Shari Johnson, Publisher
I began this campaign years ago on the “The Jesus Chick” website. But its been a matter on my heart to begin it on Ridgeview in hopes of making a positive impact and raise awareness to what has become all too common. The use of foul language in public places has come to the point that there is no consideration for anyone, of any age.
It certainly dates me, but I don’t mind when I say that as a child, cuss words were not allowed on television before 9 p.m., even then it wasn’t heard very often. As far as hearing them in public, seldom ever, and in a public school the reaction of school staff would not have been what it is today. Which is no reaction. Or the faculty themselves use foul language as I have heard for myself.
What I hope to accomplish is that this initiative will grow to a community effort, where those who have cussing in their day to day language will reconsider before saying those words in public. Especially in front of children.
I was pleasantly surprised when David and I traveled to Virginia Beach several years ago and when I seen the “No Cussing signs.” How Wonderful. It saddened me to learn that the signs were taken down by the their City Council in 2016 for fear it would make their community seem unwelcoming. Seriously? I think their idea of unwelcoming should be reconsidered.
While freedom of speech may allow it, common courtesy could go along way to promoting a friendly environment in our community. A couple of things caused this to be a burden on my heart.
I’m in the Calhoun Middle High School pretty often with grandchildren attending there. I seldom if ever, walk through without hearing profanity. It may not be a policy of allowance but it’s a practice of acceptance by both students and faculty. Youth sporting events should come with a rating. And that is a sad indictment against the school and the parents attending. Public meetings are very much the same with adults who should know better in a professional setting but seem not to care enough to stop.
I realize that not everyone will agree with me that this is an issue. But I’m hoping some will and change the habit of letting those ugly words slip out in public and helping children to understand that you don’t have to say bad words to get your point across. As a matter of fact, the point sometimes goes further if a little respect is shown.
