasies would not stand at all?
Did they let Tupac know
there's no cursing in the streets?
Did they tell Shoeless Joe
there's no crying in baseball?

What may be considered a curse word in one culture can be seen as a regular part of conversation in another. In literature and poetry, curse words can be used to convey a particular tone or to shock readers for artistic purposes. Some poets and writers use curse words to challenge societal norms or to bring attention to certain issues. However, it is important to note that the use of curse words in literature should be understood in its specific context and not be taken as a blanket endorsement or encouragement of their usage. While curse words may be a part of everyday language for some individuals, it is essential to consider the impact of these words on others. Using curse words can create an uncomfortable or hostile environment for some people, and it is important to be aware of this and choose our words carefully in different settings. Respectful and considerate communication can go a long way in fostering positive and inclusive interactions. In conclusion, curse words are a controversial aspect of human language. They can be used to express strong emotions or to shock and offend others. However, it is important to be mindful of their impact on others and the appropriateness of their usage in different contexts. Ultimately, respectful and considerate communication should be prioritized to maintain positive and inclusive interactions..

Reviews for "The therapeutic benefits of curse word poems: releasing pent-up emotions through language"

- Emily - 1/5 - I was really disappointed by "Curse Word Poems". I thought it would be edgy and thought-provoking, but instead, it was just vulgar and offensive. The constant use of curse words didn't add any depth or meaning to the poems, it just felt like shock value for the sake of it. I understand that poetry is supposed to push boundaries, but this collection just felt gratuitous and unoriginal. I wouldn't recommend it to anyone.

- Daniel - 2/5 - "Curse Word Poems" felt like a missed opportunity. While I appreciate the boldness and experimentation, the excessive use of curse words became tiresome after a while. It started to feel like the author was relying on shock value rather than truly exploring and expressing profound emotions or ideas. Some of the poems had potential, but they were overshadowed by the constant barrage of profanity. Overall, I found the collection underwhelming and lacking in nuance. It's not a book I would revisit or recommend to others interested in poetry.

- Samantha - 1/5 - I was extremely disappointed by "Curse Word Poems". I expected a collection that would challenge conventions and explore the power of language, but instead, it felt like a shallow attempt to shock and offend. The constant use of profanity didn't contribute anything meaningful or thought-provoking to the poems. It felt like a desperate attempt to be edgy without any substance behind it. I was left feeling unsatisfied and unimpressed by the lack of depth in this collection.

- Michael - 2/5 - I had high hopes for "Curse Word Poems", hoping for a collection that would push boundaries and challenge traditional poetry. Unfortunately, I found the constant use of curse words to be distracting and unnecessary. It felt like the author was relying on shock value rather than crafting thoughtful and impactful poems. There were some interesting ideas buried within the collection, but they were overshadowed by the excessive use of profanity. I would have preferred a more nuanced approach to exploring controversial topics rather than the reliance on vulgar language.

Curse words as a form of rebellion: the role of profanity in poetry