Blue Streak:: Swearing, Free Speech, and Sexual Harrassment

Dooling asks why we, particularly men, swear. He searches through history and psychology, sometimes successfully, for the roots of expletives and why we use them. He also considers the reactions to such outbursts and their justification. We are trained as children to eschew "bad" words, but males tend to overcome that brainwashing and use profanity under a wide range of circumstances. Swearing is a near universal and must be contemplated in that setting. Recognizing that fact, he argues, could provide a seawall against the tsunami of "harassment" litigation pending in the courts. If profanity, which Dooling provides almost to saturation, has a natural basis, then the laws covering workplace expression are irrational and doomed to failure. Worse, they seem to be having more negative impact on lives than on improving workplace conditions. Worse still, is the potential for all this legal [and social] activity leading to thought control? That ultimate question is Dooling's purpose in this rather impudent illustration. He sees the application of civil rights legislation of the 1960s has led along unanticipated paths. Civil rights, originally intended to protect voting and job rights, now extends into the realm of "feelings." Overt discrimination has been replaced by legislated politeness. Dooling wants to curtail the highly questionable practices resulting from vague definitions and decisions. This collection of essays boldly confronts us with past practices. We need to recognize what has occurred and reverse the process. It's not a question of manners, but of reality.The illogical roots of "political correctness" are now being exposed by many good studies. This one happens to be one of the more senses-assaulting ones, but is no less valuable for that. Dooling's position as a lawyer provides a solid foundation for his arguments, and his delightful style will amuse any but the defiant reader. The examples he offers in support of his case should be noted carefully, they are being joined by others. There will be more until the populace awakens to the threat. Heed Dooling's call for your attention and follow his lead. He's gaining company in other areas - Gross and Levitt's "Higher Superstition" is another defence against the assaults on our liberties. [stephen a. haines - Ottawa, Canada]