General Discussion
In reply to the discussion: I'm confused by people who are offended by swear words. [View all]plimsoll
(1,668 posts)It's due to their self perceived superiority morally. When you curse (their usage) in front of them they believe it diminishes their purity. Therefore you have taken something from them. It's odd however because they've taken the concept of a profane oath and extended it to individual words. On the other hand many of these people were praying for Barak Obama to die, an actual curse, but this was acceptable behavior.
Intent has no meaning, directing malign prayers (spells would be more apt) at another is acceptable. Using certain words in frustration would be unacceptable. What I think Europeans may miss is that this is most prevalent in small towns where malignant gossip and the local elite can inflict enormous damage on people or families. Damage that can last generations.