Deconstruction, and Have You Tried Swearing?

Sometimes people unfollow me because sometimes I swear. Yes, I do.

Let me explain why.

1. Release: For many of us, we find using swear words incredibly releasing. Venting our anger or pain or joy is more powerful with swear words. There are studies showing swearing decreases physical and emotional pain.

2. Freedom: Many of us have come out of controlling environments. Deconstruction includes freeing ourselves from oversight. Swearing is an expression of our freedom. Having been in a culture where even our words were policed, swearing is a declaration of independence.

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3. Adulting: This is the way most adults talk. Adults swear because they can. It’s normal. Some people judge those who swear by suggesting they are less intelligent and resort to lazy language. But I know very intelligent people who swear and less intelligent people who don’t.

4. Word: Sometimes there’s just no other word that expresses pain, anger, joy, frustration, or confusion than a perfect swear word. We can use lesser PG-rated words, but they just can’t convey the intensity of emotion like a good swear word. Swearing is a verbal manifestation of the potency of what we’re feeling or thinking.

5. Humor: I have an online community called The Lasting Supper. Sometimes, we have “F*ck Threads”. They are serious because someone might be struggling with something, but they’re expressing it in a way that often makes us laugh. Or watching a video of a mystic guru using swear words is just funny! We all appreciate comic relief in the middle of a serious patch.

6. Spirituality: I think we have sanitized spirituality to the point where we’re no longer truly human and despise our humanness. Swearing is just a part of being real flesh and blood people rather than disembodied pure spirits.

There are probably a lot more reasons to swear. But, who needs a reason? Why do we need to police our words? Of course I want to only say things that are helpful, honest, and true. I want to speak in ways that build up the good and bring down the bad. If swearing helps me to do that, then I will.

Out of the fullness of the heart the mouth speaks.

Swearing can be a healthy part of that process.