‘Stop worrying about offending women’, argues female author

People are now so worried about upsetting women that we could soon see a ban on the use of swear words and lewd language altogether, argues one female columnist.

Zoe Strimpel believes that, following powerful social movements such as #MeToo, the fear of upsetting or offending women is now out of control, stating that people are now too quick to take offence. She also says there is an assumption that women will “feel uncomfortable” at the slightest use of unpleasant language.

The British author, who also describes herself as a ‘dating scholar’, is now calling for people to fight for their right to use rude language and utter swear words arguing, that while it can be unpleasant, it is a “cathartic” way to let off steam.

Writing in The Daily Telegraph, she says: “Women are now encouraged to be eagle-eyed about offensive masculinity and a roaring swearing man does not fit the post-MeToo image of a desirable workplace. But there’s a troubling assumption at play: that almost anything will make women feel uncomfortable.

“I’d like to think we’re made of sterner stuff. In days past, in male-dominated industries, from politics to newspapers to kitchens, the arrival of women did not necessarily signal an end to bumptious and lewd language – it would often continue, with the women expected to join in. In other words, there used to be a kind of egalitarianism to robust swearing.

“We must fight to retain the right to be rude and to swear; in excess it’s unpleasant, but done right, it’s an efficient, cathartic and natural way to let off steam. Don’t agree? Jog on.”

Read more: ‘My future SIL thinks it’s okay to swear in front of me’.

Strimpel goes on to say that these days everyone is “constantly scanning the horizon for offence” and argues that we could be on the path towards a blanket ban on the use of all bad language, out of fear of causing upset, if things continue as they are.

She says: “The sound of louts swearing and leering, playing fast and loose with the f-word and more besides, is one of the least pleasant on Earth. But the sense that we’re growing increasingly unable to tolerate not only swear words but brusque and, yes, slightly rude speech full stop is far more concerning. And boy, have we become thin-skinned.
So what does this mean for swearing – a tradition as hallowed as it can be off-putting? If brusque speech is now deemed offensive, could a ban on expletives be on the way? With everyone constantly scanning the horizon for offence, the signs certainly point that way.”

Read more: Suzanne Somers defends ‘big flirt’ Morgan Freeman against harassment claims.
Strimpel’s words come after Suzanne Somers spoke out in defence of Hollywood star Morgan Freeman on Tuesday, amid sexual harassment claims, claiming that The Shawshank Redemption actor is just a “big flirt”. A total of eight women have come forward to say they experienced harassment or inappropriate behaviour from Morgan, while a further eight said they had witnessed such conduct.

Speaking on American TV Show The Ingraham Angle, Somers said: “But you know, like Morgan Freeman’s a big flirt. I know him really well. He sees you and he’ll like your dress and he’ll like your hair. He’ll like a lot of things.”

What do you think? Are people too easily offended nowadays?