Vulgarity is the last refuge of the incompetent.
I disagree. Imposing linguistic cast systems is the last refuge of people who feel the need to dictate their morality on others by imposing limitations upon one's choice of language. Given the history behind how certain words became taboo there are two culprits:
The French
and
Religious fundamentalism.
If we are to dictate what is "obscene," based on the curmudgeons then we might as well don Burkas and take off our shoes before we are labeled infidels and promptly "dealt" with.
Living in a nation where I have witnessed the value of freedom of speech by the absence of great portions of it: there are simple things people can do without imposing their morality on others via proxy censorship: ignore and move along.
This isn't exactly a public place like a park, so there is an owner and a set of rules, but I have yet to see this forum degenerate into an abyss of little more than colorful metaphors that get certain sectors of the place's panties in knots. I emphasize the word panties. It's a hunch.
The reason why I like the saloon and find myself rarely glancing at the cafe is because of a diversity of opinion and a freedom to use language. It would be a downright shame for the uptight nature of a few to dictate the civil expression of a whole. It's much like throwing the bathwater out with the baby.
So, there are moderators here. I think they've done a fine job. No ass kissing. Just my honest opinion. Let that group call the shots as they see fit, since this is their forum. I, for one think things have been fine. It would be a shame that a minority of people who are offended by a word or two now and then get to set the course for what is probably the definitive teaching forum dedicated to teaching China: on the internet.
I'd like to suggest an "ignore" function. Perhaps that would aid the sensitive individuals in being able to empower themselves to harmonize their own version of the saloon, while still enjoying the saloon. It would allow others who are not so sensitive to a few colorful words to enjoy unfettered opinions, observations and humor now and again*.
*I guess that a few overly sensitive individuals object to the use of the words, "fuck," and "shit." I cannot recall any diatribes on the public forums that would lead me to believe there were curse-happy manifestos, but that's just me.
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