I woke up today thinking about language. Usually, I do but today I was focusing on the excess and access we have to it. We all have minds full of words. If not, we all at least have dictionaries full of them. And the great thing about the blank page is that it doesn't discriminate. It doesn't correct you ( unless you can't spell, which in that case, is a plus). It doesn't judge or comment on your choice of words.
There are a few things I loathe. One: pants. Two: politicians. and Three: censorship. I understand when I was in high school and I'd insert the word 'shit' in place of the word 'things' or 'garbage', that was breaking the rules and censorship was a must for the teachers. But once you reach a certain point in your writing, and you've developed a voice and a style (and you don't have a rule book to abide by)... fucking say what ever you damn well please! Period. I dont care if 'my choice of words could be a little more tactful'. I respond to those critics with a 'yeah, well then dont read my shit.' Respect the language for what it holds. Respect our freedoms for what they entail. If I wanted to sit here and be pro- abortion or be pro- gay rights or be pro- pit bulls, I will write that opinion as vividly impacting as I can articulate. Remember, some of the most passionate people haven't been peaceful. Or kind with words. Sometimes, a good slap with the f bomb wakes you up and makes you pay attention.
Most of this was inspired by a comment I read. It was left on someone's blog post thing somewhere on these websites and it pissed me off. First off, this person is a talented writer. She holds more skill in her words than I could ever dream of. But because she has 'little people' who potentially could stumble across her writing, a 'concerned, disappointed' mother decided it'd be best to critique her and say she just can't believe 'said person' would say FUCK in her blog......
To which she responded with a very humble apology. Kudos for taking the high road on that one.
Let me say what I need to: first off, the word fuck is one of the most fucking useful words in our language. Noun, adjective, verb, transitive verb, intransitive verb, adverb... you can make entire sentences out of it. Second off, the word fuck that she used... was in a god damn quote. In order for a quote to be a direct quote (which is usually best when you fucking quote someone), you dont omit words or add words or do anything to the quote. You just copy and paste. Had they been her actual words, maybe I'd understand the 'concerned disappointment'. Maybe. Only because 'said person' does have quite the following of youngin's. It'd be kind of like if Ronald McDonald came out in on a commercial and said 'Hey you little bastards! Come buy my Happy Meal or I'll fuck your mom and make your parents divorce and leave you on the street eating out of dumpsters.' That's just not the audience for that. Though, I think more kids would be begging for Happy Meals.... (think about it McDonalds.)
The second someone tries to step across this border- the one that's labeled by MY words and MY thoughts and ME... and tries to tell ME what THEY think I should be writing or not writing, is the second you just started a war with the wrong poet. I will gladly listen. I will gladly respond. But my response will be a proverbial broom stick shoved up your proverbial ass. Splinters and all. So next time, before you think about giving your two cents about someone else's thoughts, how about you write your every thought down on page. And let people see them. The few of us who allow others to see the workings of our insides know that NOT EVERY THOUGHT WE HAVE IS PLEASANT. Its not the Wizard of Oz in here. Or Snow White. Or the fucking Bible.
Its real. Get over it.
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