In my forthcoming work (in four volumes) "On The Appropriate Use of Euphemisms in Social Discourse", I intend to marshal the strongest of arguments against the modern habit of calling vulgarity, pornography, etc., "adult content".
"ADULT content"? Seriously? If I were to warn readers about "adult content" on my site, what would I be warning them about? A lively discussion of religion or politics? A criticism of some vain ideology in higher education? A witticism about social norms? A discussion of the appropriate use of euphemism? Surely this is all "adult content".
How ridiculous that we have landed upon "adult content" as a euphemism for "pornographic content" or "vulgar content" or "violent/harmful/scandalous/scatological/obscene content".
As an adult, I raise my voice in objection and declare these things to be juvenile (at best) or diabolical (at worst). Calling base and worthless material "adult content" is a moral tragedy parading about as a harmless euphemism. May I live to see the day this unfortunate phrase ... passes away.
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I will second that! And I would tend towards thinking it diabolical -- insulting, vile. Thanks for holding the banner high!
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