Kotex, pissed, batshit, POS, balls, hoementum, pissed, ass

[DeepModem Mom]

From subject lines on GD and GDP page ones at one random moment last night, some sharing a page with a condolence thread in response to the death of Senator Byrd's wife. No criticism of posters who have used these words, which I may have used myself -- I'm just reflecting on the numbers, especially in subject lines. Is overuse of profanity, and scatological and sexual terms, resulting in loss of effectiveness when we really want to make a strong, or humorous, statement here? Might it make someone lurking here for the first time maybe think we were all still in junior high or middle school, instead of informed and serious critical thinkers and writers? If so, maybe we could think sometimes about typing something different. If not, please accept my apology.

And please know:

1. I understand your anger; I'm as angry as anyone here.
2. I'm not trying to censor anyone.

[lectrobyte]

1. and the ironic thing is, I just logged on this mornnig, and your

thread is the one I choose to read first.

[mandyky]

22. I was curious about what Kotex had to do with the others...

All those other words I see all the time!! LOL

[DeepModem Mom]

23. It's just an unusual word for a subject line...

on a political board. Nothing wrong with the word. Apparently, it's Senator Sensenbrenner's family business, which I knew, and he's sensitive about it, which I didn't.

[mandyky]

24. Thought we were playing one of these things

is not like the others when I first saw it... LOL

[DeepModem Mom]

27. LOL!

[dragonlady]

81. Sensenbrenner is only a representative, and this is his last term

Please don't promote him to the Senate! Bryan Kennedy is taking over the seat next January. See his website www.bk2006.org if you don't know Bryan yet.

[panader0]

2. Sufferin' Succotash! You said a mouthful.

And I've seem much worse.

[trogdor]

3. This isn't a church website, lady.

We've been around for over five years, and the tone hasn't changed in all this time. It's hardly new, nor has it gotten particularly worse. Live with it.

[DeepModem Mom]

4. I've been here for going-on 17,000 posts. nt

[IndyOp]

7. I, for one appreciate occasional reminder posts - tone matters

to me - in what I say and what I read. I occasionally fall into bad habits and need to adjust.

I am insulted by sexist slang - Kotex, bitch... I think that discriminatory language against women, gays, and people of faith are still 'okay' here at DU. Someone who uses a racist slur would be (appropriately) trounced. I would prefer that people use far less of all of these.

When a site is full of 'gutter language' the quality of discussion drops and some people who make important contributions will leave.

Also - your telling the poster to 'live with it' - is one way of censoring people.

Peace.

[NMDemDist2]

19. yup, and put on your flame suit if you call anyone on the sexist tone

:sigh:

unfortunately, Katherine Harris is an unbelievably easy target

[opihimoimoi]

5. Real thinkers are rare...many think they are but still stuck on Level 1

Me, Mine, and I....

Level 2 : Yours, Ours, and We

Level 3 : True Peace and Prosperity

[OPERATIONMINDCRIME]

80. Agree With Your Intent, But Real Thinkers Are Far Deeper Than

3 levels alone. I actually don't consider the start of being able to understand true wisdom at any less then the 5 or 6th level. Course, there's probably all in all 100 tangible levels to achieve down the path of wisdom, with the possibility of the potential of there being an infinite amounts of levels thereafter :)

[BlueEyedSon]

6. I think "hoementum" is brilliant.

[DeepModem Mom]

8. It's clever, indeed. nt

[IndyOp]

9. What does 'hoementum' mean? (nt)

:shrug:

[DeepModem Mom]

11. It was used in the context of Katharine Harris' campaign...

in a funny photoshop.

[JeffR]

68. That was my little addition to the potty-mouth lexicon

And, on balance, it was amusing but some people were justifiably offended by it for reasons that had nothing to do with the intent of the post.

Have thought about this a lot since that thread died its overdue death. DeepModem Mom has a good point here, really. I'm going to refrain from vulgarity in my subject lines, but given how angry I get over political issues, I can't promise I'll avoid it in the post text itself.

The pic in my sig line could probably stand replacement too, but I haven't Photoshopped anything yet.

And that's all I have to say about this damn topic. Thank you.

[DeepModem Mom]

70. Jeff, "hoementum" is pretty clever, as I noted upthread.

And let me repeat, I didn't mean to single out any word or post -- it was the number of words that struck me last night.

I really appreciate your kind and thoughtful post in response.

[JeffR]

73. I don't feel singled out

There are days on DU where every second post seems to be "So-and-so is a lying sack of..." and it does get monotonous.

I knew before using that little verbal construct that it was apt to rile some people, and went ahead & did it anyway. It was droll, but I don't want fellow DUers to be collateral damage just because I thought up some witticism. I've worked hard to offend as many conservatives as possible over the years, and I don't want to start offending liberals too.

Thank you for your kind and thoughtful response.

:patriot:

[JeffR]

74. A further thought

The title of thread REALLY caught my eye when I logged on tonight.

[Catrina]

77. I loved your picture and hoementum was hillariously funny imo

I hate to disagree with you but imo, 'justifiably offended' doesn't apply. Thin-skinned would be more appropriate.

I'm sorry you have been made to rethink your way of expressing yourself, which was hugely appreciated by the majority of the those who posted in the thread, and objected to by a tiny minority.

It's sad that you feel more pressured by the minority ~ but it's enlightening to see how negative, righteous comments, no matter how in the minority they may be, can so adversely affect freedom of speech and the right to hear/see it of the majority.

I'm beginning to understand the MSM's reluctance to pay attention to the majority who want the truth, and feel compelled to cater to the minority who bully them into seeing their POV as the most legitimate ~

As a woman, I am appalled at the notion that women's sensibilities need to be constantly 'protected' this way. It is a false notion, imo.

I don't know why, but I feel like I'm back in Catholic jr. high having a little fun, and the Mother Superior just walked in and gave us a lecture on the proper behavior expected of respectable young women! To think my consolation back then was that I would grow up and not have to listen to any more lectures!! :cry:

Sorry your creativity has been tempered. I for one thoroughly enjoyed it and would have liked to see more. I do feel deprived and a little less empowered since several, probably the majority of the women in the thread were not at all offended, yet the minority once again prevails. :-(

edited to say that the second to last paragraph is not in reference to this thread, but the original 'kotex' thread

[madokie]

10. I try my best to not use the offending words but sometimes just nothing

else seems to get my point across, being an english language challenged individual and all. Raised here in NE Ok for my whole life but I missed out on most my english classes as you can see. When I use them I really mean no offence, I think have we all have seen and heard them before. anyways good sunday morning to you, its a beautiful day here.

[DeepModem Mom]

13. And good morning to you, madokie! I love your posts. nt

[madokie]

17. thanks, May the good forever be your friend.

[UTUSN]

12. Sorry, but "Tex" is all right to call SENSENBRENNER'cause he hates it

(His grandfather invented or whatever KOTEX.) And please explain to me, as the son and brother to strong, self-actualized women and supporter of women's issues, what is wrong with the word KOTEX. The only derrogatory use is to make SENSENBRENNER ticked. It shows HIS creepatoid mind, not to mention his ingratitude for the family fortune.

[DeepModem Mom]

14. Not singling out any individual words, just the numbers. And "Kotex"...

is, of course, not a bad word. Necessary, in fact!

On edit, I knew Sensenbrenner's family connection, but didn't know people got under his skin by reference to the family business.

[IndyOp]

18. Just for a frame of reference - 'Kotex' has been used as derogatory

slang for 'woman' in the past. Part of the negative associations have to do with the implication that menstrual blood or female genitals are dirty. Several religions order men not to have sex with women during their 'dirty time' - order women to take ritual baths at the end of their 'dirty time'. Asian societies (I am thinking Chinese) have - historically at least - considered female genitals as 'dirtier' than male genitals. Young brides are ordered to wash themselves nightly before going to bed in case their husbands desire sex.

There isn't anything wrong with the product Kotex. It has been used as derogatory slang in past - I don't appreciate it. It doesn't freak me out like it does Sensenbrenner ( ;) ) - but it does make me uncomfortable.

[FlaGranny]

15. I have to agree that about 95

times out of 100, foul language detracts from a message and makes it easy to ignore. In fact, it's a great way to minimize a message. Now, when I saw YOUR subject line and looked to see who posted it, it certainly did get my attention, because IT WAS TOTALLY UNLIKE YOU. I think there is a message in there, don't you? :-)

[DeepModem Mom]

16. Yes, FlaGranny -- and thanks!

:hi:

[tularetom]

20. I'm a grandfather in my sixties

and a college graduate and I ought to be able to express myself without using profanity. But everytime I think about * or Cheney, or Rumfilled, or Rice or any members of the media, it just comes out.

[DeepModem Mom]

21. I hear ya, tularetom.

:)

[Cleita]

25. I agree. I believe those words should be used sparingly for

shock value. If they become part of every post, every sentence, the shock value disappears.

[DeepModem Mom]

28. Thanks for making that point in a very clear way, Cleita. nt

[lostnfound]

26. Understandable given different stages of life, different upbringings

..but I agree with your implication.
I don't blame people, I've said worse...but it does detract.

In matters of form vs content, most of us liberals care about content.

But I do believe it could turn off some newcomers.

[DeepModem Mom]

29. Thanks for considering the newcomers --

I always feel lonely thinking about what their impression might be. After you've been on the board a while, you kind of tune out what you want to. I've been thinking about people looking at the board for the first time because I sent a link to my Journal to some family and friends, and I wondered about their impression when they click onto the forums.

[lostnfound]

78. Exactly, I've thought about turning certain people on to DU also

(and I have sent several here) only to open up and read such things thread titles as you mention, and be a bit reluctant to recommend it to my polished, graceful, Christian, moderately liberal aunt, or wonder how long she would last.

More to the point, I wish there was a DU-lite for beginners, which

[Jim Sagle]

30. Fuckin' A.

;-)

[DeepModem Mom]

31. I've been waiting for that! nt

[Lone_Star_Dem]

32. Oops, my post re: Kathleen McFarland and Hillary evoked the batshit reply

But, in context, it was hard not to agree with the poster. I mean Hillary spying on her with helicopters...Well, I can see how it evoked that response. Sometimes you're so stunned you don't know what else to say. :shrug:

edit: spelling

[DeepModem Mom]

34. I hear ya, Lone Star Dem! nt

[neebob]

33. Thanks, but I grew up with that kind of not trying to censor anyone

and I refuse to accept it now. They're just words ... think about it, k? Kotex!

[DeepModem Mom]

36. DU once had a policy that prohibited profanity in subject lines.

If I'd wanted censorship, I would have advocated a return to that policy. The word "Kotex" was added mainly, at the beginning, for a bit of humor (although some women have posted that they think it's been used as a sexist word). The word was just unusual in the subject line on a political board.

You are, of course, free to express yourself in any way you'd like. Remember -- I'm a Mom, but not yours.

:)

[neebob]

39. I don't use a lot of profanity in public writing; however,

I do insist on being free to do so. Maybe, because of my upbringing, I feel a bit of shock and revulsion upon reading words I wouldn't use myself. Does that give me the right to ask others not to use them? No.

Try explaining how your request is different from censoring TV shows or other visual and print media. Where's the line?

[DeepModem Mom]

41. I don't think the FCC, or other authorities, take this approach --

"...maybe we could think sometimes about typing something different. If not, please accept my apology."

[neebob]

44. Okay, so you're nicer than the FCC

and not an actual authority. Beyond that, I don't see much difference.

[DeepModem Mom]

45. I understand, neebob -- best to ya!

[neebob]

46. And to you ...

preferably without Kotex, balls, or hoementum. :)

[DeepModem Mom]

47. Good one!

[blogslut]

52. I will never

...use the word Kotex in a subject line. I promise. ;)

I'd rather express myself with pictures:

[DeepModem Mom]

55. There it is, blogslut!

:)

[JohnnyLib]

35. the words we use

Thank you, DeepModem Mom!
We are forced to deal with an administration (?) which has hidden behind the Cross and thoroughly manipulated the religious right. Kool Aid or not, the manipulated will not see or hear beyond some of the language.

Damn it.

[DeepModem Mom]

37. Damn it, indeed! Welcome to DU, JohnnyLib!

[FreedRadical]

40. I bought Kotex for my girlfriend

I thought I was a hero

[Viva_La_Revolution]

71. wait a minute! I only used Tampax!

Who did you buy Kotex for?!! :hug:

Hi D!

[The Straight Story]

38. fuck appears about 12,700 times on DU

According to a google search of the site, batshit only about 207 times, pissed is a mere 800.
Shit wins though with 21,400.

[DeepModem Mom]

42. LOL!!! DU research at it's best! Thank you, Straight Story!

:toast:

[linazelle]

60. Link?

:rofl:

[The Straight Story]

82. Here is it

http://www.google.com/search?as_q=fuck&num=10&hl=en&btnG=Google+Search&as_epq=&as_oq=&as_eq=&lr=&as_ft=i&as_filetype=&as_qdr=all&as_occt=any&as_dt=i&as_sitesearch=democraticunderground.com&as_rights=&safe=images

[Warren DeMontague]

62. "We're all in it together, Kid"

[TahitiNut]

72. I guess it's that time again to post this audio file ...

http://www.slhacker.com/downloads/fword.wav

It is, by any measure, the best treatise on 'fuck' in the Internet, imho. An Oldie but Goodie.

[theHandpuppet]

43. Although I'd agree some language could be cleaned up...

... what really gets me are the number of Freeper posts that folks are constantly posting on DU. If I wanted to read the vitriol and hatemongering spewing from Free Republic I'd sign up for that forum and not this one.

[Festivito]

48. Helps keep right-wingers from entering DU and learning.

It would be a great Rovian method to keep Christians away from the truth as we see it.
I don't doubt that some of it is fostered by infiltrators.

[Hardrada]

49. No sheet!

[SomewhereOutThere424]

50. are you sure?

Makes me think of them when I see it personally. I'd think the better way to prevent them from learning is to simply speak the truth in a calm and intelligent way. Truck driver language is a second language to them. First language? I think it's something like the tasmanian devil. English makes a distant third.

[SomewhereOutThere424]

51. I agree totally

"Might it make someone lurking here for the first time maybe think we were all still in junior high or middle school, instead of informed and serious critical thinkers and writers? If so, maybe we could think sometimes about typing something different. If not, please accept my apology."

When I first came to DU, actually, I saw a lot of aggrivation and a lot of swearing. It was right after the elections were lost in '04 so I assumed it was more to do with that. To my surprise a lot of the language and attitudes have become significantly worse. When I first came here it was due to people with deep thought and intelligence. Now I post and never read the replies to said posts because I'm almost certain it's going to be someone swearing at my and acting irrationally.

But then again, I don't let it bug me so much. I think anyone who's really interested in finding an alternative to their party, or just learning about politics, would see past the antagonists and see the brighter minds here. I know there's only a few posters I really take any worth from their replies and pretty much I come here for the later breaking news.

You, too, are one of those individuals I've taken notice of in one of those better posters. But I apologize if you reply to this and I do not respond as I probably will not be able to read said reply -- I've found it's best to just imagine your posts did some good and ignore the would-be flamers (or any reply at all really) ;)

[DeepModem Mom]

53. Thank you, SomewhereOutThere. I'll just reply in kind --

;)

[omega minimo]

54. Well duh!

:evilgrin: no wait :evilfrown:


"Is overuse of profanity, and scatological and sexual terms, resulting in loss of effectiveness when we really want to make a strong, or humorous, statement here? Might it make someone lurking here for the first time maybe think we were all still in junior high or middle school, instead of informed and serious critical thinkers and writers?"


Ignorant language makes people seem ignorant. :thumbsdown:


Sometimes they're not. :thumbsup:

[MadisonProgressive]

56. I use just the right amount of profanity - for me anyway

[Iris]

57. yeah. Me, too. I swear all the time in real life.

[burythehatchet]

58. thanks for that

:thumbsup:

[question everything]

59. Oh

and I just posted

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=132x2536909

[DeepModem Mom]

64. No problemo, question everything!

:)

[Warren DeMontague]

61. I actually think "Kotex pissed batshit POS balls hoementum pissed ass"

sums the current situation up, nicely.

:hippie:

[DeepModem Mom]

63. LOL! Maybe we could use it as an all-purpose DU profanity....

like, "Bill O'Reilly is a Kotex pissed batshit POS balls hoementum pissed ass!"

[Warren DeMontague]

65. Kinda rolls off the tongue. You're not related to Allen Ginsberg, are you?

:party:

[DeepModem Mom]

66. I typed the words in the order they appeared...

on the pages last night -- and ended up with poetry.

[Peter Frank]

67. Excellent Thread...

IMHO It's a good idea that we encourage each other to use shocking terms sparingly & judiciously -- much as good novelists.

...And often times it's much more effective and fun to use alternatives to common profane slang. Ain't this a friggin' great idea?!

[DeepModem Mom]

69. Some at our house like the British "shite" as an alternative.

It doesn't sound as crude to American ears, but serves its purpose. We're always hauling, loading, or picking up "shite." Or, Oh, shite!

[Peter Frank]

76. I think that that's a "load of bollocks"...

;)

[Pastiche423]

75. Apology accepted

[lonestarnot]

79. wah wah wwwwweigh! Burp!

[Buck Rabbit]

83. Crap, I thought this thread was about tonight's Boston Legal n/t

[MazeRat7]

84. self delete...no point in asking.

[LittleClarkie]

85. Why do the 7 words you can't say on television suddenly come to mind

I'd print them here, but half of them would get the post deleted.

[EFerrari]

86. I think that some newer DUers believe

their posts won't be read without the Kotex stuff.

I appreciate reading DU and I don't need the shock treatment to read anyone.

[NuttyFluffers]

87. Kotex. It should become a DU-ism, like saying, "this is HUGH!"

"I'm series!"
:evilgrin:

i must now remember to insert 'Kotex' randomly in casual posts now...

[Peter Frank]

88. Now you're just being a Moran...

;)