Profanity

Question 1

Reasons profanity has spread (5)

Answer 1

1. Media
   -common in movies
2. Changes in culture throughout time
   -class-level ideology: profanity used to be more common among the lower-income
3. Feminist Movement
   -brought profanity to women, used to be used mainly by men
4. Music
   -rock, punk, rap
5. Newspaper/Radio
   -Howard Stern switching to satellite radio so he could swear more

Question 2

Why might people in New York City swear more?

Answer 2

Profanity is tied to social circumstances, so it is possible that they swear more because of stressful jobs, tight living, or anonymity

Question 3

Where is profanity more common?

Answer 3

It is more common in cities

Question 4

How has profanity changed throughout time?

Answer 4

-There has been an intensification in the use of profanity.
-Profanity is no longer seen in places where it used to be, such as graffiti
-the 20th century is more concerned with equality so there is more disapproval of racial and gender slurs

Question 5

What is the effect of the intensification of profanity?

Answer 5

As profanity has become more widespread, profanity loses its power. This is because its power comes from its restrictive nature.