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.
Showing posts with label adult. Show all posts
Showing posts with label adult. Show all posts
Saturday, December 26, 2009
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