FCC complaint about Tom Brady swearing

[Jim Logajan]

Ever had kids??

I was a kid. I grew up with siblings. We all have intimate knowledge of the effects - and non-effects - of profanity on children because we've all been there.

Context and intent is key - something I hope you teach to your children. Consider two broad contexts and intents:

(1) Profanity directed at a person. E.g. "F*** you!"
(2) Strong emotion exhibited as a profanity, but not directed at any specific individual; e.g. hitting one's fingers with a hammer or encountering some sudden big failure "Oh f***!"

Teaching that (1) should not be used no matter the provocation is a good idea. Teaching them how to respond when (sadly, not "if") they are the targets of (1) is also important. Telling them to avoid (2) is pointless - no harm, no foul. My maternal grandfather would utter "Shucks!" with the same intent and meaning as others would use "Sh*t!" in the context of (2).

Remotely related is life lessons in general - learned in painful ways that children can't be and shouldn't be shielded from. I'm reminded of a scene in the movie "I Remember Mama" right after Uncle Chris dies and mama says to Katrin "I like you see him. You need not be frightened. He looks ... happy and at peace. I like you to know what death looks like. Then you are not frightened of it, ever."

 

[N747JB]

I took my sons golfing at an early age, they knew all the more popular curse words by the age of 10!
I don't fault the players or coaches for these types of situations, this isn't a chess match, it's a rough and tumble sport with a lot on the line to win. People say things in the heat of battle they might not normally say in church, but they AREN'T in church!

 

[RJM62]

I took my sons golfing at an early age, they knew all the more popular curse words by the age of 10!
I don't fault the players or coaches for these types of situations, this isn't a chess match, it's a rough and tumble sport with a lot on the line to win. People say things in the heat of battle they might not normally say in church, but they AREN'T in church!

When I was a kid, I heard a priest utter some words one doesn't usually hear in church when he hit a pothole on the Van Wyck Expressway. He was quite colorful about it, as I recall.

Rich

 

[denverpilot]

Yes, I screwed up, I should have started swearing in front of those little pecker heads as soon as they could crawl.....

The Navy method.

 

[Bill]

The Navy method.

So I got to OCS, and of course first thing there's guy in your face yelling and cussing. On the outside, I keep a straight face, on the inside I'm thinking "You're not as big as my Dad, you're not as loud as my Dad, and don't use as many swear words as my Dad........not impressed"

 

[denverpilot]

So I got to OCS, and of course first thing there's guy in your face yelling and cussing. On the outside, I keep a straight face, on the inside I'm thinking "You're not as big as my Dad, you're not as loud as my Dad, and don't use as many swear words as my Dad........not impressed"

Heh. Yup. Never did OCS or the military, but I'd have the same thoughts.

Dad wasn't even that big of a guy, but if you got him to switch off the Navy discipline, and switch to the Navy cursing, you knew you'd crossed a line you didn't want to cross.

 

[MtPJimB]

How is the network even supposed to know that Tom is getting ready to drop an F-Bomb? Tape delay? The announcers could have deflected a little - "I think he's asking if anyone has any fudge, Dan". Tempest in a teapot, if you ask me.

 

[dell30rb]

I also agree with the parents who complained. One had a 6 year old son who clearly understood what was being said, I hope the FCC takes action.

http://www.thesmokinggun.com/documents/Tom-Brady-FCC-complaints-687543

If your six year old can lip read someone saying ****, he already knows the word. You have already failed at sheltering him, so you might as well use it as a teaching experience.

Besides, it's the most useful word in the english language.