GROSSMONT COLLEGE– Throughout our lives, language has changed drastically and  not always for the betterment of society. What I’m talking about is the excessive use of slang, expletives, and the general grunts and groans.

Ever notice wherever you go on campus that there are others who insist on using language that has no bearing on a conversation or that they are speaking so loud that the entire room or area for more than 20 feet can hear everything being said? Believe me we have no interest in hearing about your exploits from the night before.

Let me cite a few examples that I have personally witnessed while having lunch in the new and improved student center, and along the pathways of campus.

I had the misfortune of sitting at a table where the students in the surrounding area couldn’t put together a coherent thought without using expletives. When I expressed my dislike of the conversation to one of the students the reply I received was “I was in the military.” The person who responded spoke out in favor of the expletive. I felt that was an injustice to our military and the school system this country has in place. On further reflection, I feel this comment has demeaned the education that many of our service members strive for. I say this because I have been married to and am a parent of several military members, and their language is not peppered with expletives.

Another example I have witnessed is the insistence of speaking into the telephone and including everyone in the conversation. This has happened along the pathways on campus. Again the conversations are filled with expletives and the exploits of the latest conquest. My question to those who participate in these types of conversations is: “are you bragging or do you want everyone to know what you do with your personal life?”

While I was growing up we were taught if it was not nice to say we did not say it. Saying anything that was not nice or demeaning was a big taboo ever if we were right. Another thing we were taught was to be discreet and go to a place where we would not bother anyone around us.

I guess my solution to the whole issue is to repeat:

We have no interest in hearing about your exploits from the night before.

We have no interest in hearing about your personal life.

We have no interest in hearing your expletive-laced language.

And by the way, have a very nice day!

*
Schneck is a student at Grossmont College.